The music selection never changes and hasn't for years and they show little to no emotion while playing. When I went to the the DePaul game their director was dancing around and playing with the band. They seemed to be having fun and the music they played was new and current. Is this too much to ask for from our band? Is it to hard to learn a new song?
I've been saying this for years!
I won't flat out say that they suck. However, I agree that the song selection is dismal and honestly does not seem to have changed since my freshman year almost a decade ago.
When they busted out "Gone Daddy Gone" a few weeks ago, I texted my brother because (1.) I was shocked they were playing a new song and (2.) I was shocked that they were playing a new song.
Seriously... these guys are as repetitive as my previous statement.
Don't you fellas understand tradition?...Ya want new songs?...learn to play an instrument then.
You do realize that Marquette does not have a department of music, and the band is all volunteers.
DePaul has a department of music, and likely requires some involvement in the university bands.
I'm not going to claim that the MU band is awesome, but you get what you pay for. And they band is only around because random MU students with a variety of majors volunteer their time to the band.
It's not fair to compare them to schools with music majors.
Sucked for 20 years :-[
I was down in St. Louis for a game a few years back in the Conference USA days. I talked to some of the locals down there and they raved about our band.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2010, 06:46:54 PM
You do realize that Marquette does not have a department of music, and the band is all volunteers.
DePaul has a department of music, and likely requires some involvement in the university bands.
I'm not going to claim that the MU band is awesome, but you get what you pay for. And they band is only around because random MU students with a variety of majors volunteer their time to the band.
It's not fair to compare them to schools with music majors.
Exactly. De Paul has an excellent music department, and produces lots of professional musicians. Marquette just introduced a music minor a few years ago. Some of the Wisconsin faithful seem to think that commenting on Marquette's xylaphone is just the funniest thing in the world. UW also has a music department. Good for them. Our band is what it is.
I remember them playing Enter Sandman when I was there (or maybe Zeppelin).
And last night at the game a friend commented on the drummer (with the full kit) going "Animal" while playing.
I think they're fine. The occasional moments they pull out something unusual is great though.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2010, 06:46:54 PM
You do realize that Marquette does not have a department of music, and the band is all volunteers.
DePaul has a department of music, and likely requires some involvement in the university bands.
I'm not going to claim that the MU band is awesome, but you get what you pay for. And they band is only around because random MU students with a variety of majors volunteer their time to the band.
It's not fair to compare them to schools with music majors.
What's not fair is how they take up thousands and thousands of dollars of seat revenue from a great viewing area, bring absolutely no energy whatsoever to the games, and try to defend themselves because they "volunteer." Yeah, you guys "volunteered." You play 6 awful songs a game, get dropped off right next to the arena doors, and get courtside seats for all home games. True martyrs.
They're awful, plain and simple. Always have been, always will be. Gwaki, good post, but even with how bad the band is, it's nowhere near as bad as you wearing a jersey that is 3 sizes too small and no undershirt.
CHICAGO members met as music majors at DePaul
Quote from: MUfan2 on February 04, 2010, 07:27:06 PM
What's not fair is how they take up thousands and thousands of dollars of seat revenue from a great viewing area, bring absolutely no energy whatsoever to the games, and try to defend themselves because they "volunteer." Yeah, you guys "volunteered." You play 6 awful songs a game, get dropped off right next to the arena doors, and get courtside seats for all home games. True martyrs.
They're awful, plain and simple. Always have been, always will be. Gwaki, good post, but even with how bad the band is, it's nowhere near as bad as you wearing a jersey that is 3 sizes too small and no undershirt.
+1. Its pretty ridiculous they take up some of the best seats and offer no added passion. I know the school probably wants them around to play the fight song, but there isnt a good reason for why they must sit so close.
The worst part is that sometimes it doesn't even look like they fill the whole area reserved to them, making the student section look and feel less filled. Don't we have a sound system?
I'll say they do not suck. Wouldn't mind a few new songs here and there, but they're fine with what they do.
I'm probably a non-traditionalist, in that I actually like the modern music they play moreso than what the band serves up. Wouldn't want to do without the band, of course. And we could do without some of the stupid stuff, like "What's up Marquette?" which is cringe-inducing.
Saying the band sucks is an over-statement.
While you can't major in music at MU, we do have a small dept that teaches non credit courses and has a faculty.
http://www.marquette.edu/osd/music/index.shtml
Quote from: elephantraker on February 04, 2010, 07:28:20 PM
CHICAGO members met as music majors at DePaul
Yeah - Walter P., Chicago's Sax guy, had a tough decision to make a while back. Continue playing woodwins for the Chicago Sympony Orchestra? Or go full time playing Sax with the rock and roll band.
