Making Sense of the Band Restrictions

Some of you know that the LSJUMB was put on "indefinite provisional status" almost two months ago. No one outside the Band understands what this means, so let me clear it up for you.

The most important point is that all performances must be approved by the Band Reinstatement Committee. In other words, students don't run Band anymore.

Restriction and implications:

• No traveling. The Band hasn't been invited to any away games for Football or Women's Volleyball.
• No field shows. We can't step on our field or get on the mic.
  
• No alumni. Ranks are thin because alumni (young and old) can't join us in the stands.
  
• No keys to the Music Rehearsal Center. The rehearsal space is accessible only on a strict schedule, and it isn't exclusively the Band's space.
  

The current situation is not a tolerable long-term solution. Traveling, field shows, alumni, and a an actual Shak are what makes the Band what it is. They're the most important incentives to maintain participation. Road trips are a blast, field shows are a sacred performance outlet, alumni are full of character and stories, and the Shak should be a home, not a space.

On the flip side, some autonomy remains: we can pick our songs, our uniforms, and our membership. Other schools, like U$C, don't even have that -- I doubt their band wants to play the same 2 songs 70 times a game. But with membership incentives sacked, the Band is setting itself up for a dismal future. What does the Athletic Department think we are, the Football program?

Do not think for an instant that you won't see the Band rocking the f*** out when we're in the stands. We're united now and performing with all our energy. But if the administration keeps dragging its feet and imposing restrictions, the Band will never be what it once was. If you think the Band is important to Stanford, make your opinions known. And do it now.