Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
What Makes a Great Marching Band pt.2
We are specifically talking about college bands.It is difficult to compare college marching bands,but not impossible.One of the most important factors is definitely volume.It doesn`t matter how great your music is, if it can`t be heard. Also, volume is a critical factor in your ability to support the team.Now volume is sometimes dictated by the size of your brass section, but volume is also the result of working harder.Loudness only comes by giving maximum effort at every practice.So volume and support of the team are two factors in achieving greatness.A definite commitment to excellence is necessary throughout the entire organization.Tradition is something that can create greatness.The Script Ohio is a good example.
Certainly entertainment value (although very subjective) is important.Do people hurry to the stadium so they don`t miss the pregame show? Do people stay in their seats at halftime to watch the band? Every major college band plays different halftime shows for every home game,even The Leland Stanford Jr. University Marching Band!
I really thought the culture in Tucson was changing in regards to big time college football.This is a college town, that`s part of the cause of our frustration with this team.Every year unrealistic expectations are built up by the local media,but being the biggest show in town should be a great selling point for recruiting.The Monday after The Stanford Game,The POA should have been lined up between Mckale and the football practice field playing Bear Down, and letting the team know that they were still behind them.That might have lessened the feeling of impending doom in the stadium that Saturday Night against USC!
There is such a fatalistic approach to Arizona Football that it almost becomes self-fulfilling prophecy. A different mindset maybe the only difference between a 10-2 season and the 7-5 debacle of 2010.Maybe I am crazy,but if people are interested in seeing the POA pregame show,then the crowd and team aren`t flat like they were against OSU,USC & ASU!
After the tragic end to the season there isn`t likely to be a large contingent heading to The Alamo Bowl either,which could damage Arizona`s future bowl options.There is no substitute for enthusiasm,and The POA is one of the most important potential suppliers.
It starts with an exciting entrance to the stadium and continues through a traditional pregame show culminating with a rousing rendition of The National Anthem!Now the crowd,band and team are ready! Then a different, entertaining halftime show, and a postgame concert after the game! It is unacceptable at this level to not play a pregame,a Star Spangled Banner, and to only do one halftime show all season!It is also insulting to be told at every game that this is one of the five best bands in the nation.It simply isn`t true,and in the case of the ASU Game,The POA was only the second best band in the stadium.
Then for both marching bands to march and play their field shows after the game for a few dozen fans was absurd! For myself, The ASUSDMB show was pure bliss. If I was a high school Senior it would be an easy choice,but then again there probably weren`t any high school Seniors there.It is a mystery to me why neither band played a pregame, and only played abbreviated shows at halftime in front of 57,000.It is also a mystery to me how both bands had so much energy after the double overtime game?
Certainly entertainment value (although very subjective) is important.Do people hurry to the stadium so they don`t miss the pregame show? Do people stay in their seats at halftime to watch the band? Every major college band plays different halftime shows for every home game,even The Leland Stanford Jr. University Marching Band!
I really thought the culture in Tucson was changing in regards to big time college football.This is a college town, that`s part of the cause of our frustration with this team.Every year unrealistic expectations are built up by the local media,but being the biggest show in town should be a great selling point for recruiting.The Monday after The Stanford Game,The POA should have been lined up between Mckale and the football practice field playing Bear Down, and letting the team know that they were still behind them.That might have lessened the feeling of impending doom in the stadium that Saturday Night against USC!
There is such a fatalistic approach to Arizona Football that it almost becomes self-fulfilling prophecy. A different mindset maybe the only difference between a 10-2 season and the 7-5 debacle of 2010.Maybe I am crazy,but if people are interested in seeing the POA pregame show,then the crowd and team aren`t flat like they were against OSU,USC & ASU!
After the tragic end to the season there isn`t likely to be a large contingent heading to The Alamo Bowl either,which could damage Arizona`s future bowl options.There is no substitute for enthusiasm,and The POA is one of the most important potential suppliers.