Point is, yes I agree, DePaul has some really good musicians attending. ;D
No, they suck.
Music majors or not, they couldnt even keep beat on thunderstruck...
I think a class in the newly developing music minor needs to be basketball appreciation or something. Always seemed to me that the biggest problem was that band kids never seemed to quite grasp their role in the event that is a basketball game. Not to belittle that, either. A good, energetic, and basketball-savy band is invaluable to the college basketball experience. But when they don't care, they are just band kids with the best seats in the house.
Wow. Did you guys get beat up by a trumpet player or something? I've read less hostile things about Reece Gaines.
I won't say "suck," but a better term doesn't come to mind.
Given the activities involved, "blows" may be more appropriate. Just saying.... ::)
What a bunch of grouches... yeesh. Always something to complain about, I guess.
Quote from: MUBurrow on February 04, 2010, 09:26:14 PM
I think a class in the newly developing music minor needs to be basketball appreciation or something. Always seemed to me that the biggest problem was that band kids never seemed to quite grasp their role in the event that is a basketball game. Not to belittle that, either. A good, energetic, and basketball-savy band is invaluable to the college basketball experience. But when they don't care, they are just band kids with the best seats in the house.
It's been quite a while since I was a band geek in my frosh, and early soph years, but they're much more regulated than you think. They're notified with about 5 seconds notice when they are allowed to play/make sounds. And then notified with even less time when they are to stop making sounds. This was before Crean (even before dean...KO days), but even then it was a very controlled environment in the BC as to what "entertainment" is happening at any point in time. Deviate from that, and you get in trouble.
As for those that don't get into the game, I won't excuse that. If you're there, you should be cheering on the team. period.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2010, 06:46:54 PM
You do realize that Marquette does not have a department of music, and the band is all volunteers.
This was not always the case. Brother Horton Roe was in and of himself a Department of Music. Since Monk Roe is probably no longer teaching the U should look to replace him.
I used to work with the band, cheerleaders and mascot as an intern at MU. These kids are doing it on their own dime, no scholarship, a ton of time commitments.
I tip my hat to them all.
Quote from: elephantraker on February 04, 2010, 07:28:20 PM
CHICAGO members met as music majors at DePaul
Ray Manzerek of The Doors went there as well.
First of all, how often is the BC packed at a game, barely, so there is no loss in revenue. And plus those would be student section seats if there was no band so really still no loss in revenue. The student section never gets entirely packed either.
Do all of you understand how much time the pep band puts into each game? We arrive one hour and a half before tip at the varsity and don't get done till at least a half hour after game end.
And not being music majors is a huge part of it. Those people make music their life. WE dont, we are full time students with other things going on besides trying to perfect our music playing skills. You want a "better" band then go pay some people thousands of dollars or actually start a music major at marquette.
Oh and we dont get into the game? We are some of the most devote fans in the stadium. We stand pretty much the entire game, actually cheering. Most alumni sit on there hands and do nothing so dont go preaching about the band not cheering. Have you watched the band during the game even??? we have cheers we do for every free throw, every basket (different things for dunk, 3 pt basket and regular shots) and every one participates.
Go whine about something else. this is pathetic
Quote from: lakersfan839 on February 04, 2010, 10:54:20 PM
First of all, how often is the bradely center packed at a game, barley, so there is no loss in revenue. And plus those would be student section seats if there was no band so really still no loss in revenue. The student section never gets entirely packed either.
Do all of you understand how much time the pep band puts into each game? We arrive one hour and a half before tip at the varsity and don't get done till at least a half hour after game end.
And not being music majors is a huge part of it. Those people make music their life. WE dont, we are full time students with other things going on besides trying to perfect our music playing skills. You want a "better" band then go play some people thousands of dollars or actually start a music major at marquette.
Oh and we dont get into the game? We are some of the most devote fans in the stadium. We stand pretty much the entire game, actually cheering. Most alumni sit on there hands and do nothing so dont go preaching about the band not cheering. Have you watched the band during the game even??? we have cheers we do for every free throw, every basket (different things for dunk, 3 pt basket and regular shots) and every one participates.
Go whine about something else. this is pathetic
+1
Quote from: MUfan2 on February 04, 2010, 07:27:06 PMGwaki, good post, but even with how bad the band is, it's nowhere near as bad as you wearing a jersey that is 3 sizes too small and no undershirt.
hahahahahahaahahahahahahaahah. this is my personal favorite quote in muscoop history. BURN
Edit: I guess gwaki is jealous of depaul, maybe he wants some black eyed peas "i gotta feeling", b/c all indications point to that being their only song.
