Band Question???

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Another stupid assumption. Just because someone

weights 230 does not mean they are fat.

I play basketball 4 days a week and ride my bike 30 miles a day. I am not at all fat.

Also, I did not rip the band itself once, just the foolish decisions made by administrators.

The band is as good as any other Big 10 band I have seen, although PSU and MSU are awfully good.

Iowa, maybe not so great.
 

SirCallihan said:
We (the band) are always looking for volunteers to help out, Oakstreet. I'm sure if you called the management and voiced your opinions they'd be glad to hear it.

I think the area around TCF is going to be absolutely wild on gamedays, topped probably only by Dinkytown. A march around the stadium will be awesome. To repeat what has already been said, don't knock something before it even happens. Maybe if it is as lame as you think it is going to be they'll decide to close down University to let the band march through. After this first test-ish year, who knows what will happen?
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Exactly...nothing is set in stone. Relax. I'll be busy slamming a last beer at a bar before the game so I won't see the band anyway! (not meant as a rip on the band by any means!)
 

I'm also concerned that the plans that have been announced for the band are no where near what was promoted when they were lobbying for the stadium or what I was hoping for. I am very willing, however, to wait and see what actually happens and how it turns out before I rip into the plans or call the band ugly names. That's just childish and shows you don't appreciate the hard work and long hours those students put in in order to support our team and University AND make a much better game day experience for all of us.
 

Will the band be at McNamara Plaza for the start of the Victory Walk? Isn't that where it starts?
 

oak_street1981 said:
weights 230 does not mean they are fat.

I play basketball 4 days a week and ride my bike 30 miles a day. I am not at all fat.
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LOOK AT ME!! I'M IN SHAPE!! I'M NOT FAT! LOOK AT ME!!!

Typical keyboard-warrior d00sh.

Put away the haterade until the first game, dude. You can be a monstersulker once you actually have evidence of things sucking rather than basing your rage on conjecture.
 


forestlaker said:
Will the band be at McNamara Plaza for the start of the Victory Walk? Isn't that where it starts?
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For the scrimmage it will be the alumni band and the student leadership of the marching band will be in a parade down in Rochester. (We will be getting back right about the time the scrimmage starts.)

On Sept 12 and for the remainder of the games the band will be at the Victory Walk.
 

How about letting things happen before they are labeled as sucking

Things will happen that eventually will become traditions because there are people that will do spontaneous and cool stuff from the band to Goldy to the cheer squad to everything else. We don't have to pre-plan everything to a T. The band will figure out what works and what doesn't. Let things happen, and change some even before getting the undies in a bunch. I would like a University avenue march too, but the logistics with the city and the light rail construction will make that near impossible. Let the band crank the sound up and everyone will be happy, everyone is going to be surprised by the sound from being in the crappy dome all these years.

BE EXCITED, were home, It's the first year back on campus, we can't force everything all at once, let's take what we have refine it and even add, things will get better year after year.
 

If they march around the stadium, in a few years it will become tradition. Someone will ask "How about marching down University?" and people will respond "And give up the tradition of encircling the stadium??????"
 

Not many bands are based in their own stadium. By all accounts the band facilities in TCF are great, if not unique. Not even addressing all the traffic concerns with a potential university march... I just have always thought it would be silly to dress the band in their facility, truck them elsewhere, and then have them "march" back to where they started. I realize the march down University was tradition, but it was a tradition rooted in the reality of having the band facilities on one end of campus, and the stadium on the other end.

I think the march around the stadium will be great and it "fits" better with the realities of the new stadium and the Band's own facility. I attended the mini-concert every time I could when it took place outside of the Metrodome. It was great but the location was cramped, and often had Twin's related tents blocking the view of the band and cheerleaders. Having seen it a lot, I was hoping they'd build some sort of natural amphitheater next to the new stadium. That didn't happen but at least we don't have to imagine what that cheerleaders are doing as they perform behind a kettle corn tent. The metrodome did have a hillside that allowed good viewing angles (when the tents were not present, anyway), so I hope that loss is mitigated by the extra space out in front of the Chippewa County sign. I'm looking forward to checking it out.

I won't miss the march down University, considering the nice plan they have for TCF. And, I am old enough to remember that march to Memorial Stadium.

I agree with Rampage... in a few years everyone will be wondering what the fuss was about.
 



seems the short memories are at work again...

