There have been mixed reactions to the Veishea Entertainment Committee’s recent decision to change the Veishea tradition of having a large band perform at Hilton Coliseum.

In the past, bands such as Vertical Horizon and the Black Eyed Peas have performed, but ticket sales dropped for the event.

This year, after the chance to bring in a large band fell through, the committee decided to invite multiple smaller bands to perform.

Quinn Showalter, co-chairman of the entertainment committee, said there is not enough funding or student interest to bring a large band.

Chris Charczuk, KURE disc jockey, hasn’t been happy with the selections of bands in the past and doesn’t have high expectations for this year either.

“I have been disappointed in the music so far, but I don’t expect them to bring in groups that I like,” Charczuk said.

Andy Tofilon, president of the Government of the Student Body, said he thinks the decision could be good for Veishea.

“If they do it right, they can enhance Veishea,” he said. “Iowa State has a cornucopia of musical talents. We’re not about just rock bands – we have jazz, choir, many different varieties.”

The goal of Veishea is to showcase ISU students and alumni, Tofilon said.

“I think smaller bands may get more people to go. It gives students choices and variety,” said Megan Petersen, junior in finance.

Charczuk said it’s too early to tell whether this will be a positive change.

“I don’t know if this will be good or bad for tradition. Students at Iowa State tend to have a one-track mind when it comes to music,” said Charczuk, sophomore in computer engineering. “It all depends on what bands they bring in and if they are known to students.”

Ryan Sletten, freshman in political science, said success or failure depends on what bands are featured, but variety could be a good thing for students.

“I know a lot of people have friends in some of the smaller bands in the area,” Sletten said. “I think that this decision will let all students find something to listen to.”

Tofilon said he wants Veishea to be more about student participation.

“It is one of the biggest traditions here,” Tofilon said. “It would benefit the students if they would take part in it.”