It starts with an exciting entrance to the stadium and continues through a traditional pregame show culminating with a rousing rendition of The National Anthem!Now the crowd,band and team are ready! Then a different, entertaining halftime show, and a postgame concert after the game! It is unacceptable at this level to not play a pregame,a Star Spangled Banner, and to only do one halftime show all season!It is also insulting to be told at every game that this is one of the five best bands in the nation.It simply isn`t true,and in the case of the ASU Game,The POA was only the second best band in the stadium.
Then for both marching bands to march and play their field shows after the game for a few dozen fans was absurd! For myself, The ASUSDMB show was pure bliss. If I was a high school Senior it would be an easy choice,but then again there probably weren`t any high school Seniors there.It is a mystery to me why neither band played a pregame, and only played abbreviated shows at halftime in front of 57,000.It is also a mystery to me how both bands had so much energy after the double overtime game?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Most Amazing Night
I have to thank The Pride of Arizona for one of the most entertaining nights I`ve ever experienced at a college football game.Last night,12/2/2010,The POA and The ASU Sun Devil Band played a 25 minute postgame exibition.This was a 25 minute slice of heaven for a marching band fanatic like myself,especially the 11 minutes of The ASUSDB.This band kicks butt!!I had seen this show on Youtube but there is nothing like having that volume live and in your face!
The POA also was very impressive.
This event was incredible for the 500 fans,police and security people that witnessed it.What I don`t understand is, why 57,000 people didn`t get to see this?
When I arrived at Arizona Stadium 40 minutes before game time, The ASUSDB was already in their seats.The POA arrived 22 minutes before kickoff and ran to their lines for the team tunnel.Once again,there was no pregame show or National Anthem by The POA.When will Arizona join major college football and have both bands play a pregame show?
The POA also was very impressive.
This event was incredible for the 500 fans,police and security people that witnessed it.What I don`t understand is, why 57,000 people didn`t get to see this?
When I arrived at Arizona Stadium 40 minutes before game time, The ASUSDB was already in their seats.The POA arrived 22 minutes before kickoff and ran to their lines for the team tunnel.Once again,there was no pregame show or National Anthem by The POA.When will Arizona join major college football and have both bands play a pregame show?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Things The U of A Band needs to do
1) Play The Star Spangled Banner
2) Come up with an exciting pregame entrance and a cool signature move.
3) Reach out to Alumni, and parents,and local businesses to form the base of a strong booster club.
4)Have at least a pep band presence at Cal,Stanford,USC,& UCLA games.
5)Offer seminars to local high school band directors,help them with their drill,guard and drum lines.In other words a pipeline for recruiting especially drums and brass.
6) Find someone to be a full time arranger.
7) Embrace the historical and cultural diversity of Tucson.
8) Sit in the north end zone, so you don`t have to dash across the field after the tunnel for the team.
9) If you insist on having soloists,they should be miked.
10) Play a different show at every home game
11) Coordinate the drums with the cheerleaders at least on DEE-Fence chants.
12) Be ready to play the fight song when the team comes out for the second half!
The marching band should be one of the best revenue generaters on campus.Every campus related activity should be willing to pay the band to appear at their events.The band should be the most spirited group on campus,so the athletic department will choose to give the band travel money.Imagine going to the NCAA Playoffs without the pep band.The football team should feel the same way about away games.The USC Band has had a presence at every game , home and away since 1987!
The U of A is the only game in town! The Pride of Arizona should be a huge source of pride for this entire community!
2) Come up with an exciting pregame entrance and a cool signature move.
3) Reach out to Alumni, and parents,and local businesses to form the base of a strong booster club.
4)Have at least a pep band presence at Cal,Stanford,USC,& UCLA games.
5)Offer seminars to local high school band directors,help them with their drill,guard and drum lines.In other words a pipeline for recruiting especially drums and brass.
6) Find someone to be a full time arranger.
7) Embrace the historical and cultural diversity of Tucson.
