Bad press for the Band-Uh! The disappointing aspect of taking down the whole band-uh is that all bandsmen are penalized due to the actions (real or perceived) of alleged bad actors, with most of the alleged actions taken place off-campus at parties that are not official band-uh function (at least from what I have seen). As Fugawe09 has said - some of what allegedly happened is not tradition, and I am not defending any of that.
Does anyone really believe that changing the name of the band-uh and wearing new uniforms will change any perceived issues? Will a pear become an apple simply because you call it an apple. Add that to a unscientifically designed evaluation survey with a control or contrast group is pretty embarrassing for a University that supposedly prides itself in academics. Alas it seems to be convenient fodder to supply to sycophants (i.e., California Aggie and Sacramento Bee) to reverse engineer a desired outcome. Mark Twain said “never get in a argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel”.
It will be interesting to see what will transpire during the first home game. I suggest that the section normally occupied by the band-uh, be left empty with a sign proclaiming “This space intentionally left blank – RIP Cal Aggie Band-uh”. There will be no “Aggie Fight” after Aggie TDs, no “hot time” at turnovers - no alma mater to sing – no pregame show. When I was in the band, the band-uh was essentially the entire rooting section at away games – what now? The band-uh was famous for being loyal and spreading Aggie Spirit and Pride. The administration has essentially killed that – throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I guess the goal of the administration is to have a generic, high-school-type band dressed in polyester pajamas march corp-style like 90% of the other bands now.