The band deserves congratulation and commendation, not censure, for the way it handled itself in response to verbal and physical harassment at the hands of The Citadel cadets the weekend of Sept. 20. It is important to remember three key things.

First, everything the band did was with the prior approval of The Citadel administration, and in more than one case, the administration had to send guards to protect the physical safety of band members.

Second, while individual members may not have responded to the duress in the most ideal fashion, they were put in a situation that they never should have been in in the first place. The band showed admirable restraint and discipline throughout the whole situation, more so than the cadets. The Citadel would be lucky to have representatives as good of their school as the band is of Princeton.

Finally, it is important to take a step back and remember that the band is one of the staunchest, most enthusiastic, and most loyal supporters of Princeton football. An immense amount of time, effort, and money went into this trip so that the Band could support our football team. This wasn’t the first time the Band has dealt with adversity, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Yet, week in and week out, through good times and bad, they are always cheering on the Orange and the Black. The band deserves respect for such hard work and mostly thankless dedication.
 

Joel Thompson ’08
Former treasurer, Princeton University Band
Norwalk, Conn.