Parents of Nixa High School band members have been busy retrofitting students’ show uniforms after the new design — featuring a zodiac wheel — raised questions.
The show uniform tops were unveiled Aug. 17 and featured the 12 signs of the zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
“It was brought to my attention that some had issues with the constellation references that were part of the zodiac,” said Craig Finger, director of bands, in an Aug. 19 email to parents obtained by the News-Leader.
“I have to admit I know zero about the zodiac aside from reading a horoscope every once in a while when it crossed my path. So when myself and the rest of the designers were reviewing art to use for the show, the constellations we used were innocently viewed as just that — constellations and nothing more.”
Each year, the Nixa High School band picks a theme. This year, the theme involves stars, constellations and planets.
Zac Rantz, chief communication officer for Nixa Public Schools, said after concerns about the use of the zodiac were raised by parents, the district and band program decided to cover the zodiac wheel on the show uniforms.