New Tensions Arise (1992–Present)

  • CAAA vs. UD Department of Education - 1992
    • A sophomore sousaphone member files sexual harassment charges against the band after the student director refers to her using gender-oriented obscenities. The controversy grows over the coming weeks as three other students add charges of hazing, racism and homophobia, and the band is placed on probation. An administrative fact finding report clears the band of the latter charges, but finds that certain band practices and traditions - including cheers, buttons, and locker decorations - are characterized by sexual innuendo and constitute sexual harassment as defined by university policy. Band supporters claim the incident was blown out of proportion, and members of the Cal Aggie Marching Band Alumni Association file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights in response to the administration's plans to tighten control over the band. (The complaint is later withdrawn when alumni are satisfied with the revised band policy). 
  • Johnathan Elkus is Named Faculty Director - 1992
  • Probation Ends - 1993
    • A 10-month probation ends after the band's constitution and operation guidelines are revised to retain the group's student-run status while placing more responsibility on the band its officers. Band officers begin reviewing all buttons and cheers for appropriateness. 
  • NCAA Elite Eight Tournament - 1997
    • The band travels 36 hours nonstop by bus to Grand Forks, N.D., to play for the women's basketball team in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight tournament. The band's halftime performance steals the show, drawing a standing ovation and a front-page story in the Grand Forks Herald, 
  • Students Vote to Create ARC - 1999
    • Students pass a facilities initiative that will finance construction of an Activities and Recreation Center, which will include new office, changing, storage and practice space for the band. 
  • Johnathan Elks Retires - 2002
    • Faculty director, Johnathan Elks, retires, leaving the band without a new director as a three-year search suspends any new hiring. 
  • UC-Davis Becomes a Division I School - 2003
    • The student body votes to turn UC Davis into a Division I school, in recognition in its increasing size and athletic talent. This move spells out immense changes for the band in regards to attendance of football and basketball games, especially away games. 
  • Band Moves Into ARC - 2004
    • 2004
  • Band-Uh! Celebrates 75 Years - 2004
    • The band, now 200 strong, celebrates its 75th Anniversary with an Aggie Band-uh Extravaganz-uh! 
  • Battle of the Bands Lasts 12 Hours - 2004
    • Picnic Day's annual Battle of the Bands lasts a record twelve hours with the Aggies battling against Humboldt State until two in the morning. The Aggie Band comes out victorious.