FMB to play at BOA event in Indianapolis!

[jg4242]

If we're going to use your logic, then it's safe to assume that HuTo era marchers were tainted by the attitude of Dr. Rohr, and that noncommital Dr. Rohr era marchers were a result of Chief's poor leadership. Forgive me if my directors are out of order, but I'm still able to make my point.

Except that's not my logic. I'm not blaming anything on the leadership or attitude of the previous directors. I'm saying that a few members of the band who were older students during the director change got upset because things changed or because they disagreed with the new director. I'm not saying that there were many of them, and I'm certainly NOT saying that the problems we have are Dr. Toney's (or Dr. Rohr's, nor Mr. Kelly's) fault. I said that a few people (I wouldn't know who, I wasn't there) were upset during the switch, and their attitudes have proven contagious and were spread on to some of the current members. Therefore, it IS our responsibility as current members to correct it. I'm not shifting the blame or denying responsibility; I'm merely trying to shed light on the original source of SOME of our problems so they can be taken care of in an expedient manner. Also, I'm not saying that the contagious bad attitude effect is the ONLY reason the FMB is experiencing attitude problems. Some of the current members came in here with attitude problems, and they alone are responsible for their actions. And, Shakeatailfeather, you're right. I can only control myself when I get on the field. And believe me, I know just how contagious an attitude can be, good or bad.

[SaxyIrishTenor]

If we're going to use your logic, then it's safe to assume that HuTo era marchers were tainted by the attitude of Dr. Rohr, and that noncommital Dr. Rohr era marchers were a result of Chief's poor leadership. Forgive me if my directors are out of order, but I'm still able to make my point.

Except that's not my logic. I'm not blaming anything on the leadership or attitude of the previous directors. I'm saying that a few members of the band who were older students during the director change got upset because things changed or because they disagreed with the new director. I'm not saying that there were many of them, and I'm certainly NOT saying that the problems we have are Dr. Toney's (or Dr. Rohr's, nor Mr. Kelly's) fault. I said that a few people (I wouldn't know who, I wasn't there) were upset during the switch, and their attitudes have proven contagious and were spread on to some of the current members. Therefore, it IS our responsibility as current members to correct it.

And I am saying that you are wrong, flat out wrong.

Plus that comment was directed more towards Niz.

[goofyeuph]

I've been reading this thread closely, just havn't said much. I really don't have much to add, other than I pretty much agree with shakeatailfeather, Saxy, Metz, and the other vets/alumni from my era.

Niz, as one of your best buddies, the guy who taught you how to march in this band, AND and two year HuTo Vet, I'm slightly offended. Sometimes it's best to remember exactly who it is that you're talking to/about.

Were the attitudes bad in the band during the Dr. Toney era? Some were, some weren't. Are the attitudes bad under the Dr. Hayward era? Some are, some aren't. Were attitudes of the Rohr, Jackson, Kelly et al era's bad? I'm sure some were and some weren't. My point it that it's impossible to please everyone, especially one as passionate and spirited as the FMB. If you're concerned about the attitudes of those around you, the best thing you can do is do what you can to make their experience as much of a possitive one as possible. If you're in a leadership position (which would include vets, as you lead by example) here's a pearl of wisdom to consider: "Attitude reflects Leadership".

As far as how "good" the FMB is. I will preface this by saying that I have not seen nor heard the FMB anywhere near as much as I'd like since leaving BGSU. The band is good. Not great, not outstanding, but a good, solid "Good". However, the band is nowhere near as good as it should be. The band is nowhere near as good as it could be. Why? A difficult question to answer, but here's my $.02. Some of it comes from the overall attitude of the band. Some of it is music choice. Some of it comes from music performance. Some of it is the drill, and the execution of said drill. There is always room for improvement. I don't care who you are, you can always get better. I think what aggravates most of us is that improvement isn't always there. One show will be fantastic, and the next will "ehh..." I've said several times that blame for that is squarely on BOTH the band, AND the professional leadership.

Well, at this point I've either said too much, or not enough. If I didn't have to be up at 4:30, I'd try and make more sense. But, since I do have to be up at 4:30, I'm going to leave it at this. Good night All.

