The Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands from Tennessee State University (TSU) will not perform at two out-of-state football games this month due to financial issues, according to officials.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands from Tennessee State University (TSU) will not perform at two out-of-state football games this month due to financial issues, according to officials.
Based on a letter that TSU posted on Thursday, Oct. 3, it was deemed “not financially prudent” for the Aristocrat of Bands to travel to St. Charles, Missouri, for the game against Lindenwood University on Saturday, Oct. 5, or Washington, D.C., for the game against Howard University on Saturday, Oct. 19.
According to the statement, TSU is Howard’s homecoming opponent, but Howard has specific restrictions that would only allow the band to perform after the game. In addition, the travel costs alone would have exceeded $150,000, posing a major challenge in the current financial landscape.
“Recently, TSU implemented a financial action plan to address structural budget deficits that have affected the institution for years. The University has had to make cost reduction decisions across the board in every area of operation, including travel,” the letter says. “This also includes the band’s travel to Lindenwood and maybe others, depending on budget demands and mission critical program needs.”
Some alumni are devastated after learning the Aristocrat of Bands would not travel for these upcoming away games.
“Fellow alumni, we were upset about it, but we do understand the situation, but most importantly, we think about the band students and just how they would feel about that,” TSU alum Brandon Calhoun said.
Interim President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson and the new Board of Trustees are asking for support as they move forward with these decisions. Their goal is to sustain enrollment for TSU students who are financially eligible and may require their assistance.
Earlier this year, some students spoke out about their scholarships or grants not showing up on their tuition balance. The university’s statement from Thursday stresses the importance of meeting those critical needs.
“We recognize the importance of school spirit and the role of extracurricular activities in enriching the student experience. However, our priority remains focused on sustaining enrollment for students who are financially eligible and may require our assistance,” the letter continues. “The University is committed to facing these financial challenges head-on, and needs your ongoing and unwavering support as we move forward.”
Alumni said this wouldn’t be a problem if TSU was paid the $2.1 billion in back pay owed by the state, adding that receiving that money would alleviate a lot of financial stress. The U.S. Education Secretary alerted Tennessee about this missing funding in 2023.
To read TSU’s full statement about the Aristocrat of Bands, click here.