Simmons unhappy that LU’s band not allowed to march

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September 3, 2010

Tom Halliburton CNHI The Port Arthur News Fri Sep 03, 2010, 08:22 PM CDT

LAKE CHARLES — LAKE CHARLES -- Lamar University's newly formed 150-member marching band will dress and play their instruments today but they will not march at Lamar's first football game in 21 years.

    That's the word from a former LU band director and current school president Dr. Jimmy Simmons.

    "McNeese refused to let our marching band perform on the field (at Cowboy Stadium)," said Simmons, who initially was enraged to learn the news.

    Lamar's new musicians, under the direction of Scott Deppe, will march for the first time when the Cardinals open their home season Sept. 11 in a 6 o'clock game against Webber International.

    Band members were not happy initially by McNeese's decision, but they were tolerant of it after some initial disgust.

    "Our people didn't want me to push it," Simmons told The News on Friday

afternoon. "I can tell you they're not happy about it. But they will step out next week in our home opener and march then."

    Simmons explained that Southland Conference schools are not under any obligation to let Lamar's band march because LU is not a football-eligible member of the Southland Conference until next season.

    McNeese has an extensive halftime show planned for tonight. The McNeese Hall of Fame will induct football greats Charles Allen and Charles Ayro, basketball's Jerome Batiste, baseball's Neal Spencer and Dr. David Drez who has been the team physician for the past 33 years.

    McNeese's band is conducted by Dr. Jay Jacobs.

    Dr. Simmons remained uncertain regarding the number of other trips that LU's band intended to take for football road trips. Simmons did expect Lamar band members would travel to Nacogdoches later this month when the Cardinals visit Stephen F. Austin State.

    A prime mover in LU's revival of football, Simmons acknowledged how thrilled and excited he was as football finally returned to the school, which has enjoyed a record enrollment.

    "If I just get some sleep tonight, I'll be in good shape," Simmons said Friday afternoon.

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Simmons unhappy that LU’s band not allowed to march

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