Greetings Big Red Bands Alumni-
Welcome to this spring’s edition of Band Notes. I am honored to begin my term serving the BRBAA Advisory Council as Chair. We have many exciting priorities for the Big Red Bands in the coming years, and I look forward to working closely with the alumni, students, and Cornell support staff who help keep the bands going forward strongly year in and year out.
Before I share a few updates with you about the Advisory Council, I would like to first extend a thank you to my predecessor, Lowell Frank ’99, who has stepped down after almost two decades of service to the AC (the last 6 of which as Chair). Lowell has incomparable enthusiasm for all things Cornell and has a particular passion for the Big Red Bands. His energy will be missed by our group, but we know we can count on him to cheer us on from the sidelines. On a personal note, I very much appreciate the example Lowell has set for excellence in leading our organization.
Next, I am happy to announce that our slate of officers for the 2019-20 Advisory Council is now complete, with the addition of four at-large members. Thank you to each of these individuals for volunteering their time, traveling to Ithaca twice per year for meetings, and bringing their wisdom to the table as we advance the priorities of our organization:
Chair: Brian Adelman ’09 (formerly Vice-Chair)
Vice-Chair: Tom Seery ’09 (formerly at-large member)
Treasurer: Adam Mangano Drenkard ’11 (staying on)
Resource Chair: Nick Janiga ’00 (staying on)
Secretary: Michelle Yanda ’15 (staying on)
Events Coordinator: Emily Isenstein ‘16 and Cameron Glass ’13 (staying on and former at-large member)
At Large Members: Steven Albanese ’14 (returning), Ilyse Cody ’02, Duncan Perry ’84, and Scott Pesner ’87 (returning)
Next, at our February Advisory Council meeting, we established three work groups to create focus areas for 2019:
-Student & University Engagement: As some of you know, the bands have just completed a year-long review of their organizational practices with the Office of the Judicial Administrator and the Department of Athletics. Cornell’s new president, Martha Pollack, has identified the elimination of hazing on campus as a top priority for all campus groups, including Greek letter organizations and athletic teams. To supplement the hard work of our student leadership to amend the Constitution and ensure the bands’ activities comply with university standards, the alumni workgroup brainstormed ways to better support our student leaders in the coming years. We have found that opening lines of communication among students, alumni, and Cornell staff will be crucial as we continue to adjust to new expectations of conduct in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for further communication on this topic; we may seek additional alumni support for our students in this initiative.
-Uniforms: The Marching Band is due for a new look! The Band has been using the current uniforms since fall 2009, and this year’s leadership is excited to design, develop, and order brand new uniforms. Thanks to the careful planning by Adam (Treasurer) and Nick (Resource Chair), our finances are in order to make this purchase for Fall 2020. Emily Isenstein ’16 is working alongside current Head Manager Jill Crosby ’21 to ensure this project finishes on time!
-Long-Term Planning: I am happy to report that our organization is in a strong financial standing. The Band continues to enjoy tremendous support from alumni and friends who contribute annual gifts. In addition, the Second Century endowment fund supports more than a third of the band’s annual operation as well. Our Long-Term Planning workgroup began considering the next chapter of the Big Red Bands. Given the rising expenses of operating the organization each year, this group is working on how we can reduce our reliance on annual giving in the future and create a bit more cushion in our budget. Again, more to come on this exciting topic, so stay tuned!
Most importantly, I wish to thank all of our generous alumni and friends for your support over the years. Each of you who have contributed to the band, attended a game, marched with us along Fifth Avenue, or hummed along to Alma Chimes Evening on a Saturday night in the fall has had an important impact on the student experience.
I welcome any and all feedback or suggestions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at bpa7@cornell.edu.
Warmly,
Brian Adelman ‘09
Chair, BRBAA Advisory Council
Chicago, IL