When former University of Alabama student Dave Folk criticized The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band in a September 2010 column entitled “More like the Ten Cent Band,” Alabama fans, students, and even people not affiliated with the University were quick to voice their disagreements.  In his column in The Crimson White, Folk argued that while the band was once claimed to be “worth a million dollars,” “times have changed” and the band should stop performing at halftime (Folk).  Along with over 200 comments on cw.ua.edu, the next edition of the paper featured pages of letters and columns written by students, alumni, and fans who felt Folk’s opinion was wrong, uneducated, and a misrepresentation of the band’s hard work and role at the University.  Most agreed Folk needed to learn the history behind this University tradition before voicing a strong opinion. Although the band has been a part of the University for 100 years, it thrives in the traditions Folk disparaged. Despite the changes in its leadership, personnel, and members, the Million Dollar Band continues to play a major role at Alabama football games and at the University as a whole.

 

The Million Dollar Band is known for its hard work and dedication. However, in his piece, Dave Folk claims marching in formations (using drill sets) is “not that hard,” which led to many former band members and observers to tell Folk otherwise.  One example is in former student and band member Nicholas Boyd’s response to the article in which he explains to readers, and Folk, how much labor and commitment each Million Dollar Band member has.



The band plays a key part in creating an atmosphere for fans. In a response to Folk’s column, former band member Daniel Harris enlightens readers to the extent and impact of Folk’s remarks by describing how much the band does at the University:
 

“[The band] performs at football games, pep rallies, high school contest exhibitions, fundraisers, parades, and other school functions, all without the benefit of any kind of band room or indoor facility. We learn and perform three halftime shows each year, in addition to our pregame show and our very recognizable cheers and stand tunes. We take pride in everything we do… when you insult the band and our halftime programs, you are demeaning each individual member of the MDB and the amount of work we do to properly represent the University.” (Harris)

Without the Million Dollar Band, football games would not be the same. The band helps unite fans through playing familiar tunes and cheers with lots of energy despite the numbers on the scoreboard.