That's always the case, but the point stands as above: URI is disgraceful in their support for the fine arts program. The fact that there hasn't even been a bond amendment to raze/renovate the first building many visitors see coming into campus is awful.ATPTourFan wrote:Well, you'd think there would be more participation when the team would be going to A10 tournament and NCAA tournament as well. Don't we ship the band and spirit squads out to those events? That sounds super fun for a band member to go to those tournaments.
At the very least, as it pertains to basketball, if you were to give a 3 credit course or more to pep band students, pay them, incentivize them SOMEHOW to go to the games, it will never get any better.
Any complaints in this arena should start at the head of the music department, Mark Conley, but honestly go up to Dr. Dooley and the Board of Governors.
It's sad because both football and basketball provide windows for tens of thousands of people to view the university that wouldn't normally be there each year. Anything that isn't done well at any event; be it the game it self, the production, the music, the fans, etc - is a missed opportunity for state and it's university.
Any issue with the band in regards to their support of basketball and football or performance is the direct result of the school and state neglecting the programs for so long. It's honestly pathetic.
