Ohio University's Band

transfer2BGSU · Post by **transfer2BGSU** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:37 am

MatrixBass3 wrote:I simply do not understand how any self-respecting musician could go out on the field and dance and be content with themself. I know that the few times we had been asked to do something of that nature in the FMB I was ultimately humiliated...If I wanted to see people dance, then I'd go to an afro-carribean ensemble concert or the ballet.

I saw some of the FMB pre-game show at Perry Field House and was wondering if the show was ever going to begin. However, I must admit that I did like seeing the twirlers out there doing individual routines while the band was doing whatever it was they were doing.

Metz · Post by **Metz** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:50 am

transfer2BGSU wrote:I saw some of the FMB pre-game show at Perry Field House and was wondering if the show was ever going to begin. However, I must admit that I did like seeing the twirlers out there doing individual routines while the band was doing whatever it was they were doing.[/color]

Those are called cadences. Every band has them and almost every band has motions for them. Ours here at BG have been traditions for a long time and are not "dancing."

110TrumpetAlum · Post by **110TrumpetAlum** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:53 pm

I have never seen the BG Marching Band so I won't compare the two bands at all. It probably is like comparing apples and oranges (green apples of course).

I'm a recent graduate (03) of OU, and marched in the 110 (trumpet) for 3 years. I was also a music education major in the OU School of music.

A lot of people on this board are making the wrong assumption that the OU band is only in it for the excitement and entertainment factor, and that the members don't care about musicianship. That's just plain wrong.

This may not have been the case in the 110's past, but for the last 10 years (under the direction of Dr. Richard Suk), music comes first for the 110. The band has a very high level of musicianship, and works very hard to perfect the music for each show. They understand without perfect music execution (yes this includes dynamics), it's not a good band. Each section of the band has a music sectional every day before the 2 hour full-band rehearsal, they also have a sectional one evening a week. If you listened to the 110 warm up with their standard chorale "Salvation is Created," the high musicianship would become abundantly clear.

The band generally covers a wide range of musical styles throughout the season, including a ballad each show. The BG game wasn't the best example of this, since they had to do a shortened show so the alumni could march. The alumni rehearsed their song for about 15 minutes on Saturday morning, and then spent only an short amount of time working on music and the dance after the parade, so naturally, the musicianship wasn't as high as the 110's. However, the alumni wait all year for homecoming to re-live the exhiliration and pride that is being in the band.

The other thing I want to set straight is to speak to the amount of pride and dedication that the OU band members exhibit. Just like most college bands, the 110 is a tight, disciplined organization that prides itself on striving for flawless execution of their style. Each band member loves the school and the band with every ounce of their body. That's where the 110 comes in. Each member gives 110% effort during each rehearsal and performance. Nothing less is acceptable. I understand that not everyone likes the style, which is fine, but I just want to speak to the amount of time and dedication the band members put towards each performance. Band members put in about 30 hours each week toward rehearsals and performances. It may come off looking like a big party during the dances, but know that each motion is perfectly timed and rehearsed a thousand times.

Please understand that the kids in the OU band give their life to the band, and probably have a lot in common with the BG band members. Don't discount their effort, or their musicianship. The alumni...now that's a different story.

able1 · Post by **able1** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:04 pm

"under the direction of Dr. Richard Suk"

Rightupinthere · Post by **Rightupinthere** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:19 pm

able1 wrote:"under the direction of Dr. Richard Suk"

I'm trying to type through tears. Thanks for the amazing gufaw, Jason.

I believe the correct pronounciation is Sook.

Not seeing the 110 for 12 years must be too long. I will have to take them in some time. If everything I'm hearing from our OU friends is true, then I should judge for myself.

It's difficult to get over my previous experiences with the 110.

FliccGirl · Post by **FliccGirl** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 5:08 pm

110TrumpetAlum: As I still haven't seen the OUMB, I still can't give my an educated opinion of them.... but I was glad to read your post. From the way Rightupinthere and able1 were describing their memories of the 110, my (uneducated) opinion wasn't getting to be so good... and I hate having bad opinions of people. So thank you for renewing my faith in bandkind!

(edit: Oh and I just caught the joke about apples and oranges... it made me laugh.)

jg4242 · Post by **jg4242** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:55 pm

Wow, it's great to see a solid discussion like this again!!

Anyway, I have had the opportunity to perform with the 110 and sit in on rehearsals with the FMB. From what I have seen/heard of both groups, claiming that one is better than the other is, quite frankly, juvenile. The 110 is a very entertaining group to me personally, and I have no doubt as to their dedication to what they are doing.

The FMB is miles ahead of the 110 from a PURELY MUSICAL STANDPOINT!! The FMB has (from listening to many, many recordings) one of the most balanced, best blended sounds in the country (my informed opinion). To me, it is very pleasant to listen to. Of course, in being a resident of BG, I am biased in this opinion. The 110, on the other hand, has a louder, more in-your-face sound that grabs the audience's attention while at the same time peeling the paint off the wall. Pure volume is important in an outdoor ensemble like a marching band. The 110 also uses a much more physically demanding style of marching than the FMB does. The charted drill is not as intricate, but that is because the traditional (high-step) style is not as flexible as corps-style is.

