Fears Confirmed..

[Caribbean Hen]

Hey Cluck

if the band is that out of shape

Maybe they should play some “Band on the Run”

YouTube it kids as it’s already been 51 years

[Gannonfan]

I've been one of the more vocal gameday experience guys here and this is it right here. The disappearing act of the UDMB is head scratching. It blows my mind that they spend an entire quarter on the practice field...practicing during a game. Marching bands are the heartbeat of the stadium for college football. We're on life support relying on a terrible DJ who has no idea how to pipe in music. They try every gimmick from every big school. Jump Around, Mr. Brightside, Sweet Caroline the list goes on. Those are traditions from other schools and UD executes them poorly. If you're going to play those songs, know that you need a TV timeout or a quarter break to do so. Not between downs.

The UDMB Drumline does some great stuff under the stands and in the parking lot, but during the game there seems to be none. Marching bands and drumlines bring so much energy. I wish UDMB understood this.

Lastly, there's PLENTY of room under the renovated stands to march under before the game. It was such a great tradition that they scrapped. Bring that back too.

There is absolutely no excuse why the UD marching band should be anything but top tier in terms of gameday experiences. We are one of a handful of marching bands that exceed 300 in total members. This puts us in a very elite class when it comes to marching bands. It's yet another example of how/why the UD is really in a position to succeed in this move to FBS. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, we seem to put zero resources into our band, so we end up with the current product we have every Saturday...let's freakin change all of this!!!!

You are correct that changes are needed if our band is to become a major part of the football experience. Better leadership and more finances would be required to make significant changes.

UD has a large band, for sure. However, unlike other well known marching bands, there are no cuts at UD and there isn't as much organization/practice as other top marching bands. Unfortunately, that is obvious...and it was even more obvious when compare to DSU's band. DSU has a very athletic marching band and they do a lot of cardio presentations that would have left some of our band members in the ICU.

But, I'm all for kids getting out of their dorms and doing something positive, so we have a large band. Given their size (and lack of cuts), they don't practice as an entire group that often (which might be why they practice on the football practice fields during games).

Many of our band members are up to the task, especially the horn section, running up the steps to play in the aisles (love that, by the way...my out-of-town guests are always thrilled to have the band mingle with them in stands).

It would be a better atmosphere if our band played (in a coordinated way) throughout the game...just not sure they are up for it at this time.

Playing stuff from the stands wouldn't take a lot of coordination and can certainly be done. I'm good with how they look at halftime - they're a good band and have a good sound. Just be better in the stands and be a part of the game throughout the game. Understood that it's far less rigid in terms of commitment than other bands, but make being in the stands be fun.

[Sally in RI]

With such large numbers, there is no reason that half of them can’t be in the stands playing hype music all the time! Let the kids have some fun…the bands I see on tv certainly look like they are doing just that.

Is there a pep band that goes to basketball games?

Sally in RI

[Cluck U]

With such large numbers, there is no reason that half of them can’t be in the stands playing hype music all the time! Let the kids have some fun…the bands I see on tv certainly look like they are doing just that.

Is there a pep band that goes to basketball games?

Sally in RI

Yes...the pep band has cuts.

[UD2006grad]

[/quote]

Yes...the pep band has cuts.
[/quote]

Do they have cuts??? You definitely have to audition, but I believe that is just for your part placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd, trumpet, trombone, etc.) I never played in it (I did UDMB for 4 years, pep band was too much of a time commitment), but I had roommates and friends that did and I don't ever remember hearing of people being cut. You had to play the fight song and I believe another required piece at your audition. Maybe if you were just god awful bad they would cut you (which I think UDMB will do also), but the vast majority of pep band members were marching band members as well, so they were all good players anyway. UDMB doesn't have cuts, although I think the drum line does as they have a set number of musicians they want on the line. UDMB does require you to audition for part placement. Even the musicians playing lower parts were still good players though.

As far as those commenting about band music in the stands, this is one of the only things that I will complain about with the band. I absolutely loved my time in the band and what they do on the field for their halftime and post game shows is top notch, especially the main show every year, and I will defend most everything they do. The directors, assistants, techs, etc. are all top notch and the alumni support is fantastic. But the in stands music has always stuck in my craw, even when I played in the band. The vast majority of practice time through the year (band camp and MWF 4-6 pm during school, and gamedays) was spent cleaning/perfecting the main halftime/post game show. Even pre-game was only rehearsed on gamedays and the Friday before games. I assume it's pretty much the same nowadays.