Quote from: lakersfan839 on February 04, 2010, 10:54:20 PM
Oh and we dont get into the game? We are some of the most devote fans in the stadium.
Good point actually. The pep band members are really more dedicated than the average Marquette student fan. Sure the 106 dudes (is that the section?) get to *SOME* game early, but that pales in comparison to the time spent in band practices accumulating points to be part of the pep band.
If you're a student, and you think you can do better, then by all means, please join the band.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 04, 2010, 10:46:27 PM
I used to work with the band, cheerleaders and mascot as an intern at MU. These kids are doing it on their own dime, no scholarship, a ton of time commitments.
I tip my hat to them all.
I'm stickin' up for the bandos, but good point on the cheerleaders and mascot too. No reason to rip on people giving up their free time to provide some entertainment.
Now that I think of it...especially coming from Gwaki...
What is the point of this commentary? Why is there this need to be so mean spirited towards people that are trying their best to support the team? What talents are you putting on the line in front of everyone?
There are a lot of very hardcore basketball fans in band. There are some less devoted. Sounds pretty similar to the student section and rest of the crowd.
Instead of being a douche about it, why not start a thread with suggestions for new selections?
sounds like a support the troops, not the war type of thing to me. the bandos are entirely commendable for their time commitments, etc. but maybe it is time that MU look into getting serious about the band. the minor would seem like a nice step in that direction, but i dont really know what it all takes. there is little doubt that the band does a nice job given the resources, etc. at the same time, it isn't that of a band at bigger schools that make a bigger commitment.
as for the band being the most devout fans in the stadium, agree to disagree i suppose. but that is admittedly as much an elitist argument regarding overall knowledge of the game more than anything. ive seen large pockets of the band cheer at the wrong times, turned around facing the wrong way during crucial junctures of the game, etc. better than large pockets of the student body? sure. superfans? lets not go overboard.
Quote from: MUBurrow on February 05, 2010, 12:26:51 AM
but maybe it is time that MU look into getting serious about the band. the minor would seem like a nice step in that direction, but i dont really know what it all takes. there is little doubt that the band does a nice job given the resources, etc. at the same time, it isn't that of a band at bigger schools that make a bigger commitment.
Sounds to me like you want a music major. What happens then? You get a portion of the people that 'have to do pep band' as part of the major and don't know anything or care about basketball. Sure it may sound a little better, but not fixing your perceived 'spirit' problem. I think part of the reason the band doesn't sound great is that they are too small for the venue. They fill the Al quite well, but they have to be mic'd at the BC and the BC just doesn't do the best of job with that, on top of the BC sound system sucking to begin with. It also creates an echo problem for a portion of the arena where the sound coming out of the speakers is ahead of the direct sound from the band.
Go to a women's game at the Al, actually listen to the unmuddled, undrowned out Pep Band and report your thoughts.
First off I never said the band is not into the game. I am saying that when playing the songs you don't see people dancing around and having fun. I agree you do have some pretty good things that you do. I was just making a point that it seems like there are never new songs that the band plays. I know you guys have practices and it is a large time commitment and I am thankful we do have a band. The same songs just get dull and don't always seem to fit in or are played at weird times.
Second off that jersey was retired after last season.
Quote from: Gwaki on February 05, 2010, 01:07:45 AM
First off I never said the band is not into the game. I am saying that when playing the songs you don't see people dancing around and having fun. I agree you do have some pretty good things that you do. I was just making a point that it seems like there are never new songs that the band plays.
With all due respect, you need to learn how to create meaningful topics because your topic title does not imply they simply need to be crazier and get some newer music. Regardless of what your original post content is, title sets the tone.
"Why can't the band play newer songs?" would have been a more appropriate title if that's what you were trying to get at. Please feel free to write the band director with constructive comments if you can muster some.
After re-reading the OP I have to say, nice job taking a dump on the hard work of some students.
Quote from: krocheck on February 05, 2010, 01:30:31 AM
With all due respect, you need to learn how to create meaningful topics because your topic title does not imply they simply need to be crazier and get some newer music. Regardless of what your original post content is, title sets the tone.
"Why can't the band play newer songs?" would have been a more appropriate title if that's what you were trying to get at. Please feel free to write the band director with constructive comments if you can muster some.
After re-reading the OP I have to say, nice job taking a dump on the hard work of some students.
Nice post. Well said.
