Columbia band to resume playing at Athletics events

Columbia band to resume playing at Athletics events

University President Lee C. Bollinger: “The Columbia University Marching Band has been a University tradition for over 100 years.  It is my strong hope that this tradition continues for the next 100 years and beyond.  I am, therefore, very pleased to say that over the past two weeks Dean Jim Valentini, Athletic Director Peter Pilling, and representatives of the band have met, resolved the issues that needed attending to, and found a way forward that preserves the band and that tradition.  The Columbia University Marching Band will again be playing at this Homecoming Weekend.”

Cameron Danesh-Pajou, manager of the Columbia University Marching Band: “The establishment of this new partnership between Columbia Athletics and the Columbia University Marching Band presents an exciting opportunity for all parties in what has been over a century of collaboration. Through upholding the standards integral for a positive game day atmosphere, the Band will once again be able to continue its tradition of supporting Columbia Athletics, the student body, and the Columbia community at large.”

Samantha Rowan, president of the Columbia University Band Alumni Association: “We’re very excited to work with the Marching Band and the Athletics department to get the band performing again. We all understand that it’s important for the band to improve its musicality and maintain its traditional satirical approach while also being respectful in its words and actions. Over the long-term, we’re hopeful that the Marching Band will flourish and continue to support the football team, the men’s and women’s basketball teams and other Columbia sports programs for many years.”

The reorganized band will be under the supervision of Columbia Athletics and subject to a code of conduct, just as is the case for Columbia’s teams and affiliated groups.  Columbia College will guide the band on traditions outside of athletic contests that comply with this new arrangement.

Posted by Peter Sterne in News

Update on the Marching Band

An Update on the Marching Band

The Football Season
First, a huge thank you to everyone who has expressed support for the Marching Band in its continuing conflict with Columbia, which started with significant changes to the traditional Orgo Night performance and now has led to the Band being locked out the football season.

We hope you’ll continue to express your support, in a calm and courteous way. For the moment, there’s nothing new to report, but we’re inching forward. And when there’s news, we’ll let you know promptly.

Meantime, the Marching Band began the season last Saturday by doing its halftime show a few hours early and half a dozen miles to the south: They performed on Low Plaza in the morning, then went to Baker Field to sit in the stands, in uniform but without instruments. The Staten Island Technical High School Band took on the Band’s musical role.

Giving Day
As you may know, Columbia Giving Day is coming up later in October. As we continue our work to support the Band, we hope you’ll consider directing your contributions our way, particularly because about 85% of the Band’s yearly operating budget has been cut.

The Columbia University Band Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3). We currently have a $5,000 matching challenge from a Band alum, which means your gift (up to that limit) will be worth double. If you work for a company that matches donations, that’s another opportunity. If you choose to contribute to CUBAA, please let Columbia know why.

Homecoming
We promised Band alumni free seats to the Homecoming game on October 19; more than 100 of you signed up. We and the Band will be at the stadium as usual, but at this point it looks as though we won’t be able to come through with those comps. More to come on our plans for the day.

Facebook
Facebookers who want to be a part of the conversation on Band-related topics, can join our private Facebook group here.

We are doing what we can. We hope you’ll do the same. Stay tuned.

Posted by Sam in Events
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