Michael Leckrone has put the University of Wisconsin marching band on the map, developing it into one of the best and most popular university bands in the country. Anyone who’s been to a badger football, basketball, or hockey game or marching band concert knows how gifted Leckrone is and how he imparts his talent into hundreds of youth every year.
The UW Band has been in the news all fall, not because of its ability to perform Broadway medleys, but from news accounts of sophomoric behavior on the part of some who’ve engaged in moronic hazing of fellow band members. It’s possible some of these idiots, the future of America, actually voted on November 4th.
The editorial board of the Madison-based Wisconsin State Journal has employed the Harry Truman attitude of, “The buck stops here,” and is calling for Leckrone’s head. They editorialize:
“Either Leckrone gets the band to stop the senseless, repulsive hazing of younger members, or UW officials replace Leckrone with someone who can. It’s that simple.”
I don’t think so. While it’s true Leckrone is in charge, personal responsibility must come into play. Leckrone cannot serve as babysitter for hundreds of so-called young adults 24/7. His job cannot be put on the line because some boneheads decided to get really stupid. The ones who are stupid should be held responsible and dropped immediately, from the band and possibly from school. The state is loaded with responsible young men and women who would love to attend UW-Madison. The hazers won’t be missed if shown the door and their spots will gladly be filled in no time.
Leckrone deserves more than a few benefits of the doubt given his long and highly commendable record of service. Threatening Leckrone with dismissal misses the point. The overwhelming majority of his students don’t act like they’re back in junior high. The UW Band has been an incredible ambassador for the school, thanks to Leckrone.
Let’s trash the talk about dumping Leckrone.