8) Sit in the north end zone, so you don`t have to dash across the field after the tunnel for the team.
9) If you insist on having soloists,they should be miked.
10) Play a different show at every home game
11) Coordinate the drums with the cheerleaders at least on DEE-Fence chants.
12) Be ready to play the fight song when the team comes out for the second half!
The marching band should be one of the best revenue generaters on campus.Every campus related activity should be willing to pay the band to appear at their events.The band should be the most spirited group on campus,so the athletic department will choose to give the band travel money.Imagine going to the NCAA Playoffs without the pep band.The football team should feel the same way about away games.The USC Band has had a presence at every game , home and away since 1987!
The U of A is the only game in town! The Pride of Arizona should be a huge source of pride for this entire community!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Reason I Missed Band Day
October 30, 2010 was Homecoming at The University of Southern California,and a 40-year anniversary of Arthur C.Bartner becoming band director.So I had the opportunity to go to Los Angeles and participate in a 500+ piece alumni band.
We gathered on campus at 9:00am for rehearsal.Music for halftime and post-game was available earlier in the month,and down loadable,but we didn`t know which songs we were doing for halftime.As it turned out,we played "Tribute To Troy" marching on the field into all three choruses of "Fight On!" Now we march with a Big Ten Style High-Step,so these two songs, playing, and marching is pretty grueling for us old codgers! Then we played "Sing,Sing,Sing," "Tusk," & "Conquest," before we quick stepped off the field.So after a two hour practice,I went to my vehicle to grab my camera and proceeded to walk around the entire campus, taking pictures of all the new buildings.
Now there is something very special about USC on Game Day.The Campus only allows vehicles on the perimeter,and the vast majority is only open to foot traffic,set up to be very park-like.So about 50,00 people tailgate(more like picnic) all over campus until the marching band comes by, to lead everyone to The Coliseum.There was an amazing spread set up for band alumni.
Kickoff was not until 5:00pm,so there was tons of time to eat and socialize.We stepped off for the march to The Coliseum around 3:30pm.What a blast it was,marching to the stadium!!So we entered the stadium at the peristyle entrance (the arches under the Olympic Torch) and marched down the stairs,to field level, where we stowed our instruments until halftime.Then we took our seats to watch the current band play pregame.
A week earlier I attended The U of A`s Homecoming.I was really shocked when The Pride of Arizona didn`t play a pregame show.I know that if I was back at Homecoming,pregame would be one of the main attractions.I already knew that The U of A Band never does The National Anthem,which I find appalling,but why wouldn`t they do pregame? So at halftime they did their pregame show,and there was no alumni band.
So back to USC,we take our seats and watch the band play a 12 minute pregame show,complete with "America the Beautiful," and "The Star Spangled Banner."
There isn`t a cloud in the sky,and over 90,000 people are ready to give The #1 Ranked Ducks a bad time.
Just before halftime,the alumni band makes its way to the floor of the stadium to grab our instruments and prepare to take the field.First the current band goes on and plays a couple songs,then we take the field to do our 5 songs with them.It is hard to describe how great the rush is,being out there.It is so much fun and goes by really quickly.It seems like as soon as we are out there,we quickstep off the field and it is over.
For awhile in the 3rd quarter, it actually looks like we might pull off the upset.But even after the disappointing end to the game,several thousand people gathered to hear the band play a post game concert.So the final hurrah for the alumni band is the post game concert of about 8 songs.So around 10:00pm I made it back to my vehicle,thoroughly spent, but what a great day!!
We gathered on campus at 9:00am for rehearsal.Music for halftime and post-game was available earlier in the month,and down loadable,but we didn`t know which songs we were doing for halftime.As it turned out,we played "Tribute To Troy" marching on the field into all three choruses of "Fight On!" Now we march with a Big Ten Style High-Step,so these two songs, playing, and marching is pretty grueling for us old codgers! Then we played "Sing,Sing,Sing," "Tusk," & "Conquest," before we quick stepped off the field.So after a two hour practice,I went to my vehicle to grab my camera and proceeded to walk around the entire campus, taking pictures of all the new buildings.
