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for those who like to come to the Falcon Marching Band's pre-game concert (right after the team walk-in) we won't be doing it. However, at the request of the football team, we will be having a small part of the band there to play for them as they walk into the Stadium. This is due to Dr. Hayward not wanting to take students out of class, yet still wanting a warmup period for us

A. The Team has to ASK for the band to play? I'd be asking the Team what WE can do to SUPPORT them!

B. Did the band director know this game is FRIDAY - what worthwhile student is in a 4:00 on a FRIDAY for gosh sakes?

C. Does the band director know that the football coach has asked for support from all facets of the University and Community? Would it be approporate to have some entertainment for those who do show (FMB)??

D. Does the director know this game has quite large implications on this season?

E. This is Rinky Dink !

I think it's time to think about getting someone directing this group who can take it to the next level and provide some spirit and support to the team and fans.

I'd have that band marching down Wooster St to the Doyt, Blasting
"Forward Falcons" - vibrating the windows in every house and dorm.

Let's get something GOING!! (and don't write about traffic, permits and other why 'you can't do that')

another thing - does the band director know there is an East side of the stadium? The band has never performed to that side. . . . I would want to entertain the WHOLE crowd and not just part of the audience. Isn't that part of the band's purpose?

Feel free to contact her yourself:

NAME Carol M Hayward
TITLE Assistant Professor
DEPT Music Education
ADDRESS 1007 Moore Music Arts Center
PHONE (419)372-2187
EMAIL [email protected]

Fact of the matter is, it's college, it's a Friday, some people have classes and other obligations (JOBS, Etc...)

Personally, I'd be more apt to gripe with those who scheduled this game than the band leadership.

Enjoy the responses to this one...

I would love to respond. But I learned from watching Bambi "If you can't say nothing nice, then don't say nothing at all".

Falcon Commander wrote:

for those who like to come to the Falcon Marching Band's pre-game concert (right after the team walk-in) we won't be doing it. However, at the request of the football team, we will be having a small part of the band there to play for them as they walk into the Stadium. This is due to Dr. Hayward not wanting to take students out of class, yet still wanting a warmup period for us

A. The Team has to ASK for the band to play? I'd be asking the Team what WE can do to SUPPORT them!

B. Did the band director know this game is FRIDAY - what worthwhile student is in a 4:00 on a FRIDAY for gosh sakes?

C. Does the band director know that the football coach has asked for support from all facets of the University and Community? Would it be approporate to have some entertainment for those who do show (FMB)??

D. Does the director know this game has quite large implications on this season?

E. This is Rinky Dink !

I think it's time to think about getting someone directing this group who can take it to the next level and provide some spirit and support to the team and fans.

I'd have that band marching down Wooster St to the Doyt, Blasting
"Forward Falcons" - vibrating the windows in every house and dorm.

Let's get something GOING!! (and don't write about traffic, permits and other why 'you can't do that')

another thing - does the band director know there is an East side of the stadium? The band has never performed to that side. . . . I would want to entertain the WHOLE crowd and not just part of the audience. Isn't that part of the band's purpose?

i don't respond to often to posts that people criticize the band, but some of those points made me laugh so i had too. Not knowing every detail because I'm not in band anymore and have graduated. but...

A: Dr. H i know used to have, and probably still does have weekly meetings with the athletic dept. i'm sure she brought it up that she is not pulling them out of class for a concert and asked if there was anything she could to do for them and they probably asked if a small band could be there.

B: I'm pretty darn sure she knew the games was on a Friday. Marching band is every day at 4pm, so yes none of them have another class, but if you ever played an instrument and in marching band before you start, you must get dressed into your uniform, stretch and warm up, and march over to the stadium. Doing that she would have to pull them out probably from any classes between 1pm till 4pm. That can be 2 or 3 classes someone is getting pulled out of, a lot of make up to do.

E: I guess you haven't seen the marching band in the last 10 years? I would say the last 6 years Dr H has done one amazing job by turning the band into what is today. I would say that the band has some very very spirited people in it. Every year since 2003 that is started in the band until my last year 2007 The band was more spirited ever year. Yes, I agree some of the things they do (like the wave) is dumb and old, but hey it's getting people out of their seats for a second to cheer.


O well have a great day and Go Falcons!

ZiggyZoomba wrote:Fact of the matter is, it's college, it's a Friday, some people have classes and other obligations (JOBS, Etc...)

Just an observation because I don't want to get caught up in the s**t storm this one could be , but, aren't the football players as likely to have class on a Friday afternoon? Think they are allowed to skip class for the game? Isn't the band really part of the gameday extravangza and thus expected to participate at this game just like any other game?

