LETTER: Band director’s place is at USU

Editor,

I’m writing in response to Roger Griffin’s letter requesting the removal of Utah State University’s director of bands, Thomas Rohrer. As the Flute/Piccolo section leader and four-year member of the marching band, I would like to clarify some inaccuracies presented in Mr. Griffin’s letter.

First, in a marching band our size, composed of so many non-music majors, every player is vitally important, and not every student (the mechanical engineer, for example) has time to memorize 10 minutes of music along with complicated maneuvers – a task I do not find simple even after four years of experience. Marching with sheet music doesn’t make us “sub-par.” Many schools do it.

Running onto the field at the beginning of a show saves time. Time is a precious commodity during halftime – especially when we share the field with other bands, advertisers and cheer squads.

The rumor mill says students are dissatisfied? I don’t like rumors, so here it is first-hand. I love marching band. I am a liberal arts and sciences major and I would not be spending two credits, six hours a week and five weekends of my life if I didn’t enjoy it. I think Rohrer is doing an amazing job. He is the most dedicated, talented, student-oriented teacher I have ever met. My first day on campus, Rohrer knew me by name and personally answered my questions. Those few minutes may have been insignificant to him, but they were very significant to me. It engendered in me a deep respect for him. Please do not make him a scapegoat for larger issues he cannot control.

Our band is not as big as the Cougar or Ute marching bands, but we aren’t fueled by amazing high school programs like Davis High’s.

University enrollment is down by 4,000 this year, which naturally dictates a decrease in the marching band size. Canceling halftime shows will not increase our quality. I hope Aggies are not embarrassed by the marching band like Mr. Griffin is. Support us instead of criticizing us.

Kathryn Fifield