University of Virginia Library

The Right 'Urge'

I would like to take this
opportunity to clarify a few points
concerning the Student Council's
proposal, "...urging that the University
Band...abandon the practice
of playing 'Dixie'...."

The Council is not addressing
the right people. The University of
Virginia Band and the University
Pep Band are separate entities.
Although they have similar membership
and facilities, they operate
independently and have little or no
influence on one another. The
University Band is a formally
recognized and fully accredited
course in the music department at
the University receiving funds from
the state, the music department,
and the Student Council. The
University Pep Band is not formally
recognized, receives no credit or
funds, and operates, whenever possible,
to serve the athletic department.
The University Pep Band
plays 'Dixie.' The University Band
does not. If the Council wishes to
urge something, it behooves them
to make sure they are urging the
right organization.

During the football season last
Fall, the University Pep Band,
following a suggestion by Mr. Paul
Saunier, discussed at length the
question of playing "Dixie" at
future athletic events. At that time
the members voted to continue
playing "Dixie" until it was significantly
demonstrated to them that
the majority of the students would
rather not hear it. It is still in our
repertory.

This year's Pep Band has been
disbanded as there is no more need
for it this semester. It will be
reorganized at the beginning of
next Fall's semester. That organization
will again discuss the relative
merits of "Dixie" if it seems
necessary to do so. I cannot speak
for that organization, but I have
little reason to feel that that policy
will change. If the Council wishes
to formally present its "urge" to
the people it concerns most, I
suggest they talk to next year's
University Pep Band.