Musician shunned for too much style

In a stunning move, just weeks before their final concert, the leadership council of the St. Olaf Band voted to officially shun trumpet player Eric Sayre ‘10 from the group.

This official shunning of a band member is rare but not unprecedented. However, what makes this case particularly unusual is that Sayre is being shunned for having too much fashion sense.

For years the St. Olaf Band has been known as the ensemble with the most peculiar fashion habits. Frequently entire sections of the band will come to rehearsal dressed in costumes or colors specific to the day. Similarly, it is an unwritten rule that band members attend rehearsal in old, unflattering clothing.

To attend rehearsal in formal attire is strictly prohibited. It is this policy of unkemptness that unites the band. While their music creates a common bond, it is their strict fashion policies that set them apart from the other ensembles.

To have a senior member of the band break away from this tradition is seen as nothing short of mutiny. In previous months, Sayre's clothing and hygiene choices have escalated from washing his hair and brushing his teeth to wearing clothes that match and come from brand name stores.

"Eric keeps coming to rehearsal wearing fancy clothing – designer jeans, nice dress shirts and ties … plus the coolest sunglasses I've ever seen. It just doesn't fit with the look of the band," percussionist Eri Isomura '11 said. 

This attention to style seems to be a bold statement by Sayre about his right to be an individual and to impress the ladies. However, the council has decided Sayre's right to such frivolities is less important than the band's commitment to unorthodox uniformity.

"Editor's note: this article appeared in the April 30, 2010 satire issue of the Messenger."