Just wondering after reading the thread: Is the 110 toast? Or rather will the future 110 be much different than the traditional?
After the suspension it would appear that the administration is very content to have the band suspension continue conveniently without calling it a suspension. The longer the administration can keep band members apart the quicker dies tradition.
At other campuses the student bodies have thought of band members as the artsy, un-athletic, whimps. While at OU the band had a certain connection to being an in your face model of what it's like to be a college student. Will the swag disappear? Add that Rock n Roll isn't knocking out hit after hit, what will be the band's music that attracted student fans by playing relevant tunes of the day vs "How much is that Doggy in the Winder".
What is the likelihood that when Doctor Suk leaves the band will carry on? Perhaps the administration will want to dampen enthusiasm by hiring a Corps band style director. The administration would probably be very happy with a band less then half the size to minimize the probability of negative member violations of the ALL important student code of conduct.
A few thoughts.
Let me preface this by saying I became a fan of the "110 Marching Men of Ohio"
my first day on campus.
Never saw anything like them in N.J.
Used to watch them practice behind McCracken.
Then they moved to a practice field near the Convo.
I got to hear them during our soccer practices.
Last year's "investigation" shows how the current administration
feels about the 110.
Everything that's come out shows the "allegations" against them were at best exaggerations,to outright fabrications.
I guess things like Third Party Hearsay are O.K,as long as they fit your narrative.
Its obvious,based on posts from people familiar with the situation,that the administration and the consultants they hired were aware of this,but kept the sham going.
Everything O.U. did to try to justify this "witch hunt" was CYA.
I think a big part of this was due to Nellis.
Having no attachment to O.U.,he lacks any understanding or compassion as it relates to the 110.
As I posted,the administration's only interest is to use them for publicity.
Nellis also comes off as someone who doesn't want to make any waves or tough decisions.
So he lets people like Pina and JHJ do whatever they want.
Now Pina left for a "higher" position and JHJ got,what will most likely be
a permanent promotion.
Other MAC schools are doing what they can for their bands.
As I've posted,around here high schools have put their bands back on the field.
O.U. is doing everything they can to keep the 110 from even practicing,even though they want to.
I do think the band will carry on,well after Dr.Suk retires.
They have a strong core of very loyal alumni.
Their former Asst. Director,I forget his name,but I'm sure Bobcatt 110 knows,left to get his PhD.
Always thought he might be inline to be the next Director.