I can only imagine the topics if we were 3-19 (2-8)...
I like the band.
i just think the band should stop playing along with thunderstruck, everything else sounds ok.
Hey scoop,
I hear you show up an hour before the game and get prime seating for handing out sheets with info on them. Seems like you have a pretty cushy deal.
THere have been complaints about the band forever. I agree with the posters who defended the band, but that doesn't mean there can't be improvement. A better way to do that (especially from someone who is supposedly a super fanatic and gets trips on the University's dime just for going to sporting events that I hear he doesn't stay for the entire event) would be to send some constructive criticism and suggestions to the band director.
I was at the DePaul game and their band was nothing special. It was much smaller than ours and their fight song sounded lame when they played it (maybe it is just a lame fight song)
Perhaps a thread entitled Ways to Improve Our Band with sincere suggestions would be helpful to the band.
Being a hater isn't.
Quote from: warriormom on February 05, 2010, 08:50:32 AM
Being a hater isn't.
+1
hahahahaha, you tell him warriormom.
Stop being a douche to volunteer students or donate the money it would take to create a music department and provide band scholarships.
Quote from: LA on February 05, 2010, 08:56:34 AM
+1
hahahahaha, you tell him warriormom.
Stop being a douche to volunteer students or donate the money it would take to create a music department and provide band scholarships.
But then we couldn't make snarky comments about them anymore
I just find it funny that this thread was started by someone who boasts their online Playstation scores. Now that is pathetic.
I am a bando, and in the three years I've been here (which happen to coincide with the years our new director has been here) I think we've taken leaps and bounds in terms of how we sound. We also add 5-7 new songs a year. It doesnt really help when there aren't legal copies of 7 Nation Army around to buy. We get just as pumped as anyone else out there and more pumped than a lot of the student section. Oh, and we stand all of pregame, all of the game (including timeouts), and most of halftime too.
If you really want to complain about how we sound, come to one of our concerts and we'll prove you wrong (Feb 21, Apr 18). For a bunch of non-music majors I think we sound damn good.
Quote from: Gwaki on February 05, 2010, 01:07:45 AM
First off I never said the band is not into the game. I am saying that when playing the songs you don't see people dancing around and having fun. I agree you do have some pretty good things that you do. I was just making a point that it seems like there are never new songs that the band plays. I know you guys have practices and it is a large time commitment and I am thankful we do have a band. The same songs just get dull and don't always seem to fit in or are played at weird times.
So true...at a school the size of MU, there are certainly many that were really good musicians in high school that won't play because the quality of the music is so much lower than what they played in their high school jazz and pep bands. Plus it is so so lame to play the same songs every game and at the same time. (Including the very, very stupid "Hey" song) I am sure that if there was a bigger variety of music, with less repetition, good musicians on campus would participate and those involved would have more fun. Being in the band could be 'cool'
HAHAHAHAHAHA, band geeks. Channelling Allen Iverson, "We talkin bout band geeks, really!?, band geeks".
I would also like to see the too tight jersey brought back from Gwaki, how else are we going to see those hairy shoulders?
Quote from: ODMU238 on February 05, 2010, 09:21:05 AM
I am a bando, and in the three years I've been here (which happen to coincide with the years our new director has been here) I think we've taken leaps and bounds in terms of how we sound. We also add 5-7 new songs a year. It doesnt really help when there aren't legal copies of 7 Nation Army around to buy. We get just as pumped as anyone else out there and more pumped than a lot of the student section. Oh, and we stand all of pregame, all of the game (including timeouts), and most of halftime too.
If you really want to complain about how we sound, come to one of our concerts and we'll prove you wrong (Feb 21, Apr 18). For a bunch of non-music majors I think we sound damn good.
I don't know much about music, but I do know that the band adds to the energy at the games. I like that. Thanks for making it more fun.
I played in the symphonic band and jazz ensemble at Marquette all four years. With that said, I only played at one game because 106 suited me much better. I specifically know of a few bandos back then who would bring homework to do in between their playing time (as opposed to actually watching the game). That is the only problem that I have-- if you're going to play with the band, go to support the team, as well.
On the other hand, almost all of the band members are very energetic and supportive. As far as the sound quality, there's no music major at Marquette, as other people have already stated. We all had other classes and rehearsal time per week is 6 hours max. I think our bands sound pretty awesome for that small amount of practice time. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
Quote from: warriormom on February 05, 2010, 08:50:32 AM
especially from someone who is supposedly a super fanatic and gets trips on the University's dime just for going to sporting events that I hear he doesn't stay for the entire event
+1 million
Quote from: Gwaki on February 05, 2010, 01:07:45 AM
The same songs just get dull
At least there is an "s" at the end of "song" when talking about our band. I assume you have watched a USC, Tennessee or Florida game on TV. I think each of these bands are only required to know one song and they play it over and over and over and over....