FMBfan07 wrote:That can be 2 or 3 classes someone is getting pulled out of, a lot of make up to do.

Not being critical, but just asking a question here... If band is to be considered on par with other extra-curricular activities, doesn't that mean you have to miss a class here or there to meet the demands of that activity? Meaning, the demands of band include all the stuff that goes with performing for football games. If it so happens that a game is on a weekday, you should be expected, as part of your responsibilities in the band, to be there and ready to perform like every other game? To not do so, to me, is trivializing the importance of the band to the football game experience.

I know a lot of the bandies (or whatever it is you call yourselves ) took offense to some comments that were made about the band and how they are simply a secondary part of the football game experience instead of a vital cog for the fans enjoyment of the game. To me, when the band director says basically "we'll get there when we get there", she is admitting the band isn't that important to the football game experience. What do you folks think?

BG Football is the bomb. The FMB is the bomb. Together, they make a great gameday experience. I want the band at every game...even the away ones.

Warthog wrote:I know a lot of the bandies (or whatever it is you call yourselves ) took offense to some comments that were made about the band and how they are simply a secondary part of the football game experience instead of a vital cog for the fans enjoyment of the game. To me, when the band director says basically "we'll get there when we get there", she is admitting the band isn't that important to the football game experience. What do you folks think?

As the person who originally put that quote up in another topic, I think there are a few things that should be thrown out there for ya'lls to know.
1) Marching Band is a class M-F 4-545
2) It is taken for credit
3) Students pay for it like any other class
4) Dr. Hayward has always said that because FMB is a class, she doesn't want to hear us make the excuse that we couldn't get work done in other classes because of FMB nor does she want to hear the excuse that we couldn't practice because of other classes (or something like that)
As someone else has said, in order for the Marching Band to do the "full game day experience" on a Friday, that would entail for a 6pm kick-off getting together around 1pm for rehearsal, then going from there. In order for us to get at least somewhat of a rehearsal in before the game, this situation was what was arranged. We were told that we were asked by the football team to have at least a small portion of the band there to play for them, so we're doing what we can. Please feel free to let Dr. Hayward (or possibly the AD) know about your complaints. Please save any sort of snide comment you might have of the FMB for your email to her.

Warthog wrote:

FMBfan07 wrote:That can be 2 or 3 classes someone is getting pulled out of, a lot of make up to do.

Not being critical, but just asking a question here... If band is to be considered on par with other extra-curricular activities, doesn't that mean you have to miss a class here or there to meet the demands of that activity? Meaning, the demands of band include all the stuff that goes with performing for football games. If it so happens that a game is on a weekday, you should be expected, as part of your responsibilities in the band, to be there and ready to perform like every other game? To not do so, to me, is trivializing the importance of the band to the football game experience.

I know a lot of the bandies (or whatever it is you call yourselves ) took offense to some comments that were made about the band and how they are simply a secondary part of the football game experience instead of a vital cog for the fans enjoyment of the game. To me, when the band director says basically "we'll get there when we get there", she is admitting the band isn't that important to the football game experience. What do you folks think?

i was thinking someone would ask this question, in my past experience i have had some professors and instructors look at me like oh you are the band, well that class will still count as an unexcused absents. Not saying all are like that, but there are some out there who will allow the athletes to miss but doesn't like if you say you have to miss for band. That is my experience. Even when we have a letter and all.

I'm confused AND concerned. Straight and to the point. But first, let it be said I am being extremely sincere and respectful with this discussion. Too much ill-will has come out of previous band discussions, so I will make my comments and hopefully help keep this one on point and on the level.

Reasons I am confused/concerned:
The band is criticized for playing at the wrong times;
The band is criticized for lame methods of keeping fans engaged in the atmosphere;
The band, not the FMB but another school, is criticized for leaving band "paraphernalia" on the field (thank you, ESPN) ;
And most recently, the band is criticized for not adhering to their standard game-day routine.

My rationale:
I am confused because no less than a month ago, a group of students that so many claim to love were being thrown into the same fire as our beloved Falcon football team. I'm concerned because I'm not sure the people involved in the discussion, then OR now, really understand the undertaking that is a full game day for the FMB, or any marching band for that matter (lest of course, you've marched before, and to you - my apologies!).

I just wanted to use the same formatting again...:
There is a great deal of pride that marching band members across the nation have for what they do AND for their respective football programs. But, as my good friend Strouse alluded to, Marching Band is a course. The course name and number still reads MUSP 439E - Marching Band (someone correct me if that number is wrong). Even better, it is not pass/fail as some would like to believe! At times though...members of the band have to miss other courses in order to fulfill their obligations to the FMB. These absences from other courses are most likely the result of an extended roadtrip - NOT a trip across campus to the stadium for an weeknight evening game. Professors are usually more forgiving of the extended trip scenario rather than skipping class to bolt across campus for a football game....but then again, some just don't care regardless. Thankfully, I always had understanding professors!

