Loud, Loyal Fan May Miss Game

One of the loudest, and certainly the most loyal follower of the varsity football team may miss its first game in its 27 years Saturday when the eleven travels to Cornell.

The eight-foot bass drum, hallmark of the Harvard Band, may have to remain in Cambridge for repairs. Undergraduate band manager Alan S. Novick '55, announced yesterday that the instrument, largest bass drum in use in the world, needs new supports and a thorough check.

The drum heads, made of outsize cow, hides, are also in poor condition, and may soon need replacement.

But with drum or no, the band will make the trip to Cornell, to play and as usual to entertain at halftime with such stunts as a parody of different types of bands. Over 150 of the 171 members of the band will make the trip to Ithaca by bus.

The total of 171 is the largest in the band's 35-year history, and includes 45 freshmen, selected after recent tryouts. The organizations will celebrate its 35th anniversary on the Columbia weekend with extensive birthday ceremonies.