Big Ten Band Update

As a change of pace from weighty news about the election and the economy, here's a little piece about the University of Wisconsin's marching band. They have been suspended indefinitely for hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual misconduct. Their behavior, while certainly only a small percentage of the entire band, puts a bad mark on college bands not only in the Big Ten conference, but marching bands across the country.

I feel sorry for the members who had nothing to do with the misconduct, but also for the entire student section watching the games; it might just be me, but there seems to be more energy to the game when the band is present and leading cheers than when, towards the end of the first half, they have to leave to prepare for the half-time show. Now imagine an entire game that lacked that sort of energy...

I'm proud to say that the band I'm a part of frowns heavily upon any sort of hazing or misconduct. The standards are so high that no one would dream of behaving that way; doing so would mean disappointing not only the directors but also your peers. The director emphasizes the fact that we are a family, and we need to take care of each other. Examples - whenever the tuba section goes out together, they take the time to pick a designated driver who will not only drive everyone home, but also make sure that no one does anything stupid. And even through the strenuous practices you go through as a freshman, you can be sure that your section leaders and the drum majors are keeping an eye on you and won't push you past your limits. We can't swear in uniform or even wear our band jackets to any social event involving alcohol. People follow these rules religiously because they understand what would happen if our standards were any lower.

As a member of the band, you have to represent your school in the most positive way, but it's unfortunate that Wisconsin's band doesn't see their position in the same light. Hopefully, they'll get past this unfortunate stage in their history and live up to the high standards that bands need to hold for themselves in order to be respected.