Throughout the Fall of 2021, the Cavalier Marching Band has been banned from playing wind instruments in the stands of Scott Stadium during football games. To our knowledge, the UVA marching band is the only band in all of Virginia and the entire ACC which is held to these restrictions.

Countless safety measures could be adopted to mitigate any COVID-19 risks associated with playing, such as:

• COVID-19 testing of band members before games
• Instrument bell covers
• Increased social distancing

Despite these options, all attempts at compromise have been shut down.

UVA administration defends the ban in the name of science, but they have refused to provide scientific justification for their decisions when questioned. In fact, recent studies have actually shown that playing wind instruments is safer than vocalization. The reality that loud cheering in close proximities is encouraged at UVA football games defeats the purpose of the playing ban entirely, making it merely performative.

These restrictions harm the gameday experience for everyone: the football team, the fans, and the 270 passionate musicians that make up the Cavalier Marching Band. The energy of Scott Stadium is being subdued for the sake of optics.

Please express your support of the arts, athletics at UVA, and the rejection of performative policies by signing this petition. Thank you!