I am the feature twirler for my high school. Since we have a turf field I am only allowed to do fire for parades. I have done one parade this year. Everyone loved it. We will soon be performing in another parade on November 5th. However, the assistant band director told me that my fire batons made people sick. I have been doing this for years, and I've never had this happen! I use a charcoal grill lighter fluid, and it doesn't stink or even have a distinct smell. Have any of you ever been told this?? I know there are some parents in my band who think a twirler takes away from the band so it could be one of them not wanting a twirler to get the crowd's attention with fire. Thoughts?? Please share!

I'd let it drop if I were you. Saying something may start unwanted drama no matter the reason you were told you couldn't twirl fire. At least they haven't barred you from twirling, so have fun at the parade even though you can't twirl a fire baton. Go be a pyromaniac at community performances where the band dictator (did I really just say that?) doesn't have jurisdiction!

Thanks for the advice! That's what I plan to do