~Goofy

[jg4242]

My point it that it's impossible to please everyone, especially one as passionate and spirited as the FMB. If you're concerned about the attitudes of those around you, the best thing you can do is do what you can to make their experience as much of a possitive one as possible. If you're in a leadership position (which would include vets, as you lead by example) here's a pearl of wisdom to consider: "Attitude reflects Leadership".

You are absolutely right. We do lead by example, and coming in every day and being a positive role model is the BEST way to improve the band. I also find it useful, however, to try to dig down and root out the causes of bad attitudes. Since attitude reflects leadership, it is useful to know what is causing the bad attitudes so that I can look at myself as a leader and say "Do I need to do something differently in order to be a more effective leader?". It is also important to try to understand the root causes of bad attitude because it is tremendously helpful should you ever end up in a confrontational situation with an attitude problem. Understanding why they are acting out can help lead you to a solution that will resolve the problem.

[Shakeatailfeather04]

I'm saying that a few members of the band who were older students during the director change got upset because things changed or because they disagreed with the new director.

I laughed out loud when I read that. If you had marched under Dr. T (who, like RUIT said, was a good guy and a talented musician, but not a marching band director) you would know that pretty much any and all changes from his time with the FMB would be welcomed. There was some complaining during the change, but it came from people who were pissed that now they had to be accountable for their actions- Dr. H wasn't going to let anyone leave practice early, skip games, be lazy in general, etc. Those are positive changes, at least in my humble opinion.

It's not helpful to try to "get to root of the attitude problem" when you are mostly speculating and pretty much coming up with nothing. If you have a positive attitude and work hard everyday, I promise that it will make a difference.

And while the FMB is not perfect, and I'm certainly no longer a member, I would venture to guess that the attitude of the membership has dramatically improved since Dr. H's arrival- the quality certainly has. Again, to quote RUIT, it seems that mountains are being made of Morrie-holes. (Please tell me you know who Morrie is?!)

[tubachic]

As part of the mid-90's Forward By Fives "Cynical Back Row", I can honestly say that sometimes attitude DOES NOT reflect performance. I marched the hell out of the "block football player kicks ball(trumpets) through goal post" drill. I was a vet, unhappy about sucky drill and I was vocal about my unhappiness. I think I was unhappy because of my deep loyalty to the FMB and my wish to march a kick-ass halftime show.

Hey, I suffered through Sparks' recycled Maryland drills my Freshman year, flash paper on the inside of my sousaphone bell(along with detachable switch), and the switch from ankle-knee to chair step. I LOVED marching band(I have only missed 1 alumni band in 10 years) and sometimes I get carried away during the Alma Mater at Homecoming. BUT I wasn't the smiling ass-kissing band member AND I was a great contribution to the FMB.

just my 2 cents(hey are my 2 cents bursarable?)

Oh.......and bringing back BUFFO wouldn't hurt

PERCS AND MAGGOTS ARE EXTEMPORANEOUS

[The Niz]

I've been reading this thread closely, just havn't said much. I really don't have much to add, other than I pretty much agree with shakeatailfeather, Saxy, Metz, and the other vets/alumni from my era.

Niz, as one of your best buddies, the guy who taught you how to march in this band, AND and two year HuTo Vet, I'm slightly offended. Sometimes it's best to remember exactly who it is that you're talking to/about.

Were the attitudes bad in the band during the Dr. Toney era? Some were, some weren't. Are the attitudes bad under the Dr. Hayward era? Some are, some aren't. Were attitudes of the Rohr, Jackson, Kelly et al era's bad? I'm sure some were and some weren't. My point it that it's impossible to please everyone, especially one as passionate and spirited as the FMB. If you're concerned about the attitudes of those around you, the best thing you can do is do what you can to make their experience as much of a possitive one as possible. If you're in a leadership position (which would include vets, as you lead by example) here's a pearl of wisdom to consider: "Attitude reflects Leadership".

As far as how "good" the FMB is. I will preface this by saying that I have not seen nor heard the FMB anywhere near as much as I'd like since leaving BGSU. The band is good. Not great, not outstanding, but a good, solid "Good". However, the band is nowhere near as good as it should be. The band is nowhere near as good as it could be. Why? A difficult question to answer, but here's my $.02. Some of it comes from the overall attitude of the band. Some of it is music choice. Some of it comes from music performance. Some of it is the drill, and the execution of said drill. There is always room for improvement. I don't care who you are, you can always get better. I think what aggravates most of us is that improvement isn't always there. One show will be fantastic, and the next will "ehh..." I've said several times that blame for that is squarely on BOTH the band, AND the professional leadership.

