NEW YORK - Members of the Columbia University Marching Band say the group is banned from the school's sporting events and has lost its funding from the athletic department.

The university says the band failed to register under a student governing board and gain official club recognition.

The group's drum major, Maxwell Bohn, says the atmosphere at football games is going to suffer if it isn't there. 

"We are some of the more passionate and energetic fans in the audience. I think that no having us there is going to both be sad, not only not having the music, but also the energy and the spirit that we bring," Bohn said.

It's not the first time there has been contention between the band and university.

In 2017, a member allegedly defied a school order not to hold it's traditional "Orgo Night" performance inside the library. 

The tradition involves band members performing while students are studying for the organic chemistry final in an effort to lower the test's grading curve.

After being threatened with sanctions, the band moved outside the following spring. 

The group says it's now going to try to raise money drum up support to continue.