Music and arts programs are being cut and/or diminished throughout the country. Countless studies show that the benefits of these classes are vast and last a lifetime. What other academic subject or activity engages the whole brain and, in the case of marching band, the whole body? Something must be done.
I grew up in Orlando, Florida and I was in band in middle school, high school, and college. Sweating outside on weekday afternoons, playing music, learning drill, bus rides to performances across the nation, and garnering friendships that would last a lifetime–this was my reality from the fall of 1980 through the fall of 1988. It was hot. It was grueling. It was the best! It was marching band and I loved every minute of it.
Marching Beyond Halftime is a documentary feature that will show the importance and significance of a solid music education. From discipline to listening to teamwork, this film will showcase what a great music education can do for a child. Just as importantly, it will focus on how the skills and bonds created in their music education will influence the rest of their lives no matter what path they take.
Joining me on this journey are some extraordinarily talented people. Everyone on our team was in band and have all moved on to successful careers in the entertainment, business, and music industries. This is a project of passion for all of us, and there is a lot of love and care that goes into this very important subject.
We have the good fortune of featuring the Lake Brantley High School Patriot Band in this film. Under the direction of Ms. Cindy Berry, the Patriot Band is one of the finest groups in the nation and exemplifies all the ideals of a successful and thriving program. Unlike the marching band stereotypically portrayed in movies or on television, this group’s power, precision, and heart will inspire.
We hope you will join our team and support this film so we can show why music education is so important for students and our society.
The Impact
Our goal is simple: we want to use this film to raise awareness about the far-reaching impact of music education. Far too many people (including those making budgetary decisions) think band is simply about entertaining a crowd during halftime at a football game. They do not know any better. By making a documentary feature that’s informative, relatable, and inspiring, we hope to influence administrators, elected officials, and other policy makers to support arts education.
We plan to share Marching Beyond Halftime with our policy makers—those who control the budgets for arts programs across the country. If we reach our funding goals, we will send every single member of Congress a copy of the film.
Learn more at www.MarchingBeyondHalftime.com — Marching Beyond Halftime is a documentary feature that will show the importance and significance of a solid music education. With your help in producing the film, we will deliver a copy of the film to every single member of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: My name is Sara Flatow and I’m a producer living in Los Angeles. I have spent the last 10+ years creating behind the scenes content for many popular television shows and films. My latest projects includeGrey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and the all-new How to Get Away with Murder.
 I didn’t realize the lasting impact of my band years until later in life. At age 45, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This sent me on an unprecedented journey that took everything I had to get through. The skills I developed in band—Determination, Motivation, Discipline, Resilience, Breathing, Leadership—all proved critical in a much bigger arena. As a survivor, I have gained a new understanding and appreciation for all of those years in band.
Seven surgeries later, I am happy to report that I am back to work on a number of projects. I get to work with some of the most prominent actors, directors, and producers to create behind the scenes content for some of the biggest shows in Hollywood. Please check out some the work I have produced and directed at www.SaraFlatow.com!