Well, at this point I've either said too much, or not enough. If I didn't have to be up at 4:30, I'd try and make more sense. But, since I do have to be up at 4:30, I'm going to leave it at this. Good night All.

~Goofy

Goofy, you and I have discussed at length, exactly what I'm trying to say. I'm sorry you've taken offense, but I'm being misinterpereted here.

Things are being taken out of the context they were meant to be in. Let me try and explain what I have observed one more time; When I first came here, there were a few distinct members of the band who were obvious problem children. These particular people's problems stemmed from the issues they had with the band before Dr. Hayward, and the problems their leaders had before them. I guess it is wrong to say that these few people were upset because of Huto, because really the problem probably extends all the way back to Rohr.

You all are right, many of us don't have the time put in or the experience you do with the band, but we do know how the band works from day to day nowthat we're here, and all we can do is tell you what's happeneing.

Anyone who wants to see how resposible I am for my own personal rehearsal time and attitude is welcome to observe me, and the way it affects my entire section.

[SaxyIrishTenor]

I'm saying that a few members of the band who were older students during the director change got upset because things changed or because they disagreed with the new director.

I laughed out loud when I read that. If you had marched under Dr. T (who, like RUIT said, was a good guy and a talented musician, but not a marching band director) you would know that pretty much any and all changes from his time with the FMB would be welcomed. There was some complaining during the change, but it came from people who were pissed that now they had to be accountable for their actions- Dr. H wasn't going to let anyone leave practice early, skip games, be lazy in general, etc. Those are positive changes, at least in my humble opinion.

It's not helpful to try to "get to root of the attitude problem" when you are mostly speculating and pretty much coming up with nothing. If you have a positive attitude and work hard everyday, I promise that it will make a difference.

And while the FMB is not perfect, and I'm certainly no longer a member, I would venture to guess that the attitude of the membership has dramatically improved since Dr. H's arrival- the quality certainly has. Again, to quote RUIT, it seems that mountains are being made of Morrie-holes. (Please tell me you know who Morrie is?!)

First off, I agree with everything you said. The people who never marched under HuTo don't truly understand the "changes" that took place, and probably don't accurately understand the attitudes about the change. It's laughable.

And secondly, it is with sadness in my heart that I must inform you of Morrie's probable passing. His presence has been lacking on the band field for quite some time, and it is safe to say that he is no longer with us.

[goofyeuph]

(Please tell me you know who Morrie is?!)

I'm sorry. I either forget, or never really knew. I'm somewhat embarrassed to ask.

[Shakeatailfeather04]

Aw, it's okay. I'm just sorry that you never had the joy of knowing him. Morrie is (was?!) the beloved groundhog that inhabited the marching field, showing us his admiration and affection in the form of multiple treacherous holes in the ground. I never personally saw him, but his love was always a constant during practice. One section, the trumpets I believe, so loved Morrie that they immortalized him on their section t-shirt.

Poor Morrie. I can only hope that one of his groundhog buddies can pick up where he left off.

[SaxyIrishTenor]

Aw, it's okay. I'm just sorry that you never had the joy of knowing him. Morrie is (was?!) the beloved groundhog that inhabited the marching field, showing us his admiration and affection in the form of multiple treacherous holes in the ground. I never personally saw him, but his love was always a constant during practice. One section, the trumpets I believe, so loved Morrie that they immortalized him on their section t-shirt.

Poor Morrie. I can only hope that one of his groundhog buddies can pick up where he left off.

He kind of disappeared after my sophomore year, so you should have seen him Goofy.

[Metz]

He's back. There's holes all over under the tower.

[realmenskip]

He's back. There's holes all over under the tower.

MmmMmMm...groundhog stew anyone?

[The Niz]

At the civil war museum/fair they had in early summer, they were serving rotisserie gopher. I t was a little greasy, but basically tasted like roast beef. I would eat it again if I had the chance.

[BGMello04]

Attitudes and discussion of quality aside, having been away from the band for two years now I'm excited to see what you guys put on the field at BOA. I'm working with Bellbrook HS's Marching Band and will definitely be in attendance along with some BG Alums. Go Band!