Dear President Bodnar and Athletic Director Haslam,

I write this letter out of concern about what I recently heard regarding steep changes affecting the Grizzly marching band. As a 3 year alum of the GMB myself, I was shocked to hear that both UM and MSU canceled the 100+ year tradition of meeting together during the Brawl of the Wild over the expansion of season ticket holders for increased profit. Furthermore, it was incredibly disappointing to find out that the GMB was not allowed to play while the Griz football team was on defense nor could they play the fight song after touchdowns. On the latter decision, it is my understanding this was done because canned music would “pump” up the audience more and was preferable to that of live marching band music. 

Gentlemen, I have to implore you to please reverse this decision. At its core, the University of Montana is a Liberal Arts College. So much so, it is the reason why I and many others studied there, including participating as a member of the GMB. At what cost can we deny the students the experience of a time-honored tradition by traveling to their rival’s school to perform, or to be an integral part of the live-music experience in the stadium. Additionally, as an alumnus, I question the decision-making that usurps the “Up with Montana” fight song instead with “Cotton Eyed Joe” or other musical selections. Certainly the latter is not consistent with the DNA of the University and is not a specific brand to the character of the Grizzlies either. If the argument against this is because of lack of volume, perhaps modernizing the stadium and implementing what really isn’t new advances in sound amplification can be achieved. 

I, along with countless Alumni, share my disdain with these decisions, and hope that you will take this letter into great care and consideration. My experience in the GMB and as a fan in the stadium molded me as a person, and cemented my love of tradition, camaraderie, and collaboration. I also highlight one of the first things I learned at Freshman orientation - and a phrase I think about even now in my life and career: Lux et Veritas. I encourage you to remember the core tenets of what light and truth are and how that relates to being a Grizzly. It may not specifically just be at sporting events, but rather at any level of the University experience that shapes and defines us. I think you will find that it was not only impactful then, but resoundedly relevant even now, as we are always and forever Grizzlies.

Yours sincerely,
Ashley Barber 

BA Film Studies 2012

Certificate of Entertainment Management 2012

Grizzly Marching Band Alumnus 2006-2009

Los Angeles Brawl of the Wild UM Alumni Coordinator 2013-Present

Project Manager, Custom Animation Illumination Entertainment