Marist College Marching Band to Perform at Trump's Inaugural

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Marist College will be represented in the presidential inaugural ceremonies of Donald J. Trump by its marching band, and that is causing some controversy.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that it was unclear exactly when during the Jan. 20 inaugural activities the band will be performing.

A post at maristmediahub.com said that the college is standing by its decision to apply — which happened back in the spring of 2016 — to perform at the 2017 inaugural.

The college’s spokesman, Greg Cannon, was quoted as saying that making the application wasn’t a political act, and the college would have done so regardless of whoever was being sworn in as president.

Cannon told the Poughkeepsie Journal that he realized that some band members may not choose to participate and that their decisions would be supported.

A petition was created on change.org to urge Marist President David Yellen and Band Director Arthur Himmelberger to reconsider their decision to take part in Trump’s inauguration.

As of the morning of Friday, Dec. 30, 392 signatures have been collected. Organizers said they hope to garner at least 500.

Many of the comments are from Marist alumni.

Kristen Tomlinson, writing from the United Kingdom, said she had always been proud of being a Marist alum.

“To perform at the inauguration of a man who stands on a platform of alienation and fear is to directly oppose everything this school represents for so many,” she said.

William Campbell of New Jersey wrote, “I’m signing as a Marist alumnus who is disappointed my alma mater would take part in a celebration for such a divisive figure. This decision is not reflective of the values I would expect from Marist.”

Mary Giancoli of Philadelphia wrote that she believe the college was “better than this. It cannot support the hate, bigotry and misogyny that Trump and his campaign represent and so flagrantly exploited to secure a position in office.”

For the complete Poughkeepsie Journal article, go here.

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