FULLERTON

Trying to bring harmony to the Olympic band discord, Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) met Tuesday with Australia’s ambassador to the United States, pitching a proposal that would allow Aussies and Americans to play in the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Olympic Games. Royce proposed to Ambassador Andrew Peacock that the Olympic band be increased in size. In early July, Olympic organizers bounced 1,300 Americans, including 500 Orange County musicians, from the band after public outrage in Australia over the relatively few Aussies invited to perform. The bigger, more inclusive band “would be a win-win situation for Australian students and American students, who have prepared, raised money and practiced to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Royce said.