I suppose if you go to those schools you are brainwashed into thinking it is really cool to hear them, but if not, not so much. I have turned off games because I couldn't stand to hear the same song over and over.
Quote from: Discountdave on February 05, 2010, 09:26:30 AM
Plus it is so so lame to play the same songs every game and at the same time. (Including the very, very stupid "Hey" song)
I really don't mind that they play certain songs at the same time especially the Hey song. The band at DePaul wasn't really that great. Yeah they played different songs than we do but I wonder how often those songs get repeated at their games. Just keep in mind we only went to one game and I doubt anyone here goes to more than one DePaul game a year at the Allstate arena. So before we jump to conclusions that they don't repeat and have a great variety of songs lets go to more than one game and see what they are like in the second game. I'm inclined to think that they probably repeat just as much as our band does.
But what about our cheerleaders? Do they?
Quote from: groove on February 05, 2010, 12:24:54 PM
But what about our cheerleaders? Do they?
do they what?
Quote from: hdog1017 on February 04, 2010, 06:59:51 PM
I was down in St. Louis for a game a few years back in the Conference USA days. I talked to some of the locals down there and they raved about our band.
SLU's band is even worse than our band.
Their "Fight song" is just "When the Saints Go Marchin In" played twice with S-A-I-N-T-L-O-U-I-S in between.
They can't even get students to fill up the band and have to routinely call in alumni. Watch a SLU game if they ever make it to TV and I guarantee you see a guy with white hair playing the trombone.
Don't get me wrong, my hat's off the MU bandos for the practice time they put in, but on game day, the 106ers have you beat decidedly. 90 minutes before tipoff? My senior year we were frequently in line at least 2 hours before doors...for the nonconference games. It also wouldn't hurt to get some new songs. No legal copies of 7 nation army lying around? Well....Illinois and Penn State managed to find copies...so they must exist somewhere. Even then....It's SEVEN NOTES- Po Po Ro Po Po Po Po.
People with a tune for music could probably pick it out by ear.
Quote from: MUFanatic4 on February 05, 2010, 12:28:07 PM
do they what?
C'mon....
(let your eyes scan up to the thread title. And then enjoy the 5th grade chuckle courtesy of Groove.)
Quote from: groove on February 05, 2010, 12:24:54 PM
But what about our cheerleaders? Do they?
I'm sure DWJ could lend an answer to this question
Some would say the more important question is "Do they Sw....."
Ok I won't go there.
Quote from: MU_B2002 on February 05, 2010, 12:33:42 PM
C'mon....
(let your eyes scan up to the thread title. And then enjoy the 5th grade chuckle courtesy of Groove.)
Meh it just kinda jumped topic. If anything it was more like 3rd grade at best
Here we go ... I was waiting for this.
Look the band and spirit squad are pretty good. They're nothing spectacular, but they are not bad either. There's no music major at MU, there's no Dance major at MU, and there's no cheerleading major at MU. So, the students that are providing their talents at the games because they feel they can add something to the experience. I feel like they all should take a game off so you idiots can appreciate what they are doing and the difference they make.
Get a life haters.
Haters wanna hate,
Lovers wanna love,
I don't want,
None of the above.
I want to piss on you.
Yes I do, I'll piss on you.
yeah, sorry, couldn't resist. Anyways, I wasn't being a hater of the cheerleaders at all. I'm actually wondering how selections are made for the cheerleader of the week on the SI.com site. I've looked at the archives of the ones that get selected and I know our squad has some that could rate up there. The cheerleader on the site this week from the University of Buffalo is nothing special.
a) band geeks will always be geeky, doesn't mean they aren't fans. They may be a little socially off but still good fans. I think they do a decent job when it comes to jumping and stuff, they have their coordinated tricks
b) where the music is concerned: I played band in High School (pep band too) and sometimes the music sucks, not the musician. I've seen some arrangements of various pop songs from 2005-on and they're just badly done. Can't blame the musician if the notes on the page aren't written well. Now if the MU band played "Sell Out" more often, I'd be happier.
c) I favor a music program, though I know why band people think there is a downside to it.
d) And while were on it for those that complain about the band being bad, can I make a pitch for no uggos/fatties in 106? If they're going to be on TV the most as representing the student body, can't we at least show some good bodies? Last thing I want perspective MU students seeing is the people from 106 and going "do all girls at MU look like that?"
our student section sucks.
where have they all been the last two home games. what a disgrace.
does buzz need to work the students over better?
tommy boy sure knew how to do that. it didn't, however, having d-wade on the roster.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 05, 2010, 12:03:30 AM
Good point actually. The pep band members are really more dedicated than the average Marquette student fan. Sure the 106 dudes (is that the section?) get to *SOME* game early, but that pales in comparison to the time spent in band practices accumulating points to be part of the pep band.