RodentRampage said:
If they march around the stadium, in a few years it will become tradition. Someone will ask "How about marching down University?" and people will respond "And give up the tradition of encircling the stadium??????"
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If you end up missing the stadium circle, go watch what is done inside Mariucci every Friday and Saturday night home hockey game.
People who are up in arms about this, and I am one of those, liked the uniqueness on the University Avenue march, among fond memories of falling in behind the band right up to the stadium. I am well aware of the logicistical argument, going out to come back and all that.
We as a public were sold a bill of goods during the run up to passing the bill to bulid TCF, and the band on University was front and center in this.
I too remember the Saturdays at Memorial, and cherrish it.
I also remember the great traditon of doing some bizzare Gator like clap before the team came out of the tunnel during the Wacker Era....what did that last, one game? or maybe two and was shunned, widely ignored, and quickly dropped.
The circle thing will become a tradition only if we as a fan base embrace it, only if it draws on some emotional connection. It has been close to 30 years since University Ave. and people remember it fondly, do you really believe that the same thing (basicly) that is done before each home hockey game, is enough to form that kind of bond?
 


re3886 said:
People who are up in arms about this, and I am one of those, liked the uniqueness on the University Avenue march, among fond memories of falling in behind the band right up to the stadium. I am well aware of the logicistical argument, going out to come back and all that.
We as a public were sold a bill of goods during the run up to passing the bill to bulid TCF, and the band on University was front and center in this.
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Two thoughts:
1) You acknowledge the logistical argument but don't mention if you think it has any validity. Do you think it holds water or no? If no, why?
2) Even though I'm too young to have ever experienced it myself, I was very excited by the thought of the band leading the way into a new stadium via University Ave and I can only imagine how powerful the feelings are when you can actually remember seeing it yourself. The thing is, this is exactly why the U chose to use the University Ave story/imagery when selling the stadium! It's because the memory evokes such powerful feelings and support that they used it all the time! I'm betting the U had no f-ing clue whether they'd ever be able to march down University again. That wasn't the point. The point was to get the money to have the stadium in the first place. So before you complain about a "bill of goods" I'd remind you that memories like this are why we have TCF. I for one am very glad the U pulled out all the stops and used every emotional story/historical note they could to get people behind the stadium bill.
 

To answer the question about logictics...

1. I had answered another thread about that and stated in that thread that "healthy", young adults could do the exercise up to 8 times a year without ill effects, did not think the 10 or 15 mins of traffic congestion would be that hard to deal with, and some other points and got attacked several times and did not want this thread to implode any further.
2. I'm not a huge fan of the Malcolm Shabazz (X) belief of "By any means necessary" as a way to reach a goal. I was under the impression that the "U" had done some preliminary discussions with a few City Counselors about this and met with few objections, only to later discover that many other interests had big time problems with this, and stopped it.
I chose to accept this but not be overly happy about it.
That being said, I could not help but notice that the "U" itself put up no argument at all when this was denied, so I could not help but believe that the administration either 1. got something they wanted in exchange or 2. gone into this with exactly your idea that they would say or do anything to get this done. I have no information proving the former, so until I learn otherwise, must believe the latter.
This does sadden me, but we got the thing that members of my family had been fighting for since the late 70's, so I do accept it. Kind of a the Greater Good being served at the cost of a few minor things are what paid the bill.
Still not overjoyed, but I do live in the real world and do believe in the "Sausage and Bills" addage.
So, to conclude this long winded post:
I don't accept the logistical argument, but see no point in dragging us down that road again so by default let you have that point and understand but don't like your second argument, and realize that what can't be changed must be endoured. So, I will be at the games and will watch when the band comes by where I am, and will be happy but will also feel bad about a great opertunity that was lost.
I hope that clears what I typed up.
 



re3886 said:
2. I'm not a huge fan of the Malcolm Shabazz (X) belief of "By any means necessary" as a way to reach a goal. I was under the impression that the "U" had done some preliminary discussions with a few City Counselors about this and met with few objections, only to later discover that many other interests had big time problems with this, and stopped it.
I chose to accept this but not be overly happy about it.
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I’m guessing this idea is easier for folks like me (who never saw a game at Memorial Stadium) to handle. For me, marching down University is just an idea. A great idea, but one that can be replaced by other ideas/plans. For folks who “lived it” it’s a powerful memory and I can understand where the use of the memory as a sales pitch could ring more hollow.
re3886 said:
That being said, I could not help but notice that the "U" itself put up no argument at all when this was denied, so I could not help but believe that the administration either 1. got something they wanted in exchange or 2. gone into this with exactly your idea that they would say or do anything to get this done. I have no information proving the former, so until I learn otherwise, must believe the latter.
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I’m interested how you’ll forgoe believing the former b/c you have no evidence but are willing to believe the latter (also with no evidence). My own view is that the U always intended to bring back the march but chose other battles as more important when they got pushback from the City and other stakeholders.
re3886 said:
I don't accept the logistical argument, but see no point in dragging us down that road again so by default let you have that point and understand but don't like your second argument, and realize that what can't be changed must be endoured. So, I will be at the games and will watch when the band comes by where I am, and will be happy but will also feel bad about a great opertunity that was lost.
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I don’t think you have to award folks like me this point. I have my own laundry list of responses as to why I could see the logistal arguments as legitimate, but I also don’t want to drag the thread down into that death spiral (and I appreciate you doing the same). At this point I’m fine agreeing to disagree. :)
 

