By Ian Beabout, Online Editor
On Friday, March 18th, it was announced that, as of fall 2016, both the Marching Hilltoppers and Pep Band would be cut from the music department’s curriculum. The announcement subsequently came as an e-mail from director Brian Baldauff, sent to the members of both ensembles.
“This decision was based completely on funding and as a cost saving measure by the University,” said Baldauff in the e-mail. “This is not the fault of any single person or organization, on or off campus.”
In addition to cutting these ensembles, students enrolled will also lose the financial aid that the participation in these groups ensures. Band members and students alike are unhappy with the recent decision.
“I’m outraged,” said Morgan Goddard, sophomore journalism and public relations major, who played mellophone and was a color guard member. “Marching band has always been a part of my life since middle school and to have it just taken away is terrible.”
“I have to apply for a lot of scholarships and do work study on campus to come here,” said Goddard. “This just means more student loans that I will have to take out and find some way to pay off.”
“It’s sad that artistic endeavors are always the first ones to go and I’m really disappointed in the University’s decision,” said Jessica Bethel, junior graphic design major. “After going to St. John’s (Central High School) and seeing the band disappear after my freshmen year, I hate seeing the same thing happen to West Lib.”
“School spirit is diminished and a football game isn’t anywhere near the same without the band,” said Bethel. “I really hope the University can find a way to bring it back, because I’m very disappointed. Now I just wonder what’s getting cut next.”
“With this door closing, other doors for different opportunities could open,” said Baldauff in the e-mail. “I am still hopeful for the continued growth of the music area and am here to work on developing what comes next.”
There are currently no plans to resurrect the athletic bands program in the near future.
Jay Pultz • Mar 26, 2016 at 9:05 pm
An incredibly poor decision. I suspect the Music Dept looked down on band as “not a serious muisical pursuit.” And what’s more, ending funding associated with the band. That is downright dishonest; isn’t there an obligation on the school’s part? Think of a game in which the competition has a band and west Liberty does not. What does that do to school spirit? What alternatives were considered ? Crowdfunding? Administrators , wake up! You are destroying your school…
Robin • Mar 25, 2016 at 12:17 pm
As a parent if a Freshman Music Education Major I feel we have been duped! Marching band is the heart of music for a College as well as Pep Band!! Decisions to attend WLU based on the program and scholarship money started long ago for us! Maybe its time to consider ALL options? Love WLU but disappointed in the cuts!!! I am sure there are other options! Do you rrealize those who may have chosen West Liberty may now spend their money elsewhere?! BRING BACK MARCHING BAND! Love Wind Ensemble!! All music is amazing at WLU and love the faculty!!
Tim Birch • Mar 24, 2016 at 4:27 pm
This is such a shame. WLU is great at producing top notch teachers and especially music teacher. Now with taking away the marching band and pep bands I wonder how they will be able to understand how to teach students how to march, how to do a precision drill, how to produce section leaders, and I could go on and on. Out of every school program I have seen from middle school to high school they all have a band program that is by far the best recruiting tool available to any school. If you have a great band you will be pulling students in from everywhere. I truly feel that WLU is shooting themselves in the foot. They are turning their backs on a huge learning tool for music educators and a big recruiting tool to pull more students into the school.
Breanna Thomas • Apr 2, 2016 at 9:13 am
https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/stop-the-budget-cut-of-west-liberty-universitys-band-program?source=facebook-share-button
Please help get the marching band put back in!! Share this. Sign it. It makes a difference!!