KTKA

"Without that money and without an alternate source, we will be without a very large portion of our budget and we won't be able to function," said Cody Wheeler, K-State band member.

He plays tuba and hopes the band can afford to march on.

The Student Government Association says the band needs to drum up funding elsewhere. The band gets $146,000 from student fees.

Student Body President Lydia Peele says in tough economic times, they are looking even more carefully at where student fees are spent. The S.G.A. sent out a three-page letter that explains why the funding is being cut.

Band director Dr. Frank Tracz says it couldn't have come at a worse time.

"When I began to realize, and start to talk to people about alternate funding and realizing there was nothing there, then it really hit home. It really pits the stomach, like, what am I going to do?" Tracz said.

That majority of the band's budget comes from student fees.

"Even if you never see this marching band, by paying those privilege fees, we're adding something to this university that's vital and important," said Tracz.

Wheeler hopes the funding issue can be sorted out, because the band is too important to silence.

"We represent the whole state of Kansas. It's not that we don't represent every student at K-State, but in some way we help the university's image."

The recommendation will be introduced to the full Student Senate tomorrow. After public comment, it could be voted on as soon as December 4.

We'll keep on it and let you know what happens.