Quote from: VULB#62 on September 29, 2023, 10:33:09 AM
It is a bit ironic (?) incongruous (?) that a university associated with the Lutheran church and its historic traditions, a denomination that places a high value on music as a component of worship, has allowed music as a component of education to wither on the vine. I would have thought that a robust music program would be another attractive element in student recruitment, let alone adding to the variety of campus life.
As an alumni of Valpo's music department, I can assure you that there is a robust music department at the university, including an exceptional degree track in Church Music. What there is not, is an active and robust connection between that department and the athletic department. Whether the fault for this lies with the Music Department or the Athletic Department, I have heard different stories over the years and don't know what's true.
In the reality of this day and age, if there is a desire to fund a decent student pep band, it will likely only be accomplished through offering it as a credited course (which I imagine would require Music Department involvement and oversight) or through paying the student musicians.