It’s less than two weeks before the grand opening of the new Stanford Stadium and it is unclear whether Stanford University’s world-renown scatter band will be performing at the event.

Over six weeks ago, on July 17, the Band Shak at Serra Street and Arguello Way was vandalized; several unnamed Stanford Band members are suspected of being the perpetrators of between $30,000 and $50,000 in damages. Pending the completion of University and police investigations regarding the vandalism of their facility, the Stanford Band was placed on suspension and not allowed in the facility where its instruments are stored.

The Band Shak police report is now being reviewed by the local district attorney’s office with no word as to when charges, if any, will be filed. The University investigation also is still in process, according to Associate Dean of Student Affairs Chris Griffith.

Some members of the Stanford Band feel that there has been a lack of communication between the Band and the Athletic Department. For example, last week a StanfordStadium.com web posting that was subsequently removed stated that Foothill High School Marching Band would be performing at the grand opening halftime show, which caused several members of the Stanford Band to fear that the Band had been replaced prior to the completion of the University investigation.

“The Athletic Department has consistently chosen not to speak with the Stanford Band and Band leadership has continually had to procure information via other sources,” said Tom Hennessy, Stanford Band manager ’04-’05. “This lack of communication indicates a genuine disrespect for the leadership of the Band, who are making every effort to address this situation.”

The Dollies, who perform in conjunction with the Band at football games, have expressed frustration about not being able to practice and not knowing whether they will be able to perform during the season.

“By continuing the band suspension,” this year’s Dollies wrote in an e-mail to The Daily, “the administration is not only robbing the Dollies and innocent band members of our chance to practice and perform, but they are demoralizing our faith in the administration's ability to make fair decisions which punish the guilty and respect the innocent.”

Regardless of whether the Stanford Band will ultimately be allowed to perform at the grand opening, many of the Band members, who are in or near the Stanford area, plan to still attend to cheer on the Stanford football team as it takes on Navy.

“No matter how much some try to label us as otherwise, we are first and foremost Stanford students and Stanford fans, and while the Athletic Department can obviously take away the school spirit we provide if they want, we will continue to support the team with our voices and energy,” said current Band Manager Michael Priest. “At the same time, we hope that the administration will work with the Band to resolve the current situation with the speed and effectiveness that is required.”