New York City Department of Education

A Department of Education ban on school workers wearing campaign pins and other election paraphernalia while on the job has some teachers smarting.

The United Federation of Teachers, which has endorsed Barack Obama, calls the move a violation of its memebers’ First Amendment rights. The Department of Education, whose ban has been upheld in court, contends there’s no place for politics in the classroom.

Public high school musicians from around the five boroughs rehearse long hours with the All-City concert group, whose gigs include an annual show at Lincoln Center.

Even as the program struggles with funding issues, the band plays on.

To hear an audio podcast, click below

[podcast]http://nycitynewsservice.com/audio/2008/band.mp3[/podcast]