RANKIN COUNTY, Miss.–Having “How Great Thou Art” in their repertoire may have been the reason Brandon High School’s band could not perform at the half time show Friday night, but a federal judge’s threat of a $10,000 fine for each instance of a religious display could have made it quite expensive.
The district was already fined $7,500 after Judge Carlton Reeves determined they violated his order the last time.
In response to the band not performing the song, hundreds of spectators joined in a chorus of the song during the game.
That likely would not bring a fine because it was not led by the school or the band.
The judge’s order covers all school-related functions, including football games.