SMU Marching Band away games

[Bergermeister]

Might be time to go to changing coat/vest/tie only during the game.

Don't water-down the formula. Next thing you'll want to ditch the spats and wear white band shoes.

[MustangStealth]

Is that why it takes the band so long to change in the 2nd quarter, because you are trekking to Dedman to use the locker rooms?

That would be correct.

Forget the locker rooms. That cuts some of the price down. Have the athletic department empty out one of the supply closets and you can change in there. It shouldn't take more than 3 minutes to change, even pants and shirts. We did it in the Cotton Bowl.

Meh, that physical concrete is only like 10 years old.

I believe it's even newer than that. Sentimental attachment to the cement is silly. You can paint new blocks in a new location and the spirit is the same.

[Samurai Stang]

Might be time to go to changing coat/vest/tie only during the game.

Don't water-down the formula. Next thing you'll want to ditch the spats and wear white band shoes.

I believe his point is that it would be preferable for the band to not be absent from the stadium for the entire second quarter.

[Bergermeister]

I believe his point is that it would be preferable for the band to not be absent from the stadium for the entire second quarter.

That wasn't his point. But, anyway, they're never gone more than 6-7 "clock" minutes and the alumni band fills in just fine - that's what they're for (among other things). The Mustang Band deserves first class treatment/facilities - and this should be a prioity, not an afterthought. Remember, they're the ones still hangin' in there - blistering sun, wind, rain or cold - when the student section clears out, the end zone clears out, the reserved section bails, and the club level and suites are empty. They're the toughest, most dedicated fans we've got and they deserve to be treated as such. (Could we now join together and sing the first stanza of Battle Hymn of the Republic)

[Samurai Stang]

Is that why it takes the band so long to change in the 2nd quarter, because you are trekking to Dedman to use the locker rooms?

That would be correct.

Might be time to go to changing coat/vest/tie only during the game.

I believe his point is that it would be preferable for the band to not be absent from the stadium for the entire second quarter.

That wasn't his point.

Are we reading the same thread? It is a fairly simple conversation to follow. Notice how couch 'em comments regarding the discussion of the time it takes to change uniforms.

Also, the band is gone longer than 6-7 minutes in the second quarter, and as I recall the alumni band rarely played in the same capacity in the band's absence. Its purpose would seem to be more towards endlessly circling the stadium.

[abezontar]

I believe his point is that it would be preferable for the band to not be absent from the stadium for the entire second quarter.

That wasn't his point. But, anyway, they're never gone more than 6-7 "clock" minutes and the alumni band fills in just fine - that's what they're for (among other things). The Mustang Band deserves first class treatment/facilities - and this should be a prioity, not an afterthought. Remember, they're the ones still hangin' in there - blistering sun, wind, rain or cold - when the student section clears out, the end zone clears out, the reserved section bails, and the club level and suites are empty. They're the toughest, most dedicated fans we've got and they deserve to be treated as such. (Could we now join together and sing the first stanza of Battle Hymn of the Republic)

There are some who would disagree with the statement that the purpose of the alumi band is to fill in for the student band during the second quarter. I personally think it looks bad to have the entire band gone during 75% of the second quarter, and from the opposite side of the field that is the way it looks.

This isn't to knock the alumni band, I just don't think that the student band should be in the habit of relying on the alumni band to do the student band's job. This has been a relatively recent development at football games. I think the alumni band should be able to play on the boulevard and around the stands in the second quarter, but I don't think they need to be a surrogate for the band when it is time to change uniforms.

[CalallenStang]

The band does the best we can.

[Diamond Girl]

Couch 'em, your comment about doing away with the uniforms is blasphemous And wanting to cheapen how the new band hall is finished just to get a new facility is likewise. Having been in the band, one would think you'd be more of a tradition-oriented type. Now, you're ready to do away with a 50-year old tradition for the sake of a few minutes during the second quarter of a football game and jeopardize the directors' recruiting ability. Your beanie should be taken away. (I know that sounds wimpy to most, but to a band member, it's a big deal.)

[CalallenStang]

Honestly, the band does the best we can with the resources we have. If you would like to help the band get a new band hall, travel to more away games, or what have you, consider donating to the Diamond M Club

[couch 'em]

Couch 'em, your comment about doing away with the uniforms is blasphemous

I didn't say to do away with the uniform changes - I said to do away with changing pants or shirt during the game. Going out of the stadium across the parking lot and into the dedman center to change is ridiculous. I understand they cannot change in the bathrooms like I did for most of my time, but a closer facility has to be found, or they will have to only change what can be changed in the stands.

And wanting to cheapen how the new band hall is finished just to get a new facility is likewise.

If you read the entire thread you'll see that I think a top of the line bandhall should be a basic necessity provided by the school. However that isn't reality. I simply stated this:

Given the option of holding out for complete funding, at the risk of NOT getting it in time, and having to practice in Meadows,

vs.

Getting into the new space asap and finishing it out afterward

I choose the second option. Better to deal with finishing it out in the future than to deal with having to practice in Meadows.

Having been in the band, one would think you'd be more of a tradition-oriented type.

Everyone who was in the band with me is laughing at this statement right now. I was criticized for being too tradition oriented!

Now, you're ready to do away with a 90-year old tradition for the sake of a few minutes during the second quarter of a football game and jeopardize the directors' recruiting ability. Your beanie should be taken away. (I know that sounds wimpy to most, but to a band member, it's a big deal.)

Now that I've read this far, it is clear that this post is a joke, or you haven't really been reading this thread. I apologize for missing your satire.

[couch 'em]

I believe his point is that it would be preferable for the band to not be absent from the stadium for the entire second quarter.

That wasn't his point.

That was exactly my point. They are gone too long in my opinion. Yes they deserve better facilities. But they have to deal with the reality of the current situation.

[couch 'em]

The band does the best we can.

Nobody is discussing this as an insult. Everyone respects the hard work of everyone in the band.

[CalallenStang]

The band does the best we can.

Nobody is discussing this as an insult. Everyone respects the hard work of everyone in the band.

I know...it's just important to clarify that fact to those who are outside the band community

[WildHorse]

OK, all you merry bandsfolk, this is not meant as any disrespect, because lots of us really enjoy the band, but .... is there some reason that the band goes through a billion uniform changes? Is there some story behind it other than the announcer yelling out "best-dressed band in the land!"? I know it's a conversation starter, or something, but they sure spend a lot of time changing their duds.

[Samurai Stang]

OK, all you merry bandsfolk, this is not meant as any disrespect, because lots of us really enjoy the band, but .... is there some reason that the band goes through a billion uniform changes? Is there some story behind it other than the announcer yelling out "best-dressed band in the land!"? I know it's a conversation starter, or something, but they sure spend a lot of time changing their duds.

More time changing clothes = less time being a band.