Reform the band

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Unfortunately, the death penalty probably also started the decline of the Mustang Band.
Twelve members of the freshman class of 1985 stayed through the fall of 1989 - giving
the band around 90 members for the return of football.

Then, a combination of school legislation (making wearing beanies on campus optional, etc.)
and dismal football led to a slow decline through the 90s. This period also included hiring
non-Mustang Band alums as directors and some loss of band traditions. For instance,
the band did not even always high step while marching which is just plain wrong.

The school outlawing the orientation traditions had a lot more do to with the lack of growing
together as a family than the percentage of women.

Thankfully, some of the music and of course, the uniforms, remain, so not all hope is lost.

Although, the days of regularly playing Peruna over 500 times is sadly probably gone.

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

Although, the days of regularly playing Peruna over 500 times is sadly probably gone.

You'll be lucky if they reach 100 times a game and what you said is pretty much true. There is a noticeable "black hole" of alumni from that era who associate with the band nowadays. Who knows, maybe with some winning and some charm, we can start to get some of those folks back?

[Bergermeister]

Am I the only one thinking these things?

Yes, you are.

[Beanman]

As someone who played for Dr.Dreibrodt and was part of the band culture of the late 60's, I cannot agree more. The firey leadership provided by Drei is difficult to emulate. But the Mustang Band culture from those days cannot exist in the PC culture in which we now have to live. This is not all bad, but we have lost something in the process.
Maybe, however, our own Don Hopkins and Tommy Tucker can remember and get us closer to the days when the band actually affected the outcome of games.

[DiamondM75]

Bands can not play while the game is in progress. This also applies to basketball. So, the playing of Peruna when we have the ball can draw a penalty from the officiating crew.

But we have another problem.

Not only can the officials call a penalty, but the conference can fine the university, and since the conference offices are here in the metroplex, we always have conference representatives at our sporting events, watching our every move.

Aren't we lucky.

[CalallenStang]

And when it is legal for the band to play - during timeouts and stoppages of play - the gameday presentation crew choose instead to play piped-in music or read sponsor ads (thanks to the sponsors for supporting SMU athletics, but it's really a detraction from the game to hear an ad for Clipper Magazine after a big defensive stop).

Fault lies not with the band but with the gameday presentation people...and really not even with them. They are simply following their instructions from the athletic department and university.

[MustangStealth]

Fault lies not with the band but with the gameday presentation people...and really not even with them. They are simply following their instructions from the athletic department and university.

There is plenty of blame to go around, including the current members and staff. We should avoid finger pointing though (since that leeds back to arguments we've had a dozen times), and instead try to be constructive.

To the original poster, there are some things you can do. They may or may not have any effect, but who knows.
-Donate to the Diamond M Club. This org helps provide band scholarships which increases the size of the band. They do many other things too, but that is the big one.
-Write/call the athletic department and suggest that they involve the band more in the game presentation. Again, this probably won't make anything happen, but it can't hurt to let them know your opinion.
-Write/call the band directors and give them your feedback. Don't just complain, but let them know what a big impact they made on you years ago, and that you would enjoy seeing them take a more energetic role in the games, etc.

[couch 'em]

And when it is legal for the band to play - during timeouts and stoppages of play

To be fair, last time this issue came up I looked in the NCAA rulebook, http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rules_5_2204c0005d-845f-4813-8391-54f15136079d.pdf
and the only rules related to bands playing I can find is on page FR-124:

Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create any
noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals

Unless there is a conference rule, it seems that the only time you can't play is when lined up to snap, and even then, you arguably could be playing softly as long as you aren't prohibiting the team from hearing its signals. I realize that this is all moot because SMU controls when the band plays anyway.

[CalallenStang]

And when it is legal for the band to play - during timeouts and stoppages of play

To be fair, last time this issue came up I looked in the NCAA rulebook, http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rules_5_2204c0005d-845f-4813-8391-54f15136079d.pdf
and the only rules related to bands playing I can find is on page FR-124:

Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create any
noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals

Unless there is a conference rule, it seems that the only time you can't play is when lined up to snap, and even then, you arguably could be playing softly as long as you aren't prohibiting the team from hearing its signals. I realize that this is all moot because SMU controls when the band plays anyway.

Yes, but do you really expect C-USA refs to know the exact rule?

[RGV Pony]

Yes, but do you really expect C-USA refs to know the exact rule?

trick question. No such thing as a "C-USA ref"

[CalallenStang]

Yes, but do you really expect C-USA refs to know the exact rule?

trick question. No such thing as a "C-USA ref"

fine

do you really expect CFO-West refs to know the exact rule?

[soccermom]

I am pretty sure I am remembering correctly, but if I'm wrong, one of you band guys correct me. We were either playing UT or A&M--inthe 80's--and our band was given a penalty for being too loud, which we all felt was baloney considering the different sizes of the bands! Despiration on their part, I would imagine!

[soccermom]

Sorry....meant desperation!!!!

[Longtime]

Yes, we were penalized in a game against Texas A&M at Texas Stadium in 1986 for the band playing at an inappropriate time. I don't recall the exact circumstances, but it must have been when A&M was on offense (I think the band played Peruna to fire up the defense as well back then). And it was a critical call that allowed A&M to sustain a drive in a close game that we went on to lose.

There was nothing like when SMU was on a critical drive with the band playing Peruna softly as our QB barked signals, then cranking up the volume as the play developed - particularly option plays as the QB was running down the line getting ready to pitch the ball.

I don't know if the band ever affected the outcome of the game, but it sure affected the crowd when it would crank up Peruna during plays. It fired up the SMU faithful and irritated opposing fans. I remember when non-SMU people would complain about hearing Peruna played over and over. Haven't heard anyone make that complaint in years, sadly.

It would be worth it to get an NCAA ruling on whether the SMU band could bring back this tradition. As long as the band plays softly enough for the signals to be heard, and it's only when we're on offense, I don't see how this could be an issue for anyone.

[Junior]

Does "Reform the band" mean "We're getting the band back together"?