Coincidentally, it is now November and almost Thanksgiving, which in BG means a numerous things, including- 1) the sky goes from moderately sunny to permanent gray for the next three months ; 2) the first trip home after a while for some good food and free laundry and 3) the upcoming season of Athletic Band. For those not in the know (and for those who are, you can tune out for about two seconds), Athletic Band is a 1 credit course at BGSU and plays for all hockey and basketball games. Now while making it to the hockey games are not USUALLY a problem for most members (call is usually at 6:00pm and games are on Fridays or Saturdays TYPICALLY), basketball games are another story (call is still usually 6pm, but games vary on different weeknights). If a member has a conflict, i.e. lets say MKT 300 running past the call time for A-Band, said member should find a sub for the entire game OR at least until said member can arrive.

My point behind the last two paragraphs are that when it comes to the bands supporting athletic events - Dr. Hayward's priority is clear: academics come first, but dedication to the band should not waver as a result, because as we've established already, band is a course too. But what about the music majors? Band IS their academic work! Good point, but remember - the majority of students in the FMB and/or the A-Band are NON-music majors. The call to not do the "pre-game concert" i'm sure was not an easy one to make, but I am sure it was done for a reason.

So, before considering burning me alive thanks for letting me say a few words...*looks more like a novel though :rolls:* And please remember, these guys and girls love the teams just as much as you do. Sometimes though, more like most of the time, things are out of their control. And though some of you may or may not agree, Dr. Hayward usually has the best interest of band and its members at heart.



Despite ALL of that, trust me - if I were still at BG and still a member of the FMB, I would LOVE to be out there doing a typical game day as I'm sure some of the current members would rather be doing...others, maybe not so much.....and yes, THAT would be the 5-year FMB member trapped inside wanting to get back out for one more show

GO FALCONS!!! BEAT THE BULLS!!!!

Falcon Commander wrote:

for those who like to come to the Falcon Marching Band's pre-game concert (right after the team walk-in) we won't be doing it. However, at the request of the football team, we will be having a small part of the band there to play for them as they walk into the Stadium. This is due to Dr. Hayward not wanting to take students out of class, yet still wanting a warmup period for us

A. The Team has to ASK for the band to play? I'd be asking the Team what WE can do to SUPPORT them!

B. Did the band director know this game is FRIDAY - what worthwhile student is in a 4:00 on a FRIDAY for gosh sakes?

C. Does the band director know that the football coach has asked for support from all facets of the University and Community? Would it be approporate to have some entertainment for those who do show (FMB)??

D. Does the director know this game has quite large implications on this season?

E. This is Rinky Dink !

I think it's time to think about getting someone directing this group who can take it to the next level and provide some spirit and support to the team and fans.

I'd have that band marching down Wooster St to the Doyt, Blasting
"Forward Falcons" - vibrating the windows in every house and dorm.

Let's get something GOING!! (and don't write about traffic, permits and other why 'you can't do that')

another thing - does the band director know there is an East side of the stadium? The band has never performed to that side. . . . I would want to entertain the WHOLE crowd and not just part of the audience. Isn't that part of the band's purpose?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgI-7hTZkQ

And, I think it should be stressed, the band IS going to be there... it's just not going to be doing its full-band pre-game concert after the team does it's walk.

Warthog wrote:

ZiggyZoomba wrote:Fact of the matter is, it's college, it's a Friday, some people have classes and other obligations (JOBS, Etc...)

Just an observation because I don't want to get caught up in the s**t storm this one could be , but, aren't the football players as likely to have class on a Friday afternoon?

Which brings us back to Grant's point that the real problem here is the scheduling in the first place!

Warthog wrote:Just an observation because I don't want to get caught up in the s**t storm this one could be , but, aren't the football players as likely to have class on a Friday afternoon? Think they are allowed to skip class for the game?

This is exactly what I was thinking. I agree that there is a lot of things that the band has to do to get ready for a game, and there is MORE that the players have to do. I doubt any players will be at ANY classes on Friday. They will be in a hotel Thursday night in Perrysburg or Maumee, they will arrive at the stadium, in suits, at their scheduled time and then they will continue to prepare for a football game. These STUDENT athletes don't get a free pass on the work they miss. They have to make it up just like any other student. Why can football players do this but not the band? I am coming off the wrong way here, I think...my main point is this...Players have just as much work to do as band members, if not more.

I think the band should have called the players and asked them to show up and play for all of us during most of the season.