After weeks of uncertainty over whether members of the University of Texas Longhorn Band would be required to play the school s controversial alma mater, The Eyes of Texas, student musicians have an answer.
Despite previous messaging that no student would be forced to sing or play the song, the school announced Wednesday that Longhorn Band members will be required to play it.
Additionally, the school said that for students who do not want to play The Eyes of Texas, a new band will be formed in 2022. This separate band will not include the alma mater as required repertoire.
The song has been a key point of contention between students, alumni and administrators. At the beginning of March, a 24-person committee commissioned by UT President Jay Hartzell found the song to have racist origins but no racist intent.
UT s Longhorn Band members will be required to play Eyes of Texas or can join new, separate band Sabrina LeBoeuf, Austin American-Statesman
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After weeks of uncertainty over whether members of the University of Texas Longhorn Band would be required to play the school s controversial alma mater, The Eyes of Texas, student musicians have an answer.
Despite previous messaging that no student would be forced to sing or play the song, the school announced Wednesday that Longhorn Band members will be required to play it.
Additionally, the school said that for students who do not want to play The Eyes of Texas, a new band will be formed in 2022. This separate band will not include the alma mater as required repertoire.