Save the Band

It's time for us Rebel fans to stand up and help the band. The band is an important part of game day experience at Ole Miss. The band works as hard as any group on campus to give to the fans and the University.

An action by the University a few years ago severely hurt the band's ability to attract new members and compete with other SEC bands. Ole Miss use to waive out of state tuition for band members. A few years ago the University decided to do away with this policy. As a result, the Band has dropped around 80 members. The benefits of such a program far outweigh the costs. The out of state waiver needs to be brought back.

How can you help?

(1) Donate a few bucks to the band. Even if it is only $5 it helps. Let us know if you choose to help the band. This will encourage others to do so as well. To learn more about giving visit the Band's website.

(2) Sign the Online Petition to save our band.

(3) E-mail, call or write to the Chancellor and the Assistant Chancellors asking them to reconsider and reinstate the out of state tuition wavier. Please e-mail the Hotty Toddy Blog your comments to the Chancellor and or any information you hear back from his office. I will post the information so that everyone can see if we are making any progress. Here is there contact information:

Dr. Robert C. Khayat Chancellor

Lyceum 123

Phone: (662) 915-7111

Fax: (662) 915-5935

chancllr@olemiss.edu

Dr. Andrew Mullins Executive Assistant to the Chancellor

Lyceum 123

Phone: (662) 915-7064

Fax: (662) 915-5935

amullins@olemiss.edu

Sue Keiser Assistant to the Chancellor

Lyceum 123

Phone: (662) 915-1192

Fax: (662) 915-5935

stkeiser@olemiss.edu

Shirley Stuart Secretary to the Chancellor

Lyceum 123

Phone: (662) 915-1100

Fax: (662) 915-5935

cnstuart@olemiss.edu

(4) Write an opinion letter to your local newspaper.

(5) Be persistent.

I am sure many of you care about the Band as I do. Let's get this campaign started. Let's save our Band.

Forward Rebels: The Pride of the South begins practice this week

Football season is just around the corner and soon the sounds of the Pride of the South will be flowing through campus. Parts of the Band reported to Oxford yesterday with the new members reporting tomorrow.

Band Camp at Ole Miss lasts for one week. A typical day's schedule includes practice from 9-11:30 outside, 2:30-4:00 inside and 6:00- 8:30 outside. When classes start on August 20th, the band will practice for 2-3 hours in the afternoon each day. They will learn 3-5 different shows each year.

This year the full band will travel to Memphis and Mississippi State. The pep-band will make trips to Vandy and Auburn. The band will not attend the Georgia game. It has been rumored for years that Georgia does not invite our band because of some of the songs we play. I have never confirmed that rumor. The band also marches in the Oxford Christmas Parade.

The band is a vital part of the game day experience at Ole Miss. They work hard and deserve our respect and money.

Visit the "Friends of Note" website to donate to the band.

E-mail the band with words of support or if you would like more information about the Pride of the South

I have contacted the band with more questions. When I receive responses, I will post them.