100% agree about their commitment but with that much time put in you'd think that learning a new song could happen every semester. Perhaps it does and i just don't notice.
Quote from: RawdogDX on February 05, 2010, 02:12:50 PM
100% agree about their commitment but with that much time put in you'd think that learning a new song could happen every semester. Perhaps it does and i just don't notice.
You don't notice. They've been adding a few new ones each year that I know were not in the folder back in my day. ;)
correction on what I said earlier...7 Nation is no longer available. And yes, anyone with a half a gram of musical talent can play it by ear, but if we did...the White Stripes could take the school for a lot of cash. Also, +1 to the comment about new songs having terrible arrangements. im impressed we've dug up gone baby gone and holiday
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 04, 2010, 10:46:27 PM
I used to work with the band, cheerleaders and mascot as an intern at MU. These kids are doing it on their own dime, no scholarship, a ton of time commitments.
I tip my hat to them all.
+1. Some of the folks here are real grinches.
Quote from: ODMU238 on February 05, 2010, 02:46:23 PM
correction on what I said earlier...7 Nation is no longer available.
Not available in the MU folder or not available for any band?
Because I'm pretty sure I heard U of I playing it last weekend against Tommy Boy.
WOW
Ok, I rarely EVER post on here, but this is tooo much. Almost hilarious in fact.
I graduated in 2009, and played in Pep Band 3 years (Soph-Senior year. Was a Fanatic Freshman year). I must comment of some of the stuff y'all have been saying.
1) Yes, I know, they're off on the thunderstruck thing. The thing is, it sounds like we're playing with them down by where we're playing, but because of the delay of the speakers on the band and the distance, if you're across the arena from them, it'll sound like crap. So yeah, I don't think they should do it anymore...but there IS a reason why is can sound bad.
2) You guys are HILARIOUS for saying that we don't add energy to what we're playing. Ridiculous! Sure, we've got bandos who may or may not be more concerned about playing the songs than the game...it's a band and the stereotypical band geekage DOES exist. However, all I know is that in my 3 years, I pretty much went ballistic every game and made sure to wear face paint as much as possible (see profile pic from Winston-Salem in 2007).
3) You guys are also NOT CATCHING AT ALL the new songs we've been playing. Sure, there are some old faves, but to tell the truth, whenever I hear the pep bands from other college basketball games, they seem to be 'gold standards' of pep band music. For example, there's "The Impression That I Get" and come on, we're MU, we gotta play "You Can Call Me Al." WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING NEW SONGS. For the past few years, a few new songs get added to the folder, with old ones being taken out. As for ones that get frequent playing time, I know that a coupla Billy Squier songs were added in 2007-2008 (The Stroke, Everybody Wants You) and I know we play "Vehicle" a lot from that year. In 2008-2009 we added "Frankenstein" and "Kung Fu Fighting" and those get extended play. I was able to play for the Big East opener this year because alums can play over the break, and I know that they added at least 4 new songs, one of which I remember is "Holiday." So come on guys, we're adding new stuff, you guys just haven't been paying attention. And I think most people, at least the student section, still likes it when we play "Rock and Roll pt. 2" for the 4 min. TV timeout in the 2nd half.
4) As for U of I playing Seven Nation Army, I'm just guessing it's cause they had the money to pony up the big bucks. Or maybe they just don't care. I dunno. Perhaps you guys would like to contact Athletics to give the big bucks? Or to pay for a music school.
5) In my opinion, the band has only been getting better these past few years, while I agree that the Gold Rush has decreased in quality significantly this year with the exit of the Big Three, and that they need to step it up more than the band at this juncture. Being a former member of both, I feel like I can say that.
For a school that only recently developed a music minor and has no music school, I think we do a pretty good job.
^^^^^^ I told you they were geeks ;D
haha. ps brandon, are you still involved in the band? i thought i saw you in there at the villanova game over break.
I like the band and think they do a decent job at bringing a college "feel" to the game. Thanks for the effort. I appreciate it. But, there is no denying that section is filled with a ton of geeks.
