Reasons for the Dissipation of the Marching Band

Many factors contributed to the dissipation of the Trinity Marching Band and its final removal from football games. President Calgaard did play a huge part in this, in that his desire was for large ensembles to be comprised of only Trinity students, which at times, the marching band was not (Peralez, 2000). Dr. Worman touched on many other factors that contributed to the dissipation of the marching band, including the time commitment required and the lack of student interest within the already small student body, as well as availability of resources regarding money and instrumentation. Additionally, he acknowledged that pitiful attempts at a live musical revival only left the athletic department unsatisfied. (Worman, 2019). 

More so than these physical barriers, the environment and culture of Trinity contributed to its overall dissipation. Prior to Calgaard’s arrival, sources indicate that the overall attitude of students included one of negativity and extreme apathy. Dealey questioned the Trinity school spirit in his Trinitonian article, claiming that apathy was prevalent throughout the entire student body, in general and especially at football games (Dealey, 1970). This article and others like it conveyed their frustration that school spirit and interest should come from the student body, thus causing action. This action would be potentially keeping the Trinity marching band alive rather than requiring the need to hire bring in volunteer community members, hire an outside band, or not have one at all. Even after attitudes and focus began shifting in what seemed like a more positive way for Trinity, it was still not in a way that favored the fate of the marching band. Many abandoned events had been focused around football and the homecoming game, but once Trinity’s emphasis and focus changed, the school no longer heavily revolved around football, reducing the need for such events and organizations (Current, 1971).