<p>Just found out today that the band director who has sparked numerous band leadership and alumni protests resigned a couple weeks ago. This happened soon after 3 full page ads were published anonymously by band students due to a forced gag order agreement, and a subsequent strongly-worded letter from President Boren to the Music school abolishing the agreement as a violation of the students' free speech. The previous director will be returning and published quotes from current leadership are very positive for the future with the change. </p>
<p>Marching band is very important to DS and he was not going to apply as long as the unpopular band director was there. Now he is definitely applying! And I need to catch up on the OU threads. :) </p>
<p>I can tell you that the student body in general and specifically students involved in music were THRILLED about this. The new director is actually the director before Mr. Stolarik and was forced out due to some booster politics. He’s now back and the marching band is very happy. I encourage your son to join as there is a very positive energy there now. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be our first chance to see the new and improved band and I’m excited to see it.</p>
<p>This is a great development for us because DH and I have long thought that Oklahoma would be a good fit for S15. We visited a couple years ago with D13 and their National Scholars office personnel put together an outstanding visit. She very seriously considered OU but ultimately decided to go elsewhere. I am looking forward to a return visit with DS!</p>