Quote from: MUBurrow on February 05, 2010, 04:08:58 PM
haha. ps brandon, are you still involved in the band? i thought i saw you in there at the villanova game over break.
There was a band alumni game over break, so that might have been it.
Brandon said right in his post that he played in the Big East opener, and that was the Villanova game, so yes, he was there.
These kids are all putting in their own time. I think they are fine. I'd like to get rid of the Hey song just because I don't like the addition of "you s...", especially when it seems to be directed at the families/fans that sit behind the opposing team's bench.
I also wish more students showed up for the non-marquee games.
As an aside, I remember years when the MU/DePaul bands and cheerleaders used to make the trips to the respective road games, and take turns playing music and doing cheers. I know it's been a long time since that happened, but anyone know why that doesn't happen anymore?
As a member and leader of the Pep Band I can say that many of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Especially the person (whoever you are) who started this thread in the first place. Some superfan you are.
First off, I have been to every single men's and women's game. If you'd like to see some people who TRULY support Marquette Athletics, then head to the Al for a women's game. Nearly every game, we outmatch the student section heavily. For the men's games, we pull at minimum 30 people. For most men's games we average around 50. We participate in the games wholeheartedly and are as emotionally involved as any fan or superfan out there. We yell at refs for bad calls, cheer wildly when DJO nails yet another 3-pointer, and groan when a foul shot is missed. I understand that at certain points we may seem "out of it" or "not personally involved in the game", but those constraints are due to athletics tying our hands (we're not allowed to turn around and yell "Sucks" when the starting lineup of the opposing team is announced for instance). We are, hands down, the best group of fans in that stadium. Dare to challenge me? Come stand next to us and you'll find out. We don't need to wear small jerseys, tight pants, or be in a drunken stupor to be passionate about our basketball teams.
WE earn our right to travel during tournaments (as do the cheerleaders). Every person in the band who volunteers for the tournaments must first attend over 15 games, both men's and women's, which are assigned to them at the beginning of the season. These individuals are NOT doing their homework, just twiddling their thumbs, or sitting down waiting for the game to be over.
As for the music selection, we have been working on it. Believe me, the directors and the students have been trying to get 7 Nation Army. As someone above pointed out earlier, we have added a few songs every semester and are trying to diversify our playlists. Also, as pointed out earlier, the majority of modern music out there is very difficult to translate into "pep music" for our instruments (I wish we could, but its not possible). Additionally, the more modern music is played by the DJ and so we often play tunes that are more familiar to the rest of the BC. If you have suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. However, merely saying that "we suck" and "we play the same songs repeatedly" is disrespectful and flat-out wrong. Also keep in mind that music is not cheap. If you really want to hear a song, fork over the cash and we can play it.
I also resent the term "band geek" and the implication that we are socially awkward. This is far from the truth and just because we're not wearing our rugbies off campus doesn't mean that we're not out there having a good time. We enjoy the trips to Caff's and Murphy's, hanging out with friends (in and out of band), and discussing and debating our basketball teams as much as the next Marquette student.
My last note is about the challenges that we are not a "quality sounding" band. It is correct that we do not have a music major. There are a few music minors who are involved in pep band. However the majority of us are non-music majors and minors who practice our instruments 6 hours a week (minimum) as well as perform in concerts and basketball games. My old high school won state and national awards (top 20 according to the Grammy Foundation) and the quality of Marquette's band program is leagues above my old high school. Brandon pointed out above that there's a sound issue in the BC. This may be the cause of some of your concerns and some of the irregularities in the sound across the student section. It is not a quality issue, but simply a space issue.
If you would like to make some constructive and serious contributions to the band program, I'd be more than willing to have a respectful conversation with anyone who has ideas how to make our band better. In the meantime, anyone who just trashes our band as sub-par to their personal standards, I challenge you to swing by the Varsity Theater 2 hours before tip off and see just how much we really do put into this band and our athletics.
Quote from: DHarder on February 05, 2010, 05:34:43 PM
As a member and leader of the Pep Band I can say that many of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Especially the person (whoever you are) who started this thread in the first place. Some superfan you are.
