FooserX

I say you do two things:

1 - Let him continue with band and next time, don't go to the principal....go to the police. Once the kids touch your son, I'm sure there are legal actions to take. The bullies and their parents will think twice once cops come, no?

2 - Don't let other parents get to you. That's normal...you just have to be strong because you're doing the right thing. Parents will always back their kids, even when the kids are rotten. I know it's tough though....you're doing a great job hanging in there. It's hard when you feel like the world is against you....but this is when it's time to shine.

3 - Enroll your son in a self defense class. Not karate...but a serious mixed martial arts class. Get him exercising and working out to build muscle and confidence. The results won't be immediate, but in 6 months to a year, he should be much more confident and I doubt bullies will see him as such an easy target. He will be a physical challenge to them. Think of it as an investment. The pranks and bullying you described sound like ones I witnessed in High School....and they were always to the kids who were weak and dorks. There's no cure...they were always targets because they were easy. It was almost like they accepted their role as victims.