January 1, 1972, I went to the Rose Parade with my boyfriend and another couple. We sat and watched the floats, bands and various other rolling stock pass by; then came the Stanford Band. They were sporting red blazers, black pants, white shoes, white hats with red bands, and some very ugly ties. It was awesome! When decision time came around, I chose Stanford because of the Band and the Rose Bowl (and who knew it would be awhile before we got back there?).
That September, I walked onto Stanford University's campus as a awestruck freshman. I made my way over to the Band Shak (Mother Shak), determined to join. After all, this was the year that women were allowed access to all programs that had been exclusively male; that included all Division 1 marching bands. My best friend Ruth had already done so at UCLA, so why not?
That year there were eight women, plus about 148 men. Some of the existing bandsmen were insistent that women were not going to change the mindset and traditions of the Band. I spent time looking at the ceiling while guys tried on uniform pants, stood by while guys threw chairs, plus other things (but what happens in Mother Shak stays in MS). Most guys were fun, thoughtful, and I was invited to many events; pretty soon I had a ton of big brothers!
I tried out for Dollie at the encouragement of many of the same bandsmen. As a bandsperson, I never considered the young women who wore short skirts and danced while the band played. However, I thought, "why not?", went to the orientation, all the practices, and tried out. I made it! And it was amazing; a year of hard work, short outfits (one of wool...), boots, poms and some great experiences.
This past weekend was Stanford's Homecoming Reunion weekend, and the Band celebrated its 50th anniversary. There was a panel sponsored by the Historical Society, and I was a part of it describing what it was like being one of the first women, and then the first bandsperson to become a Dollie. The rest of the weekend was spent with fellow former Dollies getting ready for the game.
The whole experience was amazing - Dollies from 1963 to the present, some in old outfits, some entire units, others "orphaned". We worked together to create new routines, remembered old ones, and just generally had a great time.
We won the game, and I had a fantastic time afterwards with my Stanford Band family at the Gate 11 tailgate. I mingled with band brothers, their wives and kids, and just marveled at all the ties that bound us together like those really ugly ties.
I made a wonderful choice in 1972.
