N.C. A&T band shut out of halftime show
I am a loyal fan of N.C. A&T State University's football team, but I was dismayed Sept. 24 when I attended a game between A&T and Elon University.
Despite its stellar reputation, A&T's band was not permitted to play for the halftime show; the same thing inexplicably happened in 2003. I attend many college games, and it is customary for the guest band to be invited to perform first, followed by the home team's band. There was more than adequate time for both bands to play, so I was at a loss as to why I, and hundreds of other observers, not to mention the students, were needlessly inconvenienced.
Why did A&T's band have to play post-game? Most of the fans, especially those who have to travel some distance to return home, would prefer leaving immediately after the game. Why must we delay our departure in order to enjoy A&T's band performance? What is the rationale behind this procedure?
I have sent a letter to the president of Elon University to try to obtain a logical explanation for one band performing at halftime and the traveling band having to wait until after the game to perform. It strikes me as very odd and improper that such a procedure has been implemented on more than one occasion.
Nora Jones
Greensboro
Comments (14)
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Sounds like Elon was intimidated at having to follow talent that would have made them look like a High School band.
Posted on October 6, 2005 6:30 AM
After attending many a college football game, my observation is that the home team performs at half-time only. The visitor's team has a travelling band that sits in the stands and plays their fight song and inspirational songs for the team. The only time I see this change is during a bowl game when half-time is extended so both teams' bands can perform.
Posted on October 6, 2005 7:25 AM
My first question would be is this customary for Elon or do they just do this when A&T comes to town?
Regardless, it is their stadium and they can do what they want. A&T certainly reserves the right to do the same thing on their home field.
Personally, I feel that school bands should not be allowed to play during the game but only play during half-time. They are a distraction to the reason I go to a football game in the first place: the football game.
Posted on October 6, 2005 10:30 AM
I think that the decisioning behind Elon U to not include NC A&T in it's 1/2 time performance was a time factor. Speaking as a loyal member of NC A&T's Alumni band and past experience, HBCU's have extended time set aside for the 1/2 time performances because as we know it's more than just a "performance." Maybe Elon will only allow each band maybe 6 min to perform were as HBCU's offer 10 min per band to display their skills and talents. I honestly don't believe it had anything to do with them being embarrassed on their home turf.
Posted on October 6, 2005 12:47 PM
what's an HBCU?
Posted on October 6, 2005 1:18 PM
"...and it is customary for the guest band to be invited to perform first"
Since clearly there are no provisions requiring time be given to BOTH bands to play at halftime, the keyword is "INVITE." It's Elon's stadium, and A&T was the guest. While A&T has an outstanding band with talented members, apparently everything doesn't revolve around A&T in the Town of Elon like it does here in Greensboro.
Posted on October 6, 2005 1:48 PM
Why would you find it odd or improper that only the home team band (Elon) played at halftime if this has been the procedure on more than one occassion.
It sorta blows your agenda that the A&T bad was discriminated against now doesn't it.
Did you happen to think about this before you wrote the president of Elon? Evidently not, or you wouldn't have written this letter either.
Some folks, always trying to stir up something.
Posted on October 6, 2005 4:38 PM
Mrproduce
I think it is reasonable for others to state a dissatisfaction without stirring up trouble. I have watched your comments and they seem to be more troublesome than many you disagree with.
Posted on October 6, 2005 5:02 PM
truth:
"HBCU" = Historically Black College/University
bunny:
"While A&T has an outstanding band with talented members, apparently everything doesn't revolve around A&T in the Town of Elon like it does here in Greensboro."
Greensboro revolves around A&T with good reason!!!
Go Aggies!
http://www.news-record.com/indepth/mtb/slideshow/slideshow.html
Posted on October 6, 2005 5:11 PM
Chosen Fast:
I acknowledged that the A&T band is excellent, didn't I? My point is, if a visitor comes to our city, they will leave with the impression that there is only one university/college in this city (i.e. A&T). Take note sometime. The N&R and Channel 2 heavily cover A&T activities. We DO have other colleges/universities here, you know.
Posted on October 6, 2005 7:58 PM
Mackey and you are welcome to you opinion for opinions are a lot like noses, they have holes in them.
A letter to a president of a collegeI( and the paper) over something as petty as "their band" not performing at half time when they freely admit that it has happened often to other bands in the past at Elon does not sound like smoothing the waters.
I attended a good number of football games at Elon when my daughter was a student there and if memory holds correct, the Elon band was the only performer during those years.
Your opinion may differ, but as I said you are welcome to it. I just happen to see things as this as whine or stiring up the pot. You see it your way, I see it mine. That's what makes the world go round. Perhaps next time I will attempt to be a bit more politically correct so as not to offend you.
Posted on October 6, 2005 9:08 PM
Thanks Chosen Fast. I had no idea what that meant.
I guess I attended a HFCU (Historically Female College/University) when I attended UNCG many years ago.
Posted on October 7, 2005 11:08 AM
Excuse me for asking, but are you THE Norah Jones?
Posted on October 7, 2005 11:58 AM
Oops, never mind. You don't have an h at the end of Nora.
Posted on October 7, 2005 11:58 AM