Columbia Marching Band Banned From Game For Being Slightly Irreverent

Columbia's marching band was banned (and subsequently un-banned) from performing at Saturday's football game against Brown for pointing out the simple fact that Columbia hasn't won a game all season. After every game, the band plays the school fight song "Roar, Lions, Roar." But after the team gave up 62 points to Cornell last Saturday, the band altered the lyrics, according to Bwog:

Last Saturday at Cornell, football coaches overheard the band performing an alternate version of the fight song that mocked the Columbia team. "We always lose, lose, lose; by a lot and sometimes by a little," the lyrics read. (The team is 0-9, and gave up 62 points in the Cornell game). Coaches alerted the Athletics department, which soon introduced the sanctions. The ban means that the band is prohibited from bringing their uniforms and instruments to the game, and they won't be allowed to perform pre-game or halftime shows. Many are upset since the Brown game is traditionally when CUMB and other Columbia spirit groups celebrate the senior members of the football team and band.

Trouble in paradise! The marching band had to put its tail between its legs and release an apology for having a sense of humor:

The Columbia University Marching Band would like to apologize to the members of our community, in particular to our fellow classmates and coaches, who were offended by the incident that occurred on November 12 at the Columbia vs. Cornell football game. We accept the consequences and look forward to continue to be a part of our school spirit for future athletic events. We are disappointed that we will be unable to perform at Saturday's football game - the last game for seniors both in the band and on the football team. All season, we have been ardent supporters of the football team, rain or shine. The band will be at Saturday's game just as we are every week cheering for our Columbia Lions, win or lose. We look forward to supporting our athletic teams for many years in the future.

In the end, the Columbia sports department decided to allow the marching band to play, though not before teaching them a valuable lesson about poking fun at jocks.

[rgray@villagevoice.com] [@_rosiegray]

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