As of April 3rd, 2023 the Pennwest California (formerly California University of Pennsylvania) band program was notified that our budget was being drastically cut by over 50% with the high possibility of not being allocated even that amount. We are being "allocated" $15,000 to split between the costs of the Fall and Spring semesters. This leaves only $7,500 per semester with a chance of not even getting that. During the last Fall semester, our band had spent $17,800, which is two times what we are to be newly allocated for this fall.  

To bring further confusion to this matter, the budget that was voted on, was voted in a private closed meeting that no one had the knoweldge of, where no one could speak up on the matter. On top of this, there are no members of student government who have proper knoweldge of the band program and could adequately advocate on our behalf. 

 Our band prides ourselves on being available for everyone so we do not charge dues or any membership fees, nor do we have alumni who actively contribute donations (we do not encourage it either). It is because of this that we rely upon our allocated funds to function. Last marching season we spent around $3,800 on just clothing and apparel. This includes cleaning for our uniforms, shirts and shorts for the band, and costumes for the color guard. This would cost us over half of our new Fall budget, not even taking into account that next season we have over 110 people who are interested in band currently, which would increase the amount we would have to spend on appearal even more. We also have to pay for food, transportation, equipment, and event appearances which all also have to be taken into consideration for this budget. $7,500 simply is not enough. 

With such little money allocated, we also cannot afford certain yearly traditions like our appearance at the Allentown Collegiate Band Festival (the largest collegiate band festival in the North-East US), and our Mass Band Day, where high schoolers can come and perform at a football game with our band. We also could likely not travel to away games to perform, something that we already hardly get the chance to do. When our University prides itself on being built on tradition and school spirit, it seems counterintuitive to attempt to erase a historic program that is brimming with spirit and excitement. 

So please, sign this petition and share it to show that you stand with the California University band program and our endeavors to create an environment for student musicians to flourish and indulge in their passion to create music and foster realtionships with likeminded people.