Stanford Band Disciplined for Hitting Some Low Notes

The Stanford marching band has been barred from taking the field in the Cardinal’s next two football games following shows that included some members dropping their pants.

University President Donald Kennedy Thursday backed Athletic Director Andy Geiger’s decision to discipline the band, although Kennedy said, “I like the Stanford Band and a lot of the good things it does for people.”

Geiger took the action against the band Wednesday, saying, “Repeated warnings don’t do any good.

“There is no control of the band as a group or as individuals. A lot of things happen because a group of individuals believes it would be cute and fun to play a trick.”

He said several band members dropped their pants, and six others urinated on the field after the Stanford-Washington game Oct. 11, and the next week, the band gave a “lewd” performance that included the formation of male genitalia.

Band members won’t be allowed on the field for Saturday’s game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl or for the Big Game against California Nov. 22 at Berkeley.

“If they want to buy their own tickets, sit in the stands and play, that’s fine,” he said.

Band manager Jeff Stevens said that “although the band is surprised by the magnitude of this decision, it feels the action taken is justified. The band hopes it can work with the athletic department toward a mutually agreeable solution, while maintaining its unique style and enthusiasm.”

Band Director Arthur Barnes, a music professor, said that some of the offending routines were not “sanctioned band action” but “independent gestures of a couple of individuals.”