Bowie State Band Resumes Activity on One-Year Probation Following Suspension

Program to Enhance Band Program Includes Anti-Hazing Re-education

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux announced a one-year probation for the Symphony of Soul (SOS) and a change in the band’s leadership, along with a new program to enhance the band’s academic program, following a month-long suspension of band activities as part of a hazing investigation. An overview of the findings, FAQs and a form for inquiries are available on the BSU website. Download the full press kit. 

The announcement restarts the band activities on a limited basis. Since November 2, 2018, all band activity, with the exception of the academic instruction, had been suspended, pending the results of an internal investigation. Findings of the investigation concluded that the band members violated the university’s policy on hazing and the Student Code of Conduct. The university’s policy establishes prohibitions against “any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce physical or mental discomfort, harassment or ridicule.”

“It became evident during the investigation that there is an immediate need for a comprehensive re-education program to enhance the annual anti-hazing training already provided to the band and other student organizations,” said President Breaux in a statement. “As an institution, we have an obligation to assure that the health and well-being of our students are not put at risk, so we must act quickly to remedy this situation.”

The university introduced a Revitalization and Realignment Program to address the concerns, which includes a change in band leadership. Here are the plan’s five major components:

1. Leadership Transition
   Band director, Dr. Adolph Wright, has voluntarily resigned, and assistant band director Billy Bennett has been appointed as the acting director. He will remain in place until an interim director can be appointed during the spring semester. The interim director will serve until a permanent director for the band is appointed, after a national search.  

2. One-year Probation of the Band
   During the probationary period, the band will only perform on campus at institutional ceremonies and other campus performances that fulfill the academic requirements of the program. Overnight trips by the band will be prohibited. Summer Band Camp will be suspended until 2020, and new students will not be allowed to join the band until fall 2020. 

3. Required Academic Enrichment
   During this probationary period, band members will be required to participate an inclusive and comprehensive program for academic enrichment, including structured study halls.

4. Student Leadership Development & Training
   Band members must participate in university workshops on understanding group formation and dynamics of group engagement, enhancing the annual anti-hazing training the band and other student organizations already receive.
5. Academic Realignment & Rebranding of Band Program
   The plan will better align the band operations and academic requirements with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. As part of this effort, the music faculty will guide the rebranding for the SOS Band, with input from students.

The Symphony of Soul Band is a vital part of the Bowie State experience, representing the university in formal ceremonies, intercollegiate athletics games, and community performances. In addition, the band provides about 88 student members with valuable musical performance experience, especially for those who study music at the university. Renewing a strong band program serves to enhance the overall campus engagement. 

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, criminal justice, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit www.bowiestate.edu.