Band Petition, 1/5
Title
Band Petition, 1/5
Description
1921: Petition supported by the student body for the formation of a concert band separate from the military department because of complaints with department requirements and band organization.
Source
University of Nebraska, University Archives and Special Collections, Acc#949, 24/12/07/04 B2
Text
PETITION FOR THE FORMATION OF A UNIVERSITY CONCERT BAND
Chancellor Avery,
Dear Sir:
We, the undersigned, wish to establish an advanced University Concert Band at the University of Nebraska upon the following plans and recommendations with your approbation:
I. The new band to be independent of the Military Department or R.O.T.C.
Due to the Army Reorganization Bill recently passed by Congress, Upperclassmen registering for the Cadet Band are not to be issued uniforms and other equipment. This bill calls for an appropriation of $30.00 for each cadet for two years time only. No provision is made for upperclassmen. Either the upperclassmen must pay for their own uniform, the University pay for it, or the upperclassmen must register again as Freshman in the band. None of these methods, it is easily seen, are satisfactory. Upperclassmen will not register again as freshmen, nor will they buy their own military uniform. The only reason why upperclassmen, who have completed their drill requirements, are now registered under the R.O.T.C. department, is because they wish to add their very much needed talent to Nebraska’s only band.
Nebraska should have an advanced band to take care of these upperclassmen and also for eligible underclassmen Such a band should be independent of the Military Department and placed on the same status as the University Orchestra. This is desirable for several reasons other than that mentioned above. In the first place, there has been considerable friction between the upperclassmen of the band and the Military Department over matters of drill and military supervision. A band should be the last organization to be affected by friction and hard feeling towards its supervisors. In the second place, the present band is too large for the best musical development of its members. Musicians coming in as freshman are required, regardless of ability, to take the low positions in their section for two to three years before advancing into the solo chairs. This is due to the presence of the upperclassmen in these solo positions. Freshmen thus become discouraged and drop out after their drill requirements are made. .
The formation of a new concert band for advanced students is highly desirable then, because of the need for an outlet for the upperclassmen so as to provide advancement for the underclassmen, and because the new Army Reorganization Bill makes it practically impossible for upperclassmen to be in the present Cadet Band.
Chancellor Avery,
Dear Sir:
We, the undersigned, wish to establish an advanced University Concert Band at the University of Nebraska upon the following plans and recommendations with your approbation:
I. The new band to be independent of the Military Department or R.O.T.C.
Due to the Army Reorganization Bill recently passed by Congress, Upperclassmen registering for the Cadet Band are not to be issued uniforms and other equipment. This bill calls for an appropriation of $30.00 for each cadet for two years time only. No provision is made for upperclassmen. Either the upperclassmen must pay for their own uniform, the University pay for it, or the upperclassmen must register again as Freshman in the band. None of these methods, it is easily seen, are satisfactory. Upperclassmen will not register again as freshmen, nor will they buy their own military uniform. The only reason why upperclassmen, who have completed their drill requirements, are now registered under the R.O.T.C. department, is because they wish to add their very much needed talent to Nebraska’s only band.
Nebraska should have an advanced band to take care of these upperclassmen and also for eligible underclassmen Such a band should be independent of the Military Department and placed on the same status as the University Orchestra. This is desirable for several reasons other than that mentioned above. In the first place, there has been considerable friction between the upperclassmen of the band and the Military Department over matters of drill and military supervision. A band should be the last organization to be affected by friction and hard feeling towards its supervisors. In the second place, the present band is too large for the best musical development of its members. Musicians coming in as freshman are required, regardless of ability, to take the low positions in their section for two to three years before advancing into the solo chairs. This is due to the presence of the upperclassmen in these solo positions. Freshmen thus become discouraged and drop out after their drill requirements are made. .
The formation of a new concert band for advanced students is highly desirable then, because of the need for an outlet for the upperclassmen so as to provide advancement for the underclassmen, and because the new Army Reorganization Bill makes it practically impossible for upperclassmen to be in the present Cadet Band.