I DO have a problem in saying that the 110 is the "best in the MAC". This is simply not the case. To me, both the FMB and the Western Michigan band immediately come to mind. Also, no MAC band has been awarded the Sudler Trophy

, which is considered to be the highest honor achievable by a college marching band.

I also have a problem with the belief that marching bands exist solely for the entertainment of football fans. This may be the case in Texas, but not here. Marching bands, (or any performance group) exist as a service to their community. This is more easily observed in a HS band than a collegiate band. Here at BGHS, the most important thing is how we represent the school to the Bowling Green community. We represent ourselves personally at football games, our school at parades, our community at the band festivals we participate in, and even our country in our international appearances.

In closing, saying that the FMB is better than the 110 is not true, and vice-versa. OK, I'm done ranting.

FalconBGFan · Post by **FalconBGFan** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 1:36 pm

Unfortunately, since Sudler Trophy recipiants are chosen through the votes of NCAA band directors, MAC bands dont' have as great of a chance to be awarded because of lack of national exposure. National exposure for colleges is generally dependent on the success of their sports teams.

I would love to see any MAC band win this award.

Well, except Miami. HATE Miami.

Metz · Post by **Metz** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 1:40 am

FalconBGFan wrote: I would love to see any MAC band win this award.

Well, except Miami. HATE Miami.

I don't think anyone on this board could disagree with anything I just quoted you on

redhawkforlife · Post by **redhawkforlife** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:37 am

OK, so why hate Miami? The band or the school? Cause I guess it matters. This OU 110 thread was very interesting. At least BG and OU can have discussions about it, Miami and OU bands are on the equivalent of probation. We don't go there, they don't come to Miami. I would like to see that rectified in my lifetime (I have a lot to go). I don't think the past problems are there anymore. If you ask a member, they probably wouldn't know what you were talking about. It has been such a long time, I don't think any brawls would ensue.

Whoever said comparing is like apples and oranges is right. But I do understand the musicality points. You can compare Miami and BG's band. Very similar style and size. I think Miami may be a little bigger. Anyway, this thread is dead, I just thought I would chime in.

Metz · Post by **Metz** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 12:25 pm

redhawkforlife wrote:OK, so why hate Miami? The band or the school? Cause I guess it matters.

The school of course! I can't like Miami after last season and I don't think any BG fan could. Although, seeing you beat turdledo I did like...but only for a few minutes

Miami's band is alright though. I got to meet a lot of them at the MACC last year and except for the one who was killing the Freddie stuffed animal, they were all cool.

baritonebandgeek · Post by **baritonebandgeek** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 3:50 pm

jg4242 wrote: The FMB is miles ahead of the 110 from a PURELY MUSICAL STANDPOINT!! The FMB has (from listening to many, many recordings) one of the most balanced, best blended sounds in the country (my informed opinion). To me, it is very pleasant to listen to. Of course, in being a resident of BG, I am biased in this opinion. The 110, on the other hand, has a louder, more in-your-face sound that grabs the audience's attention while at the same time peeling the paint off the wall. Pure volume is important in an outdoor ensemble like a marching band.

Well, as far as peeling paint off the walls goes, I'd say the FMB took care of business on that this season, especially with Bohemian Rhapsody!

momtartin · Post by **momtartin** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 4:21 pm

You know, even though I'm not in the FMB anymore, I still read this thread, and have a few things to say. While I haven't seen the OU band, from what you describe, my HS band was somewhat similar to them, but at the same time we were similar to the FMB as well. Hudson High School has over 300 members in their marching band, and I was in it for all 4 years. We not only marched well, but we were loud, and focussed on Music as well, similar to the FMB, not that the OU band doesn't do that either. And we always got a standing ovation, and in fact, for the first 2 or 3 years of HS, people only came to the football game to see the band, which really says something. We were hardcore marchers, and had some great looking drills, like the FMB.

However, during our 2nd and last songs for every show we were encouraged to dance and go crazy, to get the crowd into it, basically as my band director said "nobody wants to watch someone with stick up their butt.". We even did an actual dance with moves and everything for the final song. From what it sounds like, the OU band is similar in that aspect. Now I'm not saying that BG doesn't entertain, and OU doesn't focus on marching, I'm just saying that it IS possible to have a band that dances, marches, and plays GOOD music.

So one band isn't better than the other. Personally, I would have liked to see more of the dancing in the FMB, but the style just didn't allow for it. 110 people won't make the sound that 200 or whatever the FMB is now will, so they follow their own traditions to make up for that, which is cool. Each band has its style, and one is not better than the other.

Ohio University's Band

For the record...

Sudler Award

Re: Sudler Award