I agree with your band director. Lines shouldn't use traditional grip unless they have someone experienced to teach it. It's one of those things that students are unlikely to get right unless they have someone knowledgeable coaching them, identifying and correcting mistakes before they become bad habits.

Everybody is bringing up very valid points. When looking at the ergonomics of different grips, traditional is outdated. However, tradition is tradition, and all crops, and many college bands play traditional. I teach my line traditional, even though I would prefer to teach them only matched. However, the school is growing and is looking to compete in a setting where everybody plays traditional. Also, my students are looking to play in marching bands in colleges, and many of the colleges in the area play traditional. So, I am stuck in this situation, and just try to make the best of it.

However, learning various types of grips for all kinds of percussion instruments (drums AND timpani, 2 and 4 mallet keyboard percussion, etc.) is the best way to go. The more one learns, the more versatile they will be, and if you are looking to become a competitive or professional musician, the more marketable you will be.

Good luck to everybody in their future conquests (be it with traditional or matched grip).

I agree too. Im just mad that we dont get to play traditional.