Now there is something very special about USC on Game Day.The Campus only allows vehicles on the perimeter,and the vast majority is only open to foot traffic,set up to be very park-like.So about 50,00 people tailgate(more like picnic) all over campus until the marching band comes by, to lead everyone to The Coliseum.There was an amazing spread set up for band alumni.
Kickoff was not until 5:00pm,so there was tons of time to eat and socialize.We stepped off for the march to The Coliseum around 3:30pm.What a blast it was,marching to the stadium!!So we entered the stadium at the peristyle entrance (the arches under the Olympic Torch) and marched down the stairs,to field level, where we stowed our instruments until halftime.Then we took our seats to watch the current band play pregame.
A week earlier I attended The U of A`s Homecoming.I was really shocked when The Pride of Arizona didn`t play a pregame show.I know that if I was back at Homecoming,pregame would be one of the main attractions.I already knew that The U of A Band never does The National Anthem,which I find appalling,but why wouldn`t they do pregame? So at halftime they did their pregame show,and there was no alumni band.
So back to USC,we take our seats and watch the band play a 12 minute pregame show,complete with "America the Beautiful," and "The Star Spangled Banner."
There isn`t a cloud in the sky,and over 90,000 people are ready to give The #1 Ranked Ducks a bad time.
Just before halftime,the alumni band makes its way to the floor of the stadium to grab our instruments and prepare to take the field.First the current band goes on and plays a couple songs,then we take the field to do our 5 songs with them.It is hard to describe how great the rush is,being out there.It is so much fun and goes by really quickly.It seems like as soon as we are out there,we quickstep off the field and it is over.
For awhile in the 3rd quarter, it actually looks like we might pull off the upset.But even after the disappointing end to the game,several thousand people gathered to hear the band play a post game concert.So the final hurrah for the alumni band is the post game concert of about 8 songs.So around 10:00pm I made it back to my vehicle,thoroughly spent, but what a great day!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Game of the Week,Sabino @ Catalina Foothills,10/08/2010
Last Friday I went to my favorite local football venue,Catalina Foothills,to get my first live look at The Sabino High School Band and the first performance of the entire Foothills Show.
The Sabino Band does some excellent things.I love the all-brass approach,and have often wondered why more marching bands don`t do it.The use of electronics is very nicely integrated with the ensemble and I really like the proper use of tonal bass drums.
With a small band,when the brass players start spreading out,they really are on an island,and very exposed,so they need to play with the same confidence,as when they are in close ranks.Also,if the brass players crescendo slightly on long notes through the full value of the note,it will provide more "drive" to the sound and avoid a "tired" sound from notes not held for their full length.When this band packs together in the stands,it sounds great!!Overall,this is a very enjoyable band,congratulations.
The CFHS Band amazes me.They truly elevate marching band to an art form.Their kaleidoscopic,non-stop,abstract show is incredible.This was the first time they performed the whole show,so naturally the ending was not as polished as the rest.With such a challenging program,and the abstract nature of it,the musicians need to be very aware of their feet matching the appropriate notes.The left feet need to anticipate," one" so that their feet hit the ground with the downbeat.Good luck at your upcoming contests and keep up the good work.
The Sabino Band does some excellent things.I love the all-brass approach,and have often wondered why more marching bands don`t do it.The use of electronics is very nicely integrated with the ensemble and I really like the proper use of tonal bass drums.
With a small band,when the brass players start spreading out,they really are on an island,and very exposed,so they need to play with the same confidence,as when they are in close ranks.Also,if the brass players crescendo slightly on long notes through the full value of the note,it will provide more "drive" to the sound and avoid a "tired" sound from notes not held for their full length.When this band packs together in the stands,it sounds great!!Overall,this is a very enjoyable band,congratulations.
