Yates band protesting uniforms

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The halftime show in the rivalry between Yates and Wheatley high schools in Houston went on Saturday, but a few less "players" were on the field for the Yates Marching Motion marching band.

Eight band members boycotted the performance because of what they didn't have to wear -- their traditional crimson and gold band uniforms.

A band parent showed us one uniform, tattered and torn in places, and estimated to be 9 years old or more.

Zandra Monroe called the uniforms a disgrace, saying it was a problem the band expected to be corrected by this year. It was not.

An HISD statement says the school spent $30,000 on new instruments and refurbishing old ones, stating that at present, there are no funds for new uniforms.

The statement went on to say that "safety and well being of our students is the district's number one priority." On that note, it said it was providing alternate uniforms for band members at tonight's game.

Even as the 8 players, who dressed in black t-shirts and pants as part of their protest, stood outside Del Mar Stadium, school buses carrying the drill team, and remaining band members arrived.

Out stepped the remaining Marching Motion members, wearing crimson track suits, trimmed in gold fabric, with the school logo on the front, and a large "Y" on the back.

Protesters, led by community activist Derrick Mohammad, had no criticism against those who participated.

After the game began, Houston City Councilman Jack Christie arrived, with check in hand. He personally donated a thousand dollars for the uniform fund.

"The kids need uniforms," he said. "The legislature needs to restore school funding."