E G L I N   A F B
                    I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M
 
                                        Date:     11-Dec-1990 15:16 CDT
                                        From:     1LT RICO E. VITALE
                                                  VITALE
                                        Dept:     AFATL/FXA
                                        Tel No:   904 882 4085
 
TO:  _MAILER!                             ( _DDN[[log in to unmask]] )
 
 
Subject: Hockey Pep Bands - While on the subject!
 
	RE:  Colgate's decision to cut out away teams tickets.  If true all
I can say is BOOO Colgate.  Get a life!
 
	As a former, four-year member of the Clarkson Pep Band, Ken Snell's
last input has brought back some old feelings.  In NCAA football the band
is considered a vital part of the college game's tradition.  When you go to
a pro game after frequenting college stadiums the first thing you notice is
the lack of a band.  This is even more evident at NHL games.  Though the
level of play is faster, crisper and at a higher level than college, I
enjoy attending college games much more.  The band belongs, the fans belong
and for the simple reason that it's their game.  Let's remember these games
were intended to provide physical competition for STUDENTS!  Not media and
local booster clubs.  While they're appreciated it's the student's
interests that should be paramount.  A few years ago UVM banned bands from
their arena, their excuse was the apposing bands took away the home ice
advantage.  Unfortunately they couldn't ban the opposing teams too as
Clarkson won the next two years in Burlington with the band playing kazoos.
We provided entertainment as did the players and the referees.  And to
reply to a comment about our playing while the puck was live, that's a
crock.  If we so much as uttered a note after play resumed on the ice, a
severe tongue lashing was coming our way from the conductor, band
president, arena director, fans and players and the act wouldn't be
repeated.  If Clarkson's Band has a reputation for performing during the
play, it's a bum rap or an isolated incident.  Finally, the band received
more compliments from fans at Tournaments and Parents weekend who commented
how it made the game more enjoyable.
	Let the Bands Play.
 
1Lt Rico Vitale, Clarkson '88
LET's GO TECH!!