The CFHS Band amazes me.They truly elevate marching band to an art form.Their kaleidoscopic,non-stop,abstract show is incredible.This was the first time they performed the whole show,so naturally the ending was not as polished as the rest.With such a challenging program,and the abstract nature of it,the musicians need to be very aware of their feet matching the appropriate notes.The left feet need to anticipate," one" so that their feet hit the ground with the downbeat.Good luck at your upcoming contests and keep up the good work.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Ironwood Ridge,Oct.9th Results
Division IV
Catalina Magnet II
Division III
Santa Rita III
Maricopa III
Higley III
CDO II
Sabino II
Vista Grande III
Pinnacle III
Division II
Ironwood Ridge II
Desert Mountain II
Tucson II
Sahuarita III
Marana III
Division I
Desert View II
Flowing Wells II
Mountain View II
Rincon/University II
Catalina Foothills II_
Catalina Magnet II
Division III
Santa Rita III
Maricopa III
Higley III
CDO II
Sabino II
Vista Grande III
Pinnacle III
Division II
Ironwood Ridge II
Desert Mountain II
Tucson II
Sahuarita III
Marana III
Division I
Desert View II
Flowing Wells II
Mountain View II
Rincon/University II
Catalina Foothills II_
Ironwood Ridge @ Tucson High
The high school football experience in Tucson is really pleasant.Last Friday,under the lights,I ventured over to Tucson High.In the late `70s, when I was going to Catalina High School, I don`t think I would have gone there alone.There was an enormous crowd ( Homecoming may have been a factor).Other than the parking problems,it was a very enjoyable evening.I`m really impressed with the respect offered to the away teams and bands.I was really happy to see The Ironwood Ridge Band there.
Of course they made me feel right at home,when I realized that they use The Michigan State Fight Song,a song I grew up on because my older brother played trumpet in The MSU Band.These games really are a showcase of a huge number of young people doing positive things. Between the teams,bands,cheerleaders or classmates there to support their friends, a lot of good things are going on.here.
Of course they made me feel right at home,when I realized that they use The Michigan State Fight Song,a song I grew up on because my older brother played trumpet in The MSU Band.These games really are a showcase of a huge number of young people doing positive things. Between the teams,bands,cheerleaders or classmates there to support their friends, a lot of good things are going on.here.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What makes a great marching band?part 1
Let me start by saying that two of my favorite things in the world are marching band and drum corps.These two activities epitomize what can be accomplished by a group,when they focus on common goals.The final product can be truly profound.These are two of the most worthwhile activities any young person may participate in,and I applaud everyone that does.
The origin of marching music is military in nature.That means power and the impression of invincibility,are at the foundation.Whether it is the trumpets at Jericho,the drum cadence driving soldier`s feet in unison,bagpipes scaring the enemy,or tribal drums inciting the natives,marching music is meant to be powerful.
Modern marching band`s largest stage is college football.Anyone who says that it is just a game,has never experienced big time college football.When two large institutions of higher learning clash on the gridiron,complete with two large marching bands and throngs of supporters clad in the appropriate colors,there is a clash of cultures on the level of a war between Greek City States.When The Michigan State Spartan Marching Band entered The University of Michigan Stadium last Saturday,to face over 100,000 maize and blue spectators,it had to feel like The Spartans of old, facing Xerxes at Thermopylae!But when MSU went to U of M outnumbered more than ten to one,you can bet they were going to lead with the power of their 300+ member marching band!
Pound for pound,no group of equal number,should be as powerful as the marching band,even when it comes to yelling.The band should use its precision and air support to be the loudest yells in the stadium.The band needs to do everything within the rules to give their team an edge.This means knowing when and when not to play and rallying the fans at the appropriate time.Sometimes it is as simple as the drummers playing the accents to a defense chant,or not playing when their team has the ball and is trying to call signals.
