TSU Band Underfunded

Underfunded, Underperforming
Cuts are Causing TSU Music Department to Suffer

Texas Southern University’s music department and band battles to compete with the rest of the new renovations and funds spread throughout the campus.

“We work and study just as hard as any other department on campus," said Darryl M. Singleton assistant band director. "But we are always over looked.”

The Rollins Stewart music center was built in 1971 and at one point the building was a focal point of the campus, but now lacks in appearance and space.

With 220 band members, more room is needed to practice and properly store instruments and updated office space for faculty.

The building is located on the far west end of the campus and doesn’t have adequate outdoor lighting, causing security issues within the building.

“It’s easy for people off the streets to sneak in while we practice after dark," said Young, jazz band professor and TSU alumni. "People can walk right in and hide out and we would never know, this has happened before."

The music center has been broken into several times, each time instruments have been taken.

“We were able to get our doors replaced," said Singleton. "But they still do not work right, we have doors with no handles."

With a statewide budget cut from Texas Governor Rick Perry, the band is slowly losing its beat.

“The last time we had a full set of new instruments was way back in 1993," said Singleton. "We are long overdue for new equipment.”

The lack of financial support in the department leaves students with aged and battered instruments, the incapacity to restore or tune up instruments. TSU only has one set of instruments rigged together with tape and wire.
“We are a vessel and have to make do with what we have to get the job done,” said an anonymous band student.
In the fall of 2007 to the fall of 2008 the athletic department received a substantial increase of funds. A mandatory athletics fee was placed on class registration. For each student taking 15 hours or more, a mandatory athletic fee of $150 is placed on registration.
These funds are intended to support all athletic programs, including the band, but most of the funds support other athletic programs.
“The football program should help the band out. The band supports the football team and provides entertainment during halftime," said Chris Walters TSU freshman. "What is college football with no band?”
However, the university’s president, the provost, and board of regents are aware of the current issues with the music department and have begun addressing the issues.
“We recently received brand new uniforms, and we are grateful for that, ”Singleton said, ”it’s very important that we have new instruments to go along with that, it’s very important in competition”.
The student government association stepped in and formed the Battle of the Bands, an annual event to benefit the bands of TSU and Prairie View A & M.
“Every year I look forward to Battle of the Bands,” said Deshara Goss, TSU junior. ”This is what college life is about.”
Texas Southern University alumni and students are vital to the success and growth on campus. Tickets are purchased by students, family and alumni.
“As a proud graduate of TSU, Battle of the Bands allows the alumni to get together and reminisce," said Erica James TSU alumni. "It’s great to see young students showcase their talents.”
“Until we can get issues like this rectified, continue to bring issues such as this to the student government meetings,” said Kedarious Colbert, TSU’s SGA President. “In the meantime continue to support the band, and buy your tickets for the Battle of the Bands, from the bookstore.”
By supporting the bands activities you will be directly supporting Texas Southern University’s music department.