The high school's spring concert was held just days after the school board voted to pull a song from the program, claiming it's too controversial. That decision sparked sharp criticism, accusations of censorship and an outpouring of support for the band. 

More than 100 people lined the street near the entrance of the school in support of the high school musicians caught in the middle of a political battle. 

The board stood by its decision to pull the song, saying it violates policy. The supporters stood by the students. 

"We really just want the kids to know that like, we don’t want them to feel caught between all of this, and we want them to be able to appreciate the music the way they’re supposed to," said Leysa Miner, Watertown High School alum. 

Dozens of young musicians already had the spring concert circled on their calendars for months. But their performance Monday night took on added significance in recent days. 

"For it to just be the thing that's become this politically motivated is not something I appreciate," said Tracy Nass, who was out supporting the band Monday night. 

The school board voted to cut the song "A Mother of a Revolution" from the program. They said it violates the district's "controversial issues policy," claiming it commemorates violence at the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. 

Board President Laurie Hoffman defended the decision. "The lesson was intended to persuade students toward emotional alignment with the events of the Stonewall riot," Hoffman said. 

Many band members, their families, and community members strongly disagree. 

"I'm here for the community and the kids, and I'm also here just for showing up and saying no, this is not political," Edith, a supporter at the school Monday night, said. "This is just history. This is just people."

Edith was one of many who showed up early to hold signs, wave flags, and cheer as the student musicians arrived with their families for the concert. 

Watertown alum Leysa Miner made 150 buttons. "This is all I have left at the moment," she said of them. 

The controversy sparked national attention, with composer Omar Thomas speaking out. And a Watertown band alum in New York shared his support from outside the Stonewall Inn. 

As showtime approached, many supporters went inside for the concert. Finally, the lights went down and the curtain went up. 

"You'll also notice throughout our program this evening we're challenging more players to play individually," band director Reid LaDew said. "So you notice a lot of soloists in the last selection and there will be a ton more in the next one."

"A Mother of a Revolution" was not listed in the program. 

Across town, another school board meeting was happening at the same time as the concert. There, dozens of people lined up to criticize the board members who voted to cut the song. It was in stark contrast to the backing for the musicians in the auditorium. 

"I hope they understand that music can heal, and that everybody comes together after this," Nass said. 

There were no issues or counter-protests during the show of support before the concert. 

A group of people have formed a community band that will perform "A Mother of a Revolution" at a Watertown church this Wednesday night. The organizer says people from across southeast Wisconsin have joined, even someone from central Illinois.