Drum majors demoted
Whitney Maddox
Issue date: 10/11/08 Section: University News
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The incident took place on Sept. 1 when the Marching Hornets traveled to Atlanta, Ga. to participate in the "Battle of the Bands." Oliver had originally suspended the drum majors for two weeks, however, university administrators stepped into the process and handed down a stiffer punishment of demotion.
According to Oliver, the drum majors failed to wear the entire costume, as instructed, which caused immediate and negative reaction from alumni and the public who viewed some of the photos on the internet.
Oliver explains why the administration chose to make the punishment more severe.
"I understand why the administrators chose to demote them, because this is a serious matter," Oliver said. "But I do think a lot of this came when people began talking more about the matter. We, as a band, were trying to put it to rest, but for some reason, people refused to let it go."
Oliver, an alumnus of ASU, has been teaching for 28 years and has served as the band director for eight of those years.
"I have always done my best to provide leadership and guidance for these students," he said. "The entire band was outraged when they heard of the news of the drum majors being demoted, but I just sat them down and explained why the administrators felt they had to do that. So after I put it into terms they could understand, we just simply prayed about it and put the entire situation in God's hands. And in the meantime, we are going to hold on to the faith that carries us everyday."
Oliver believes that the legacy of the band is essential to its existence.
"We are the ambassadors of this university," Oliver said. "We are highly respected, and we don't want that reputation destroyed."
Interim University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Karyn Scissum-Gunn, PhD, spoke with the 320 band members on Sept. 15 to further discuss the university's reasoning for the demotions.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Eric Loggins
posted 11/02/08 @ 7:39 AM CST
I must say, I was shocked to hear of the news of what happened in ATL this fall. However, I do understand that we do have a new generation in the band and that they were just trying to hype up the crowd. (Continued…)
B-Dog/Miami Fats
posted 11/08/08 @ 2:31 AM CST
As a former Marching Hornet and Alumni, I understand thouroughly how Mr.Oliver and staff feels. As parents an administrators, we do all we can to educate our children an still we get hit from the blind side; sometimes it's not enough. (Continued…)
A PARENT
posted 11/22/08 @ 12:23 AM CST
TO THE MARCHING HORNETS, I LOVE SEEING THEM PERFORM I AM FROM ATLANTA,AND OUR SON ATTENDS THE MARCHING HORNETS,HE'S A FRESHMAN THERE ,WHEN I SEEN THE DRUM MAJORS I GOT THE STUNT BUT OTHERS AROUND ME DIDNT BUT, WE CANT CONTINUE TO BE RIDDLED BY THIS WE MUST MOVE AHEAD, THIS IS STILL A GREAT ORGANIZATION AND ONE REASON WE CHOOSE ASU WAS BECAUSE OF ITS GREAT BAND,REMEMBER HORNETS YOU STILL HAVE FANS OUT THERE WHO LOVE YOU GUYS,AND THIS IS A SMALL MEASURE TO WHAT WE ARE REALLY SUPPOSE TO BE FOCUSED ON IS THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN. (Continued…)
Wilma Shakeshaft
posted 3/05/09 @ 2:03 AM CST
Cheers for writing about this. FYI - here's some more info about watch bones you might like!
Maria Ricard
posted 3/09/09 @ 2:58 AM CST
Great article. I agree totally.
Dawn Redden
posted 3/11/09 @ 1:37 AM CST
Good information. Thanks for the post.
Michelle Alvin
posted 3/12/09 @ 5:39 AM CST
Cheers for writing about this. FYI - here's some more info about watch bones you might like!
Sarah Clough
posted 3/14/09 @ 10:57 AM CST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
A HORNET LOVER
posted 3/30/09 @ 12:27 PM CST
I have always loved and enjoyed the Mighty Marching hornets band....... I love the university too !!!!!
GO HORNETS
See y'all in Fall 2010
Mandy Schoenherr
posted 5/23/09 @ 12:10 AM CST
Good and interesting article, thanks!
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