There were two or three moments during The Oregon State at Arizona Game last Saturday,where the band and crowd failed to disrupt The OSU Offense.With OSU backed up into the closed end of the stadium,the band did not play and the fans were not able to force OSU into any false starts,that could have changed the outcome.It is at these times that the band and fans are elevated from spectators to participants.That moment,the band becomes a conduit that creates a universal bonding experience for the entire community!That is when you have a great marching band!
The origin of marching music is military in nature.That means power and the impression of invincibility,are at the foundation.Whether it is the trumpets at Jericho,the drum cadence driving soldier`s feet in unison,bagpipes scaring the enemy,or tribal drums inciting the natives,marching music is meant to be powerful.
Modern marching band`s largest stage is college football.Anyone who says that it is just a game,has never experienced big time college football.When two large institutions of higher learning clash on the gridiron,complete with two large marching bands and throngs of supporters clad in the appropriate colors,there is a clash of cultures on the level of a war between Greek City States.When The Michigan State Spartan Marching Band entered The University of Michigan Stadium last Saturday,to face over 100,000 maize and blue spectators,it had to feel like The Spartans of old, facing Xerxes at Thermopylae!But when MSU went to U of M outnumbered more than ten to one,you can bet they were going to lead with the power of their 300+ member marching band!
Pound for pound,no group of equal number,should be as powerful as the marching band,even when it comes to yelling.The band should use its precision and air support to be the loudest yells in the stadium.The band needs to do everything within the rules to give their team an edge.This means knowing when and when not to play and rallying the fans at the appropriate time.Sometimes it is as simple as the drummers playing the accents to a defense chant,or not playing when their team has the ball and is trying to call signals.
There were two or three moments during The Oregon State at Arizona Game last Saturday,where the band and crowd failed to disrupt The OSU Offense.With OSU backed up into the closed end of the stadium,the band did not play and the fans were not able to force OSU into any false starts,that could have changed the outcome.It is at these times that the band and fans are elevated from spectators to participants.That moment,the band becomes a conduit that creates a universal bonding experience for the entire community!That is when you have a great marching band!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Game of the Week,Cienega @ Catalina Foothills High School,Oct.1,2010
Catalina Foothills High School is a spectacular place to watch a football game.The home stands give the crowd views of the sunset,and the city.
The scene was almost matched by the 250 piece Falcon Band.In 1977,I was a member of The Nunamaker Award winning Catalina High School Band(64 pieces).It must be really cool to have a band of that size.The nine minute non-stop halftime show was really a sight to behold.The scope of the show was something way beyond anything we did in high school.Of course,that was a different era,where we did a different show for every home game(a la Bill Moffitt),as opposed to the corps-style that seems to dominate everywhere now.
Once again I was disappointed in the lack of an away band.If anyone knows what the general rule is about bands traveling,I would really appreciate that information.
At first I was really upset to find out that The Ironwood Ridge Invitational is next Saturday,instead of this week,while The U of A has a bye.But then I found out that the game is starting at 4:00pm,so I maybe able to attend both.
In two ways the CFHS Band outdoes The U of A Band.It is one of my pet peeves that The Pride of Arizona does not play The National Anthem,and the chaotic way they enter the field at halftime.Major Kudos to The Falcons for the way they did The Star Spangled Banner and the orderly way they take the field at halftime.There is one other thing that The POA never does and that is nine minute non-stop drills!Your band is an amazing source of pride for your school and community.I look forward to seeing this show in a month when it is really perfected.There were a few phasing problems when the band was spread out,everyone has to really be aware of the beat and the subdivision,and really feel the pulse,when everyone really has a sense of the beat,it will really have "punch."Bravo band,very impressive.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The University of Arizona vs. California
On September 25,2010 I attended the U of A vs. California football game.When it comes to marching band in Tucson,of course the top of the ladder is The Pride of Arizona.
Unfortunately,I was not able to attend The Iowa Game,which was a great step toward creating a football culture in Tucson.Now having experienced the Pac-10 myself and having marched in two Rose Bowls,I know that the opening Pac-10 Game of the year is far more important than the Iowa Game.It was disappointing to find the crowd and the team flat.
