The athletic bands, and especially the Pride of Oklahoma marching band, are the most visible music organizations for the university. Performing ensembles within the entire School of Music rely upon the athletic bands for recruiting outstanding musicians to maintain the quality of their groups. In addition, School of Music undergraduate degree programs, such as music education and applied performance, are also dependent upon the reputation of the athletic bands to recruit motivated students. If poor teaching and leadership are allowed to continue, the Pride's public performances will soon be an embarrassment to the university. Eventually, the band department will be unable to recruit the highest caliber musicians, which would have an adverse affect on the entire School of Music.
The most highly recruited students are afforded an opportunity to attend the University of Oklahoma by means of a scholarship. Students that perform in School of Music ensembles, including the orchestra and drama productions, are receiving scholarships from the band department. Contributions to the university scholarship programs, as well as the School of Music and Alumni Band Association, will diminish as the athletic bands become a disgrace for the university.
By signing the petition below, I am indicating that I agree with the statements above and I support an immediate change in leadership of The Pride of Oklahoma.
