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There are few groups on campus that have historically supported athletics and brought enthusiasm to the games as has the band. About a year ago, I visited the band hall for nostalgia sake. If you have not been there, you should. The hall is stuck underneath the bleachers at the east end of Perkins Natatorium. It is not even half of the size of my daughter's junior high band hall. It is ill configured, needs paint and has not changed since I was there in the late nineteen-seventies. It was in bad shape then.

I remember back then, we had to open the back double doors (it used to be a store room) to get enough air to survive. The acoustics were horrible, there were no practice areas and Dri had to stand on a box just inches in front of the band during rehearsals due to lack of space.

As I have said, nothing has changed... All of the new facilities on campus and the one truly loyal school spirit group is still in the dungeon. This does not even address the limited scholarships available to the band. It’s no wonder the band struggles.

With this kind of support, maybe, we shouldn't wonder why the student body doesn't show up.

That should be addressed...that's terrible

there has to be a band member that has done well enough to help these guys out. i know that was the only way the lacrosse got out of the shadows...don't hold your breath waiting for part of the endowment unless it is specifically donated

Those who are interested in helping the band out should visit http://www.diamondmclub.com

Beanman wrote: The hall is stuck underneath the bleachers at the east end of Perkins Natatorium. It is not even half of the size of my daughter's junior high band hall. It is ill configured, needs paint and has not changed since I was there in the late nineteen-seventies. It was in bad shape then.

I remember back then, we had to open the back double doors (it used to be a store room) to get enough air to survive. The acoustics were horrible, there were no practice areas and Dri had to stand on a box just inches in front of the band during rehearsals due to lack of space.

As I have said, nothing has changed...

I visited the "band hall" in the late 80s. Quite a shocker. (Well, not a "shocker" shocker) Words cannot describe this place... SO, I suggest President Turner take the Board of Trustees (lead the way, Laura!) on a "field trip" (take 20 minutes before the noontime feasting) and let the "leaders" of the university see this first-hand. I don't think photos could even depict the situation. I know there will be a new hall someday... we need it now. In the meantime - I hope someone has documented (virtual tour) the current digs to show to the Mustang Band members who will never see it in person.

Another idea is to misappropriate some of that DISD bond money and channel it into Mustang Band facilities. There will be plenty of that billion-plu$ referendum end up in personal bank accounts - we just need a measly $10 million - they'll never miss it... they seldom do.