SEDALIA, Mo. -- The Smith-Cotton High School marching band is in the national spotlight but not because of the tunes it plays on the football field.

The band has drawn attention because of a T-shirt design that has angered some parents.

Band members KCTV5's Matt Stewart talked to on Monday wondered what all the fuss was about.

"I didn't think it would be that big of a deal," said senior Nick Decker. "It's just a shirt."

"It's just ridiculous people, it's just a shirt," said freshman Tim Decker.

Each year band members get new T-shirts designed by the band teacher and paid for by the boosters. This year's shirt has caused more controversy than they ever could have imagined.

This year's theme is Brass Evolutions and it shows the evolution of man from monkey to homo sapien. Along with it is the evolution of brass instruments.

"It wasn't to put Darwinism over creationism, it was just a theme," said junior Susan Bell.

Bell, who is in the color guard, is upset that a couple of angry parents made them give up their shirts. Sedalia school district officials declined to comment on camera but explained how several parents were upset with the evolution theme because of their religious beliefs.

To remedy the situation, school officials bought the shirts for $700 and banned them from use by the band.

School officials hope the controversy will die down soon. They have received dozens of e-mails from around the nation from people in support of both sides of the debate.

School officials are upset and frustrated about how divisive the issue has become. The band director is currently designing a new T-shirt. Once approved, it will be made and band members will have a new look.