In the past KT SHS band students had to pay more than JPY40,000 (=USD3700) per student out of their own pocket to be able to go to PASADENA ROSE PARADE. Yes they received free home lodging by some Amercan families and the Green Band association did help some poor members who really couldn't afford. BUT how can Americans SHAMEFULLY expect KT students to pay in order to entertain Americans and the worldwide fans? Even the Rose Parade competition prize they won in 2018 was only US2500 for the whole group of about 200 members. Perhaps someone should sponsor the students so that they can get to ROSE PARADE free of charge. (I believe in their trip to Taiwan, the students had to incur ZERO out of pocket expenses).
The Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School was originally a Girls Only school for many years, Most lads go into sports unless music is powerful within them.
This Seika school is a GIRLS ONLY HIGH SCHOOL so their band cannot have boys. (There is a Seika Boys ONLY HIGH School in another city.) Kyoto Tachibana SHS was a Girls High School for 98 years before becoming co-ed in 2000. Kyoto Tachibana SHS band had existed as an all Girls band for 39 years before the school had boy students. Some boys then join the band and of course the girls welcomed them as boys could help perform with heavier musical instruments like the Suosaphones and Bass Drums.