The band performed a visual interpretation of the hit single from Bon Jovi's 1986 album "Slippery When Wet" wearing red and black T-shirts themed after the album during the halftime show, a decision that caused confusion among members of the board who were unaware the performance would be taking place.

A standing room only crowd was on hand to show support for the band members and also presented the board with a list of approximately 180 signatures from parents and members of the community stating they did not believe the band's performance was offensive or disrespectful. They also requested the band be allowed to wear the shirts for the two away games and one home game as they had planned.

Scott Magnetti noted this was the first meeting of the board since the issue came about and questioned, as did Board President Jonathan Ponist, who had told Band Director John Feigh the students were not allowed to wear the shirts.

Mr. Feigh said he had received a written directive informing him the band was not to wear the shirts, which he passed around to the board members present at the meeting. Neither the board nor Mr. Feigh stated who had issued the directive.

Mr. Ponist said his concern was that the board had no knowledge of the performance and that he was unable to answer questions from parents during the game because of that lack of awareness. He said he did not wish to micromanage Mr. Feigh, but he did ask for a synopsis of the procedure used to select this particular theme.

Mr. Feigh said the idea for the themed performance came about in the summer, as a means of more visually interpreting the music the band would be performing. He said his students at one point had the opportunity to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and that one of the exhibits students saw on that trip was of Bon Jovi, which ultimately provided their inspiration for choosing the theme.

Mr. Feigh also stated one of the jobs of a teacher is to nurture the creativity of the students, and that was also a factor in the decision to move forward with the performance.

He also noted this was the first time the entire band took to the field in attire other than the band uniform, although the band front, consisting of the majorettes, silks and rifles, have appeared in themed apparel in previous years.

It was also noted the red and black shirts were only worn for the halftime performance and that the band performed during the pregame show in full uniform.

Board member Carol Gossar raised several concerns about the choice to perform in the T-shirts. She said she initially thought it was the band of the visiting district performing in the red and black shirts.

Some audience members said there was something wrong if the board members were not able to identify their own band members simply because they were wearing T-shirts instead of their uniforms.

Ms. Gossar also raised concerns about the "Dead or Alive" lettering on the shirts, stating there are certain articles that can't be worn in the school and also that it did not conform to the black and white school colors.

"We have to stick to black and white," she stated, prompting the crowd to cry out "why" in unison.

When asked what she thought of the performance, Ms. Gossar said the band was excellent. She maintained, however, the band should have been in full uniform.

Some audience members remained at the meeting well after 11 p.m. waiting for the board's verdict on the continued use of the shirts.

After conducting its remaining business, the board voted 6-1 in favor of approving the band's request to wear the shirts for the halftime shows at the Glendale and Bellwood Antis away games as well as one more  home  game.

Ms. Gossar cast the dissenting vote.