Columbia University Marching Band reinstated, not allowed to perform on field

Nearly a month after it was banned from playing at all athletic events, the Columbia University Marching Band was permitted to perform at athletic events again Friday and did so at Columbia’s Homecoming game versus Penn Saturday, per the Columbia Spectator.

The university had prohibited the Columbia University Marching Band (CUMB) from performing at athletic events after it had lost all university funding, not meeting deadlines to become a recognized student group.’

From the Spectator:

According to a statement from the University, the band will be under the supervision of Athletics and subject to a code of conduct. The statement added that Columbia College “will guide the band on traditions outside of athletic contests,” but did not elaborate on what this “guiding” will look like or how this will affect traditions like Orgo Night. In the statement, a quote from University President Lee Bollinger explained that the reinstatement of the band came after two weeks of meetings between band representatives, Dean of Columbia College James Valentini, and Athletic Director Peter Pilling.

“The Columbia University Marching Band has been a University tradition for over 100 years. It is my strong hope that this tradition continues for the next 100 years and beyond,” Bollinger said.

The statement also included quotes from CUMB Head Manager Cameron Danesh, SEAS ’20, and President of the Columbia University Band Alumni Association Samantha Rowan.

“We all understand that it’s important for the band to improve its musicality and maintain its traditional satirical approach while also being respectful in its words and actions,” Rowan said.

The band was not allowed to perform on the field Saturday, however.

“It’s a little frustrating that we’re not completely back yet, but we’re happy to be back,” trumpeter Katelyn McPaul, 19, told the New York Post.