BGfootballfan wrote:First of all I do not think the band should be replaced, just revised. Please everyone involved with the band please un-bunch the underoos.
When a band is at a band competition they can do whatever they want, but when at a football (notice lack of caps) game they should follow several rules.
1. Never under any circumstance play when BG has the ball and is at the line of scrimmage. (this did not only happen with Sweet Caroline but many other times throughout game)
Mostly true, but not as easy or black and white as you make it. Also not as big of a deal as you make it out to be.
2. Get rid of Sweet Caroline. (I understand that this is mandated by the athletic department, but maybe band members could take a vote on something else to play, and present this idea to AD, that could help motivate the team and fans for the 4th quarter.)
The band has zero voice or control of this and the timing. ASk the AD
3. Pay attention to the game. (Examples, quit trying to do the frickin wave during key 4th quarter parts of the game, Not playing the B_G_S_U song after EMU gets 8 yards on first down. Please play motivating songs at the right times.) It would alsobe nice to hear school songs after we had a big play and not see the band focused on the wave or whatever else.
It's stupid to think that you know every time the band should play. Should the fans only cheer when the team does something great, or is trying to get everyone going only for fans like you? I agree that the wave is LAME and the band shouldn't be doing it, but it isn't like they are sitting down reading magazines. It's a football game. Fans sometimes do the wave. Also remember that the band is "on" during stoppages in play. If they were thoroughly invested in every play it gets mentally draining to have no time to do anything other than have eyes forward. You can stand up and get a drink during breaks, the band doesn't have "breaks"
4. Update the playlist. Maybe some more modern music could be mixed into the playlist or things that can get someone motivated. I love the fight song, but some additional music that players may have heard of would be nice.)
Your donation to the BGSU music library can be made out to "BGSU Bands." Do you really think the PLAYERS are the only people the band should cater to? That's pretty foolish. The paying customers are over 22 most of the time and most of us know the a-team theme song and it's kind of fun to listen to.
Also - I believe you have to get permission from the publisher to arrange the piece for marching band and perform it. Those fees were around 3-500 bucks a tune or you can buy a song (The FMB needs to buy multiple copies of the same song to have enough original parts for each member.) Think about $120 - $210 per tune.
It doesn't make sense to keep playing whatever boy band is on the radio so you can hear something "current." Also a lot of the current stuff is very difficult to arrange for a marching band. Overly simple music doesn't always work. Try to arrange Gold Digger by Kanye West for Marching Band. You can't do it justice. Bands try to acquire more timeless pieces due to financial necessity. Feel free to make a donation if you want more music in their hands. Oh, and be prepared for the walking toilets to have a few extra hours of practice to get the new tunes down.
5. This has nothing to do with the band but the cannon on kick offs is complete bush league and needs to be stopped instantly. The robotic PA announcer must go as well.(What is Dave Horger doing?, he would be perfect)
Agreed 100% on all counts
6. Realize band members, halftime is for you, your moment in the sun, please do whatever during this time. I enjoy your halftime shows, please keep them up and remember to save the dramatic for this time and focus on the right time to play during games.
You have no clue what a marching band is supposed to do. You shouldn't even speak of it in public. Seriously. Next time, find a local band director and ask him or her before you speak.
Ugh - please remember that a 200+ piece ensemble isn't a radio or a CD player and they can't have any song ready at any opportunity with a few seconds' notice. They also can't play for every moment which might be big, and it's not a good thing to sit there in silence for a quarter if nothing is happening.
I do not think band members are the equivalent of toilets, it was just an example I was using after the terrible performance by everyone involved during saturdays performance. The only thing about saturday that did not let me down was the urinal that happened to flush correctly. And, if it makes you feel any better, I think the band is doing a much better job then our current coaching staff. I will no longer disrespect the falcon marching band, but please take my comments as constructive criticism(many feel the same as me).
Some of your criticism of "the band" is completely short-sighted. Some is outright stupid. The only valid things you say are that they shouldn't play when we have the ball. That may be a MAC rule, but I don't think it is an NCAA rule, and if the players or coach has a problem, let them talk about it, not you.
The rest of your comments are personal opinion and hold no more weight than any other fan. Your opinion is not law, and I would be willing to bet you are in the minority.
You DID compare the band to flush toilets. It was completely out of line. They are FAR more than an accessory to the game. They enhance the experience. Most of all, they are human beings, and I don't care if it is the PA guy, the Cheerleaders, the water boy, or the guy who combs the fake turf, they mean more than a flush toilet. It shouldn't have taken all these people jumping on you to get a little more moderate in your tone. You do still owe the band an apology.
Inventor of the Clusterf**k and Shoot offense.