It is really sad that only 11,500 season student tickets are sold for the year.A school the size of Arizona should have two or three times more student season tickets than that sold.With 10,000 students graduating every year,there should be a steady increase in season tickets every year.In 1978,The U of A drew roughly the same amount that they will this year,but the Tucson Metropolitan Area is at least twice the size as it was in 1978.
At 5:15,I watched the team arrive and walk through the band,to the stadium.This is the sort of tradition that the U of A has lacked.Kudos to Greg Byrne,The Athletic Director,for instituting this.
Last season I attended the Central Michigan Game,and earned the ire of my friends,when I insisted on getting to the game in time to see the pregame show.Unfortunately,there was no pregame show.So,I was very happy to see that the band is doing pregame this year!
Another thing I was happy to see was that the band did not go to the concession stand in the 3rd quarter,and seemed to have a high energy level the entire game.
The band and the crowd have to learn when to get loud and when to be quiet.The most formidable force in athletics is a home crowd when the opposition has the ball.The band should play after every play on defense.I love Kashmir and The Pink Floyd that the POA play on defense.Those are perfect songs to inspire the defense and intimidate the opponent.The Imperial March is good also,I just wish they would play it faster.
On offense,I really like it when the band plays the last chorus of the fight song every first down,it creates a nice feeling of momentum.It is critical though that The Drum Major watch the chains and the officials so that they can play before the team is calling signals,especially in the no-huddle offense.Other than that,there really is no other time the band should play on offense.Just like the way the basketball band plays the exact right thing at the exact right time,as the football culture grows,the marching band needs to develop that same skill.
Unfortunately,I was not able to attend The Iowa Game,which was a great step toward creating a football culture in Tucson.Now having experienced the Pac-10 myself and having marched in two Rose Bowls,I know that the opening Pac-10 Game of the year is far more important than the Iowa Game.It was disappointing to find the crowd and the team flat.
It is really sad that only 11,500 season student tickets are sold for the year.A school the size of Arizona should have two or three times more student season tickets than that sold.With 10,000 students graduating every year,there should be a steady increase in season tickets every year.In 1978,The U of A drew roughly the same amount that they will this year,but the Tucson Metropolitan Area is at least twice the size as it was in 1978.
At 5:15,I watched the team arrive and walk through the band,to the stadium.This is the sort of tradition that the U of A has lacked.Kudos to Greg Byrne,The Athletic Director,for instituting this.
Last season I attended the Central Michigan Game,and earned the ire of my friends,when I insisted on getting to the game in time to see the pregame show.Unfortunately,there was no pregame show.So,I was very happy to see that the band is doing pregame this year!
Another thing I was happy to see was that the band did not go to the concession stand in the 3rd quarter,and seemed to have a high energy level the entire game.
The band and the crowd have to learn when to get loud and when to be quiet.The most formidable force in athletics is a home crowd when the opposition has the ball.The band should play after every play on defense.I love Kashmir and The Pink Floyd that the POA play on defense.Those are perfect songs to inspire the defense and intimidate the opponent.The Imperial March is good also,I just wish they would play it faster.
On offense,I really like it when the band plays the last chorus of the fight song every first down,it creates a nice feeling of momentum.It is critical though that The Drum Major watch the chains and the officials so that they can play before the team is calling signals,especially in the no-huddle offense.Other than that,there really is no other time the band should play on offense.Just like the way the basketball band plays the exact right thing at the exact right time,as the football culture grows,the marching band needs to develop that same skill.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
What makes Marching Band better than Drum Corps?
Drum Corps International puts on an amazing event every year where they televise the quarterfinals of The World Championships in cinemas across the country.It was showing at Park Place Mall,and I really left the show totally energized,all the young people around me were anxious to go play instruments or twirl rifles,so that`s when I decided to start this blog.