The reason I believe the latter and not the former is...

One of my Minors is in Poly Sci. I have seen the "any means necessary" to often to discount it easily. Plus my emails to the administration asking about why it wasn't fought for went unanswered, when messages on other topics usually get fairly quick responses. I have not seen one thing that the "U" has asked for from the city that has been given easily or without contention.
On that note, does anybody know of anything that the "U" has asked for and gotten from the city? Living up in Duluth I don't get everyday news only the ultra-big stuff.
 

re3886 said:
One of my Minors is in Poly Sci. I have seen the "any means necessary" to often to discount it easily. Plus my emails to the administration asking about why it wasn't fought for went unanswered, when messages on other topics usually get fairly quick responses. I have not seen one thing that the "U" has asked for from the city that has been given easily or without contention.
On that note, does anybody know of anything that the "U" has asked for and gotten from the city? Living up in Duluth I don't get everyday news only the ultra-big stuff.
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Amen to that. There are a lot of additional things that would add to the gameday experience that are lacking due to the City's "Just Say No" mentality.
 

Here was the response I got from the Marching Band Director. The one that gets me is his concern over how "exhausting" a day this makes for the students. Geez, suck it up will ya! That's probably why they don't take a trip during the season as well. Give me strength!

Dear Mr. Marx:

Thank you for your note concerning the University of Minnesota Marching Band and the upcoming return to campus.

I understand from many alums that they fondly recall the days of marching from their home in Northrop Memorial Auditorium to Memorial Stadium shortly before the pregame show. While I do know that many wish for the return to that practice there are many reasons why this will not be feasible for the upcoming season.

First and foremost is the decision by the police to not shut down the streets surrounding the stadium. I understand their reasoning for traffic flow and what they feel will be a safer environment for the patrons attending the game.

Additionally is the desire from many of those polled by the athletic department for the band to continue many of the traditions that have become a part of game day over he last 28 years. These include the Gopher Victory Walk 2 hours prior to kick off, having smaller groups playing in the tailgate lots after that, and the pregame Plaza Pep Rally that happens one hour before the game. They also desire, as do we, to have the band continue to be one of the most active bands during the games in the country - standing and playing throughout the entire game. With these things in place it is already a busy and exhausting day for the students, often in excess of 10 hours each game day.

In light of the decision by the police, the desire to maintain some of the traditions that have developed during our time away from campus, and the workload of the students on game days I think that it is in the best interest of the students and our program to find a new tradition that will enhance what is already occurring.

We hope you will help us create a fantastic college football atmosphere in our new home in TCF Bank Stadium beginning in 2009.

My best,

Tim


Rob Marx wrote:
I was a member of the Marching Band from 1967 – 1971. Am a current member of the Band Alumni Assn. and U of M Alumni Assn., as well as Past President of the Gopher Goal Line Club. I just wanted to express my utter dismay over rumors that there will be no March down University Ave for the games in the new stadium. This was one of the most storied traditions of our past, and to dump it because of potential traffic problem, or the fact that the band is now going to be “housed” in the Stadium is incomprehensible to me. My fellow band alumni friends and I have been looking forward to this moment since 1982, and now you pull the proverbial rug out from under us.
 

go4rob said:
Here was the response I got from the Marching Band Director. The one that gets me is his concern over how "exhausting" a day this makes for the students. Geez, suck it up will ya! That's probably why they don't take a trip during the season as well. Give me strength!
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Really?

I'm not in the band, nor am I a band alum. I can't speak to how much energy/effort the current band schedule requires nor can I comment on how things were back when the band marched into Memorial Stadium. But even as an outsider when I hear someone who isn't directly a part of the current band ridicule decisions (made with the current band members in mind) by the band's leadership simply b/c they don't like them, I get pretty annoyed. You're basically saying that the current band is a bunch of pansies and they should toughen up. That's right up there with calling their future performances around TCF "3rd Rate". And then you insinuate that they don't get to travel to away games because they are pansies. Awesome. All this, just because you don't get to see something that you were hoping to see. Yep...that's classy.
 