It wouldn't be that hard to incorporate more, and better stands music. Give them a flip folder of stands tunes, practice them a few times a year and just go with it. You wouldn't even need to practice them during the year. Most stands tunes are not difficult, and the musicians in the band are good enough to play just about anything. Give each tune a number and just call them out before each play. Have certain tunes assigned for certain big plays (much the same as First Down is). They actually play a lot more in the stands now than when I was there. I just wish it was more and better tunes.....Oh and bring back SUPERMAN on the kickoffs!!

I also have always hated the drumline leaving at the start of the 2nd quarter. I've always thought this was because all those in charge of the drumline have past ties to DCI corps and they just like perfecting everything, but I don't know. The whole band used to do so, but at least now the brass and woodwinds stay in the stands till right before halftime. I always hated missing a good chunk of the game. We used to spend that time warming up, tuning, going over minute details of the show, etc.

Somone commented about the lack of support for the band, I remember hearing from a very reliable source in the past that the band budget from the university is not very good, so what they do with what they are allotted is great. That was years ago so maybe that's changed.

I think they are actually told when to play and are in communication with someone upstairs. I could be wrong. We didn't do that when I played, but that was back in the early - mid 2000s, so maybe better communication with those in charge of the gameday experience upstairs. And I agree with the piped in music! Please turn it down, or better yet, don't play it all. It's not needed after every play! I can't even talk to those seated right next to me. I don't remember them doing that when I was in school there, but I've noticed the dramatic increase over the years. Elbert Chance's last year was my freshman year and the contrast from him to the announcer we have now is night and day...........

I'd also get rid of the student MC, or whatever she was called. I thought the things they did with her were just kind of silly.

[bpacc55]

Yes...the pep band has cuts.
[/quote]

Do they have cuts??? You definitely have to audition, but I believe that is just for your part placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd, trumpet, trombone, etc.) I never played in it (I did UDMB for 4 years, pep band was too much of a time commitment), but I had roommates and friends that did and I don't ever remember hearing of people being cut. You had to play the fight song and I believe another required piece at your audition. Maybe if you were just god awful bad they would cut you (which I think UDMB will do also), but the vast majority of pep band members were marching band members as well, so they were all good players anyway. UDMB doesn't have cuts, although I think the drum line does as they have a set number of musicians they want on the line. UDMB does require you to audition for part placement. Even the musicians playing lower parts were still good players though.

As far as those commenting about band music in the stands, this is one of the only things that I will complain about with the band. I absolutely loved my time in the band and what they do on the field for their halftime and post game shows is top notch, especially the main show every year, and I will defend most everything they do. The directors, assistants, techs, etc. are all top notch and the alumni support is fantastic. But the in stands music has always stuck in my craw, even when I played in the band. The vast majority of practice time through the year (band camp and MWF 4-6 pm during school, and gamedays) was spent cleaning/perfecting the main halftime/post game show. Even pre-game was only rehearsed on gamedays and the Friday before games. I assume it's pretty much the same nowadays.

It wouldn't be that hard to incorporate more, and better stands music. Give them a flip folder of stands tunes, practice them a few times a year and just go with it. You wouldn't even need to practice them during the year. Most stands tunes are not difficult, and the musicians in the band are good enough to play just about anything. Give each tune a number and just call them out before each play. Have certain tunes assigned for certain big plays (much the same as First Down is). They actually play a lot more in the stands now than when I was there. I just wish it was more and better tunes.....Oh and bring back SUPERMAN on the kickoffs!!

I also have always hated the drumline leaving at the start of the 2nd quarter. I've always thought this was because all those in charge of the drumline have past ties to DCI corps and they just like perfecting everything, but I don't know. The whole band used to do so, but at least now the brass and woodwinds stay in the stands till right before halftime. I always hated missing a good chunk of the game. We used to spend that time warming up, tuning, going over minute details of the show, etc.

Somone commented about the lack of support for the band, I remember hearing from a very reliable source in the past that the band budget from the university is not very good, so what they do with what they are allotted is great. That was years ago so maybe that's changed.

I think they are actually told when to play and are in communication with someone upstairs. I could be wrong. We didn't do that when I played, but that was back in the early - mid 2000s, so maybe better communication with those in charge of the gameday experience upstairs. And I agree with the piped in music! Please turn it down, or better yet, don't play it all. It's not needed after every play! I can't even talk to those seated right next to me. I don't remember them doing that when I was in school there, but I've noticed the dramatic increase over the years. Elbert Chance's last year was my freshman year and the contrast from him to the announcer we have now is night and day...........