I`ve always dreamed of having an"In your face" world class drum corps in Tucson.So this little blog is my way of launching that grand venture,or at least my way of planting some seeds.Tucson has an awesome array of high schools full of talent to easily support a drum corps,and a huge university and community college also.And let`s face it,Tucson is a great place to get away from in the summer months!
So DCI considers themselves The Major League of marching music,and it is the place where most of the innovations to marching music happen,but technical proficiency is usually valued more than connecting with the audience.In my humble opinion the quality of music is intrinsically related to the connection with the audience.The Drum Corps activity doesn`t try hard enough to connect with the crowd.
This is where marching band has an edge.The role of marching band is one of support,for your friends,neighbors and classmates who are doing their best on the field.When your team isn`t doing well but your giving them your enthusiastic support,and they realize that they can`t give up because you`re behind them rallying support,that is where bonds are made,that`s what makes America great!Life is a team game and " look out" when we all pull together.That is why marching band can be so awesome.
So drum corps is a competitive art form mostly for the benefit of a judges score,whereas marching band can be a vehicle that galvanizes a community to achieve far more than any group could imagine doing on their own!
So remember that your role in marching band is to bring out the best in your team,and to be the focal point of spirit for your school.
I`ve always dreamed of having an"In your face" world class drum corps in Tucson.So this little blog is my way of launching that grand venture,or at least my way of planting some seeds.Tucson has an awesome array of high schools full of talent to easily support a drum corps,and a huge university and community college also.And let`s face it,Tucson is a great place to get away from in the summer months!
So DCI considers themselves The Major League of marching music,and it is the place where most of the innovations to marching music happen,but technical proficiency is usually valued more than connecting with the audience.In my humble opinion the quality of music is intrinsically related to the connection with the audience.The Drum Corps activity doesn`t try hard enough to connect with the crowd.
This is where marching band has an edge.The role of marching band is one of support,for your friends,neighbors and classmates who are doing their best on the field.When your team isn`t doing well but your giving them your enthusiastic support,and they realize that they can`t give up because you`re behind them rallying support,that is where bonds are made,that`s what makes America great!Life is a team game and " look out" when we all pull together.That is why marching band can be so awesome.
So drum corps is a competitive art form mostly for the benefit of a judges score,whereas marching band can be a vehicle that galvanizes a community to achieve far more than any group could imagine doing on their own!
So remember that your role in marching band is to bring out the best in your team,and to be the focal point of spirit for your school.
About Me
1975 Played trumpet in The Award Winning,Lakeland Regional High School Band,Wanaque,New Jersey.
1976 Played baritone horn in The Deering Ice Cream Bicentennial Band,Southern Maine.
1977 Played baritone horn in The Nunamaker Award Winning Catalina High School Band,Tucson,Arizona
1977 Played baritone horn in The University of Arizona Marching Band
1977 & 78 Member Southeastern Arizona Regional Bands
1978 Played lead trumpet in The Catalina High School Jazz Ensemble
!978 Played soprano bugle in The Desert Knights where we won The Arizona State Title at The State`s VFW Convention,then performed at The National VFW Convention in New Orleans.
1978-82 Played in The University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band,including two Rose Bowls,A Fiesta Bowl,and recorded and performed with Fleetwood Mac.
1979 Played with The Sunset Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps,Tucson,Arizona
1976 Played baritone horn in The Deering Ice Cream Bicentennial Band,Southern Maine.
1977 Played baritone horn in The Nunamaker Award Winning Catalina High School Band,Tucson,Arizona
1977 Played baritone horn in The University of Arizona Marching Band
1977 & 78 Member Southeastern Arizona Regional Bands
1978 Played lead trumpet in The Catalina High School Jazz Ensemble
!978 Played soprano bugle in The Desert Knights where we won The Arizona State Title at The State`s VFW Convention,then performed at The National VFW Convention in New Orleans.
1978-82 Played in The University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band,including two Rose Bowls,A Fiesta Bowl,and recorded and performed with Fleetwood Mac.
1979 Played with The Sunset Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps,Tucson,Arizona
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