Last Thursday and Saturday the athletic department began an experiment. Instead of allowing the band to play during the opponent’s 30 second time outs, they played canned (recorded) music through the public address system. As a member of the band, I am offended and frustrated at this decision.

Prior to the games, the athletic department put sheets of paper that mentioned this experiment and some of the cheers that are used during games on the seats throughout Hinkle Fieldhouse.

On Thursday when I saw the sheet, I was immediately frustrated and asked myself “What is the purpose of our (bands) existence?” Some people in the band mentioned that we (the band) should pack up and go home.

One reason this is a bad idea is it takes away from the college basketball atmosphere. The presence of a band at games is one reason why the college basketball atmosphere is different and better than the professional basketball atmosphere. When I go to college basketball games (other than Butler ones) and watch games on television I expect to hear a band. When I hear canned music it gives me a bad impression of the school especially if they have a band at the game.

Another reason is that the time meant for the band is already being taken away so that other things such as promotions and cheers can be done. I understand the importance of promotions and the cheerleaders wanting to start a cheer. Unlike cheers and promotions, playing canned music crosses the line. The job of playing music belongs to the band.

The NCAA understands the important role that bands fulfill. While we were at Butler’s tournament games in Buffalo and Saint Louis last year, we were never forbidden to play because of canned music. No canned music was played before, during and after these games.

Some speculation on why canned music is being played is to try to get fans into the game and excited that they are at the game. From my observations, I have not noticed any differences. Many people are probably confused why the PA is playing canned music when they are used to hearing the basketball band.

Thinking about this issue and discussing it with my friends, I realized that the majority of students do not have school spirit. This is not true for everyone, of course. There are students who come to every game in body/face paint and cheer very loudly for the Bulldogs.

Saturday’s game against Cleveland State exemplifies why more school spirit is needed. During the second half there was silence when Cleveland State made the game close and the Bulldogs were struggling to score. People should have been louder for the Bulldogs to score and to play defense.

There are several ways that school spirit can be increased. The first is to promote Butler Basketball and more specifically when the games are. During the beginning of the season I saw a sign near Starbucks on game days saying that there is a game tonight and the time. After the first few games I have not seen it. There are students who will need more information than the fact that they are allowed into games for free.

Another idea is to have pep rallies to get people excited for games. These should occur throughout the season. The first pep rally this year is being held on the Monday before spring break to get people excited for the Horizon League tournament games as part of spirit week.

Another great time to hold a pep rally is at 12:01 a.m. on the first day the team is allowed to officially practice. This is referred to as “midnight madness” at some schools. A midnight pep rally can create excitement for the upcoming season and sends a message to fans that basketball season is here. This would also address the overlap between college football and basketball season.

Another important thing that Butler can do is promote the school songs and the words to them. The band plays three school songs at every game: War Song, Varsity and Back to Butler. I have talked to my non-band friends who do not know the words to any of those songs. If I had to pick one that I would like the entire student body to learn it would be the Butler War Song. Perhaps this can be taught to new students during welcome week and pep rallies. In theory, people who know the words will teach other people or people will pick it up from those around them.

During games, promotions should include fans and not just those competing. One thing my hometown Class A minor league baseball team does is have the contests in promotions represent a section or row. If that person wins the contest he or she receives a prize in addition to the section or row he or she is representing. This will encourage fans to cheer for participants in contests while at the same time creating excitement.

The bottom line is that this canned music is not going to increase excitement at games. Basketball games need to be promoted and events need to be held to create excitement.

Let the band play.