From the director of the Mustang Band

[PonyPride]

There has been much discussion on this forum and others on the decision to take reduced spirit squads to Hawai’i. I would like to explain from my position.

When the Mustang Band and Cheer traveled to Hawai’i in 2009 I was informed by bowl officials that we were the first mainland band to ever travel to this bowl. In fact, we traveled with full spirit squads, compared to Nevada who traveled with four cheerleaders and one mascot.

It was a huge undertaking to send all the Mustang Band and Cheer. Much money was raised in order to send us. That being said, we all deserved to travel, as it had been 25 years since SMU had been in a bowl. Many of you remember attending games during that quarter century, and you know what I am talking about.

Now we get to 2012. Knowing the costs associated with our travel (C-USA does not reimburse for band travel to Hawaii; they do for every other bowl, so this would have to be fundraised again), I initially asked if we could send a 20-person pep band. After discussion between the Athletic Department and the V.P. for Student Affairs (where we report), we were allotted 50 spots (airfare, hotel, per diem) plus spots for myself, my spouse, another director and his wife.

It wasn’t easy to leave some band members and cheerleaders behind, but I understood and accepted the decision. Any musical and spirit presence is preferable to silence. Those at home will be glad to hear “Peruna” after our numerous scores and see our cheerleaders on TV.

FYI – the Mustang Band has never marched at halftime of a bowl in Hawai’i. In both 1984 and 2009 we marched at pre-game. The halftime in 1984 was sold to a high school band, and in 2009 local talent performed. The 2012 halftime will again include local talent. With 50 we obviously won’t march, but I guarantee you will hear us as much as possible.

I hope that following the game, no matter the outcome (we will win, guaranteed), the team, coaching staff and fans in attendance will come over and celebrate SMU with the Mustang Band and Cheer as we play our alma mater, “Varsity”.

I have only one more thing to say: BEAT THE HELL OUT OF FRESNO STATE UNIVERSITY!

Don Hopkins
Director
SMU Mustang Band

[Bergermeister]

Company line. Cheesy explanation. =BS

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Thanks for sharing.

Go Ponies!

[BIGHORSE]

June should cover the cost since this his bowl.

[SMU Cyclist]

So the director of the band feels obligated to snuff some of the negative BS that appears on this forum and he gets a trashy response? What gives with some of you? Don's explanation is pretty straitforward and consistent with the exigencies of the bowl trip

[RGV Pony]

Yeah

[MustangStealth]

With 50 we obviously won’t march, but I guarantee you will hear us as much as possible.

Oh come on, have some fun with it and make a tiny diamond M.

[sponygirl]

Don,

I trust that both you and the AD tried to send the entire band, although I regret that the AD didn't try to line things up earlier. While disappointed, we are glad that there will at least be an SMU presence at the game. I'm sure that the decision on who to take was difficult and not an easy choice for you and the band is so close that I know you all feel each others disappointment. Other schools haven't sent their band, but "other schools" aren't SMU and we hoped for more and better.

God's blessings and safe travel to you all. Oh, and beat the crud out of Fresno Sate!

[sponygirl]

With 50 we obviously won’t march, but I guarantee you will hear us as much as possible.

Oh come on, have some fun with it and make a tiny diamond M.

I thought the same thing!

[Pony147]

With 50 we obviously won’t march, but I guarantee you will hear us as much as possible.

Oh come on, have some fun with it and make a tiny diamond M.

I thought the same thing!

That would be nice, but they don't have any time to rehearse.

[DiamondM75]

Take the alumni band and let the kids have the holidays off.

They won't require chaperones, so the directors can even stay home.

[Pony147]

Take the alumni band and let the kids have the holidays off.

They won't require chaperones, so the directors can even stay home.

Oh yeah, because going on a free trip to Hawaii is such a burden

[sponygirl]

Hey, they have 2 1/2 days to rehearse in Hawaii. The little Diamond M is just a wish. Oh, and I would love to see the Alumni Band there too.

[sponygirl]

Oops. nice idea, but latest word is that they won't do anything on the field.

[I'm4Peruna]

All I can say is since June wanted this bowl--it would be a show of class (for which he is not known) to hang around and make pony ears unlike his behavior at other games. Looking forward to seeing June do this. Pony Up!