Independence High halts its marching band for the rest of the school year; no reason given

Independence High School in San Jose has halted its marching band, the 76th Cavalry, for the rest of the school year, according to a letter from the school's principal reported by NBC Bay Area on Oct. 26.  The school has not publicly said why.

Independence is part of the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD), which runs public high schools in East San Jose and served about 20,000 students at 16 schools in 2024-25, federal data show.  Amy Hanna is the principal, the school's website says.

The letter called the halt a "difficult decision," NBC reported.  It said the school would use the time "to reflect, learn as an educational community" and build the "structures, leadership, and supports" for a lasting program.

The letter did not explain the decision, the band's booster club told NBC.  The principal's weekly newsletters are posted on ParentSquare, which requires a login, and the Daily News found no public statement on the school's or district's websites as of Friday.

Dennis Morrow, a parent in the booster club, said families were upset.  "More importantly, the kids have been very upset," he told NBC.  He said the boosters had offered money and accredited teachers to keep the season going but had not heard back from the principal.

The band's 2026 show, "Gilded," marks the school's 50th anniversary, according to its USBands profile, which lists a Nov. 7 event and the Western Band Association Regional Championships on Nov. 14.  At the school's own Oct. 17 tournament, the band placed second in Class 1A, WBA results show.

Source:  USBands, Independence 76th Cavalry 2026; WBA results, Oct. 17; Independence High administration; Principal's newsletter archive; NCES, ESUHSD; NBC Bay Area, Oct. 26.