A letter posted to the band’s Facebook page explains said that the band would not be able to play at least two away games, and possibly more, due to financial constraints.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee State University’s (TSU’s) Aristocrat of Bands will no longer play at Lindenwood University, Howard University and possibly other games “due to financial considerations,” according to social media.
TSU is the homecoming opponent of Howard University, and the Aristocrat of Bands posted a letter to their official Facebook page explaining that Howard had specific restrictions for the band, stating that they only would have been able to perform after the game.
The cost of travel would have exceeded $150,000, according to the letter, adding that cost presented a challenge. The letter cited the university’s “current financial landscape” and addressed TSU’s financial plan, which was announced in September. The financial plan was designed to address “structural budget deficits” that had affected TSU for years.
“We recognize the importance of school spirit and the role of extracurricular activities in enriching the student experience,” the letter reads, in part. “However, our priority remains focused on sustaining enrollment for students who are financially eligible and may require our assistance.”