I know very few will care but thought some should know. The band budget has been basically slashed by 60% over the last year because of the major budget cuts at Clemson. To say it’s been a tough year, is an understatement. The band program has barely gotten by, and yet they do everything possible to support the football team. 140 kids went to New York this weekend, as Clemson could not afford to take the whole band (340 kids total in band.) They stayed over an hour away, and in the middle of nowhere, and had brown water/no hot water in their hotel room because that’s how bad the situation was at their hotel. They then got to the Yankee Stadium and sat outside for 10+ hours in the cold, no warmth, no heat, nothing. They played their hearts out. After the game, there was barely enough food for 30% of the band to eat. They then went to the airport, where they were delayed for almost 7 hours before finally taking off. Meanwhile, I think the football team got home in three hours. I just wanted everyone to know that in the age of NIL, there are still college age kids who are doing this for no money, and truly believe in Clemson. I wish all of Clemson nation knew that. They do not get the support they deserve from the University and it’s a shame.
