Cyndi Loza

Trumpet player Rachael Cowell played a bad tune Wednesday as she discussed her future as an incoming music major at the University of Nevada, Reno.

“It’s kind of frustrating,” said Cowell, a graduate of Spanish Springs High School.

“Because you’re going there for music, but it’s not going to have a band.”

The school’s marching band could be disbanded next June if state government budget cuts for the 2009-11 budget cycle are as severe as expected, UNR President Milton Glick said Sunday.

The university, which has announced that 40 mid-level administrators will not be rehired after June 30, 2009, is preparing for 14 percent budget cuts for the next biennium.

“I don’t think it’s worth graduating from (UNR),” said Cowell, who might finish college abroad.

Honor band

Cowell recently was selected by the Bands of America for the national Honor Band in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.

She was chosen from hundreds of applicants across the nation for membership in the ensemble, which has about 300 members.

“It’s huge,” said Cowell, who has been playing the trumpet for nine years. “I don’t feel any different, but I know when I’m going to be there it’s going to be the experience of a lifetime.”

Cowell said she hopes to get over her bashfulness when she meets her fellow band mates for the first time in December.

“I’m not going to know anyone there,” said Cowell, who will be representing Nevada. “It’s just going to be scary.”

For now, the pressure is on to learn the music provided to her before the parade in January.

“Hopefully, you know your music because if you don’t that will suck,” Cowell said. “They won’t be very happy with you.”