I'd also get rid of the student MC, or whatever she was called. I thought the things they did with her were just kind of silly.
[/quote]

I'm so happy to see someone else mention Superman on the KO. It was my absolute favorite to hear as a kid. Nice information based on your experience. Not much more to be said from the people wanting more. I just want UDMB playing the entire game. I don't mind the brass running up and down the stands as it's a fun tradition, but even that takes away a good chunk of the game when they could be playing as a whole unit. I'd gladly sacrifice it for more music.

Do the band members have any say? Do they know how much other bands get to play during a game? So many schools are also incorporating modern music with the classic stuff. Is it that hard for UD to learn how to play Neck? It's not that hard to create a musical map of the game when to play different songs.

One more suggestion while we're at it. There's far too much going on before the team entrance now. I always enjoyed watching the tubas snake around the field randomly jumping while the drumline plays their traditional cadence. It was fun and it built anticipation for the team coming out on the field. Now we have that, plus the video board, plus music. It's way too jumbled together and half the time it feels like the band isn't ready to play when the team is running on to the field. Just another example of UD trying to do too much when it's not needed.

Step 1 is stop leaving the stadium to practice for goodness sake.

[Hens79]

OMG ….. the band ….

Sure, it would help the “stadium environment” if the band was more involved in the game. But this is almost getting comical.

[Info Hound]

OMG ….. the band ….

Sure, it would help the “stadium environment” if the band was more involved in the game. But this is almost getting comical.

Yes, my fears have been confirmed. It's all about the band.

[CaliHen98]

OMG ….. the band ….

Sure, it would help the “stadium environment” if the band was more involved in the game. But this is almost getting comical.

Yes, my fears have been confirmed. It's all about the band.

I don't think anyone on this board is trying to say that the UDMB is the key to our success/failure at the FBS level as a football program. That being said, look at every major college football powerhouse and you will find their respective marching bands play a major role in their overall product. From pre-game, in-game, and post-game traditions, they almost all start and end with the band. Furthermore, I think most of us would agree that this is a rather easy thing to fix considering how large and talented our marching band is.

[Info Hound]

Sorry. I like the band, and appreciate the efforts all involved. The portion of the band in Mobile was the best of the best.

The other "on field production" is what really appeals to me.

Anxious for the full schedule to be released.

[UD '01 grad]

The university shouldn't ask for suggestions if it doesn't want to hear them. Again, I fully expect to see the percussion section on the practice fields during the second quarter of all games in Newark.

If the on-field product was asked about, I'm sure the DC would have been brought up several times.

I guess no change there by the way? Buckle up!

[Hens79]

The university shouldn't ask for suggestions if it doesn't want to hear them. Again, I fully expect to see the percussion section on the practice fields during the second quarter of all games in Newark.

If the on-field product was asked about, I'm sure the DC would have been brought up several times.

I guess no change there by the way? Buckle up!

Who says the University doesn’t want to hear? I am glad they asked. I answered the survey. One of my few improvements was simply, and succinctly “the band should be more involved during the game”. No need to submit a tome or post one or multiple ones here.

Some folks write more about the band than than they do about the football team and game. But folks, as always can post what they want and are passionate about.

And hey, wasn’t this thread about who the Hens were bringing in through the portal?

[Cluck U]

Yes...the pep band has cuts.
[/quote]

Do they have cuts???
[/quote]

A friend of mine's son was in the UDMB and he tried out for the pep band. His son said he felt good and bad because there were some of his UDMB friends that tried out but didn't make the cut. This would have been in 2014...the year that the b-ball team went to the NCAA playoffs in Seattle. Perhaps they had too many band players applying during that stretch...or maybe too many tubas at the time?

Thanks for your perspective.

Love Band Day, by the way. The high schoolers are pumped to have a chance to play in such a large stadium and it is a great community outreach effort by UD.

Too many curmudgeons around here that don't appreciate the, "entire" football experience.

[Sally in RI]

OMG ….. the band ….

Sure, it would help the “stadium environment” if the band was more involved in the game. But this is almost getting comical.

Hey, guys. Relax. It's January. I'm pretty sure the conversation would be different if we had a game on Saturday.

Sally in RI

[HENJOHN]

I am not one that gets as worked up about the band as some others but I do understand it. Them marching under the West stands before a game was a pretty cool and exciting event.