The U is trying to establish a foundation that can be used in the future. Sure they could close down university ave. But what happens when the central corridor is constructed and Washington is no longer convenient? The U and the band would have to start from scratch. We are trying to establish traditions that will work for years to come. If the current plan doesn't work out this season, it will be changed. Give it a rest and try it out. Try walking around the stadium under the columns. It's pretty bad ass.
 

Tell You What

GoAUpher said:
Really?

I'm not in the band, nor am I a band alum. I can't speak to how much energy/effort the current band schedule requires nor can I comment on how things were back when the band marched into Memorial Stadium. But even as an outsider when I hear someone who isn't directly a part of the current band ridicule decisions (made with the current band members in mind) by the band's leadership simply b/c they don't like them, I get pretty annoyed. You're basically saying that the current band is a bunch of pansies and they should toughen up. That's right up there with calling their future performances around TCF "3rd Rate". And then you insinuate that they don't get to travel to away games because they are pansies. Awesome. All this, just because you don't get to see something that you were hoping to see. Yep...that's classy.
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I'm a dues-paying member of the Band Allumni Association, and I've given donations to the Friends of the Band Fund, and I 've raised money to purchase the Big 10 flags for the band about 7 or 8 years ago, so "yes" I think I have a right to voice my opinion, even if I DARE to question the decisions being made over there. I've suggested to them for years that they rehearse street marching more, and re-allign the instruments to get a better sound coming down the street (like moving half the brass section to the rear of the band instead of having all woodwinds behind the drums and tubas)...I've asked why we are the only band not to make a trip during the year. Here is what I've learned: it's best not to ask such questions, because if the band department doesn't want to do something, they won't and they don't like to hear any suggestions, plain and simple. Don't get me wrong, the ONLY reason I make these suggestions is because I have a deep love for the U of M Band, and was a close friend of Frank Bencriscutto's as I played under him for 4 years. That doesn't make me "special", but I think it entitles me to my opinion, whether you agree with it or not.
 

Do you realize how little the band street marches in a given year? You and I have disagreed on this in the past, but I fully support the band in how it marches in parades down the street. It currently entertains. A lot. You can say whatever you like about being out of line/step. That is a matter of when you see them. They work hard to entertain the common parade watcher, which is better than any corps, WI, MI, IA, or other band I have seen in person

I have also seen video and pics of bands from the past. They were not 100% in step, or without phasing during pregame. There were faults in every MN band (including the present). Fact is, the band still works their tail off o provide quality entertainment. Go4rob, go to a week of practice to learn that this is still the case and see if you could come close to matching what they do day in and day out.
 

RailBaronYarr said:
Do you realize how little the band street marches in a given year? You and I have disagreed on this in the past, but I fully support the band in how it marches in parades down the street. It currently entertains. A lot. You can say whatever you like about being out of line/step. That is a matter of when you see them. They work hard to entertain the common parade watcher, which is better than any corps, WI, MI, IA, or other band I have seen in person

I have also seen video and pics of bands from the past. They were not 100% in step, or without phasing during pregame. There were faults in every MN band (including the present). Fact is, the band still works their tail off o provide quality entertainment. Go4rob, go to a week of practice to learn that this is still the case and see if you could come close to matching what they do day in and day out.
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You get no argument from me on their work ethic. I totally agree and don't get me wrong, I DO appreciate it. My biggest "gripe" is that the band leadership is not open to any suggestions. I am not trying to insult the current band members at all! Just trying to get the directors to have a little more of an open mind.
 

go4rob said:
...and re-align the instruments to get a better sound coming down the street (like moving half the brass section to the rear of the band instead of having all woodwinds behind the drums and tubas)...
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After getting out of the band 5 years ago I began to agree with this part. It's a buzzkill when the band marches by and you end up losing the brass behind the drumline. There is a diagram in the Hats Off to Thee book that shows exactly what you suggested - and the book suggests it was still used up through Bary Kopetz. Hopefully someday the sound will get balanced again.
 

Zales04 said:
After getting out of the band 5 years ago I began to agree with this part. It's a buzzkill when the band marches by and you end up losing the brass behind the drumline. There is a diagram in the Hats Off to Thee book that shows exactly what you suggested - and the book suggests it was still used up through Bary Kopetz. Hopefully someday the sound will get balanced again.
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I agree, thanks, Zales, all trombone minds think alike *ha* very scary!
 

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