Our band was absolutely terrible

[George S. Patton]

I know I mentioned this on another thread. But I can't be more disappointed with a halftime performance that equaled the team's.

In fact, talked to a couple of other people in other sections who were perplexed about the Fiddler on the Roof theme. I realize our band has always taken a different approach. But this was lame.

Deep six that performance and do something to get people interested in your product. It was complete garbage. After seeing that, I'd rather watch Rice's excuse for a band perform.

C'mon band, you're better than that.

[Squier05]

I completely agree, the halftime show was a complete joke. Everyone sitting around me was completely flabergasted at the Fiddler on the Roof theme. It was out of left field, weird and just plain not entertaining at all. The band didn't perform any better than the football team, but I guess we have come to expect it from both of them.

[EastStang]

Cover the Cherry Poppin Daddies stuff at least that's sort of the Mustang Jazz sound.

[SMUPhil]

Can anyone tell me exactly what the band played that was so bad? Not just "fiddler on the roof", but what songs? Was it that Gwen Stefani "Rich Girl" song that's based on the "If I was a rich man" song?

Were the songs bad or the band itself?

[MustangStealth]

I believe the lineup was

-Tradition (with the two trumpets on the press box roof)
-Rich Girl (dance team)
-Matchmaker
-Sunrise Sunset

I think the music probably would have been ok, but the playing seemed really flat. Maybe it was the drizzle, or the score, but there was no real energy on the first 3. I thought the last number was good, but I think they stood still to play it, so that may have helped. Anyone in band feel free to correct me if I got the songs wrong.

[SMUPhil]

I'm confused by what you guys would want to hear...

For years, I heard "quit playing that jazz, play popular stuff", so the band tries to mix it up and plays a HIT SONG from a hugely popular artist (although I'm sure the average age on this board is around 45...), and the responses are "it's not like the good ole days". What did you want, "Old Man River", Petula Clark's "Broadway", or some Herb Alpert tune?

And to whoever posted that playing Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl" as the dance team song "promoted stereotypes"...get a clue.

PS, USC's amazing band did a halftime show with the music from "Snakes on a Plane". Do fans just LOVE that theme music so damn much or do they clap for their band because they are performing in between 4 quarters of top 5 caliber football.

[George S. Patton]

I'm confused by what you guys would want to hear...

For years, I heard "quit playing that jazz, play popular stuff", so the band tries to mix it up and plays a HIT SONG from a hugely popular artist (although I'm sure the average age on this board is around 45...), and the responses are "it's not like the good ole days". What did you want, "Old Man River", Petula Clark's "Broadway", or some Herb Alpert tune?

And to whoever posted that playing Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl" as the dance team song "promoted stereotypes"...get a clue.

PS, USC's amazing band did a halftime show with the music from "Snakes on a Plane". Do fans just LOVE that theme music so damn much or do they clap for their band because they are performing in between 4 quarters of top 5 caliber football.

If you're going to tell me Fiddler on the Roof songs were a good idea -- with or without Gwen Stefani -- then you're crazy. Absolutely no energy, nothing inspirational nothing to get the crowd going despite how poorly the game was going.

I get the fact that we are non-traditional. And they have done good shows. But they've got to think of routines that will take their audience into consideration. This routine didn't do that. In fact, it sucked the life out of it.

[Peruna2001]

Do fans just LOVE that theme music so damn much or do they clap for their band because they are performing in between 4 quarters of top 5 caliber football.

I think the music probably would have been ok, but the playing seemed really flat. Maybe it was the drizzle, or the score, but there was no real energy on the first 3.

I was excited about the show's music, but once the show started I just couldn't get into it. There wasn't enough life out on the field (or in the stands during the rest of the game for that matter). They had a great idea with the trumpets on the roof of the press box, but you could not hear them real well (maybe because we were all deafened by the sound system). Speaking of the sound system, it was way too loud for the announcements during the marching. Either the band needs to play louder or the speaker volume needs to be turned down during halftime...or both.

[SMUPhil]

I probably wouldn't go with Fiddler on the Roof either, it just seems like no matter what the band plays, someone gets on here and says "wtf was that, why cant we be like the _____ band".

Honestly Patton, in your opinion, what WOULD you like to hear? I feel like I would pick some good songs if I were in charge, but maybe I'm a little subjective because I've been in bands my whole life, so I'm wondering what you, the casual fan, would enjoy.

[George S. Patton]

I like the traditional marching band -- 300-400 -members -- that will play themes from movies. Or do something with musicals that had powerful songs in them. West Side Story, South Pacific, etc. With movies, I've heard the Texas band do really good versions from Batman, Far and Away and a couple of others.

I don't know. Maybe bigger bands can do that and ours can't. I do know that Fiddler on the Roof just doesn't cut it.

I know our band doesn't do that and probably won't do what I mentioned. So it's hard for me to put up something that would fit them. Sometimes, I wonder that since they lean to this style of music if they box themselves in.

Just a thought.

[Captain E J Smith]

Gen. Patton I need your assistance with arranging deck chairs. Please report to the Poop Deck immediately.

[SMU Football Blog]

For as long as I can remember, I have always hated "...and that was the Aggie band with the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and now the SMU band will perform Stardust Memories."

[DiamondM75]

...Or do something with musicals that had powerful songs in them. West Side Story, South Pacific, etc...

The last time I checked, Fiddler on the Roof was a musical. I will search the internet to see if that has changed.

[jtstang]

Maybe they should just dis-band.

[George S. Patton]

...Or do something with musicals that had powerful songs in them. West Side Story, South Pacific, etc...

The last time I checked, Fiddler on the Roof was a musical. I will search the internet to see if that has changed.

A musical that doesn't need to be played at halftime. And I knew it was musical, so don't go there.

Face it, it didn't work.