K-State band looking for funding answer
6:48 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"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.
Comments
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Nov. 20, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)PChristie (anonymous)
I am an alumni of the "Pride of Wildcat Marching Band." I was a member from 1970-1973. It was a great experience being a member of the marching band. A lot of time is put in by all of those involved with the marching band and they do it because they are supporting the univesity. I can say that the band plays a large part in the success of several activities at KSU. My daughter who is currently attending K-State, notified me when she heard about the sitution with the funding of the marching band. She said it's only $4 per student and I don't see a problem with that. I hope the SGA will take a long look at what they may be doing by eventually cutting the funding of the band to nothing. Keep marching forward to gain the support of the KSU students. What is the opinion of the K-State students, not just the SGA?
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