First off, I have been to every single men's and women's game. If you'd like to see some people who TRULY support Marquette Athletics, then head to the Al for a women's game. Nearly every game, we outmatch the student section heavily. For the men's games, we pull at minimum 30 people. For most men's games we average around 50. We participate in the games wholeheartedly and are as emotionally involved as any fan or superfan out there. We yell at refs for bad calls, cheer wildly when DJO nails yet another 3-pointer, and groan when a foul shot is missed. I understand that at certain points we may seem "out of it" or "not personally involved in the game", but those constraints are due to athletics tying our hands (we're not allowed to turn around and yell "Sucks" when the starting lineup of the opposing team is announced for instance). We are, hands down, the best group of fans in that stadium. Dare to challenge me? Come stand next to us and you'll find out. We don't need to wear small jerseys, tight pants, or be in a drunken stupor to be passionate about our basketball teams.
WE earn our right to travel during tournaments (as do the cheerleaders). Every person in the band who volunteers for the tournaments must first attend over 15 games, both men's and women's, which are assigned to them at the beginning of the season. These individuals are NOT doing their homework, just twiddling their thumbs, or sitting down waiting for the game to be over.
As for the music selection, we have been working on it. Believe me, the directors and the students have been trying to get 7 Nation Army. As someone above pointed out earlier, we have added a few songs every semester and are trying to diversify our playlists. Also, as pointed out earlier, the majority of modern music out there is very difficult to translate into "pep music" for our instruments (I wish we could, but its not possible). Additionally, the more modern music is played by the DJ and so we often play tunes that are more familiar to the rest of the BC. If you have suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. However, merely saying that "we suck" and "we play the same songs repeatedly" is disrespectful and flat-out wrong. Also keep in mind that music is not cheap. If you really want to hear a song, fork over the cash and we can play it.
I also resent the term "band geek" and the implication that we are socially awkward. This is far from the truth and just because we're not wearing our rugbies off campus doesn't mean that we're not out there having a good time. We enjoy the trips to Caff's and Murphy's, hanging out with friends (in and out of band), and discussing and debating our basketball teams as much as the next Marquette student.
My last note is about the challenges that we are not a "quality sounding" band. It is correct that we do not have a music major. There are a few music minors who are involved in pep band. However the majority of us are non-music majors and minors who practice our instruments 6 hours a week (minimum) as well as perform in concerts and basketball games. My old high school won state and national awards (top 20 according to the Grammy Foundation) and the quality of Marquette's band program is leagues above my old high school. Brandon pointed out above that there's a sound issue in the BC. This may be the cause of some of your concerns and some of the irregularities in the sound across the student section. It is not a quality issue, but simply a space issue.
If you would like to make some constructive and serious contributions to the band program, I'd be more than willing to have a respectful conversation with anyone who has ideas how to make our band better. In the meantime, anyone who just trashes our band as sub-par to their personal standards, I challenge you to swing by the Varsity Theater 2 hours before tip off and see just how much we really do put into this band and our athletics.
Very well said. Welcome to the board DH. Thanks for imparting some reason in this thread. I'll add that if anyone feels otherwise, perhaps they should contribute something themselves. Anyone can be a fan, few actually donate their time and effort. If you're complaining about the work that volunteers do then your horse must be high indeed; come take a walk at ground level and see if that changes your perspective.
I am just surprised at how many people created their first username and began posting for the first time in defense of the band as opposed to something basketball related.
I counted three people out of three pages of posts. That's not a huge amount. Lots of people lurk without posting, until one of their buttons gets pushed or they want to contribute on a topic they know about.
Could someone post a shorter version of that long post? There's no way I'm bothering to read the whole thing.
I applaud them for volunteering their time, however don't try and tell us you learn 5-7 new songs a year. The same songs are being played now as when I was in school - 4 years ago. And as a former band player in high school that played with the top bands, I know these songs are not that hard to play. The playlist needs to be completely revamped. I mean, 25 or 6 to 4, El Cumbanchero and Sell Out are NOT college level songs.
Quote from: 5YearsatMU on February 05, 2010, 06:27:12 PM
I applaud them for volunteering their time, however don't try and tell us you learn 5-7 new songs a year. The same songs are being played now as when I was in school - 4 years ago. And as a former band player in high school that played with the top bands, I know these songs are not that hard to play. The playlist needs to be completely revamped. I mean, 25 or 6 to 4, El Cumbanchero and Sell Out are NOT college level songs.
The new songs this year:
Holiday
Green Onions
Gone Daddy Gone
Disco Inferno
Watermelon Man
Give Up the Funk
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Plus others we haven't played yet but are rehearsing. Our director is not your old director from 4 years ago and the songs are different. And whatever your credentials are (top bands?) these songs may not be hard but we do not perform them poorly. And as for the songs you listed, we rarely play any of them minus Sell Out. So I will tell you that we play 5-7 new songs because we do and the band is not what it was when you were around. It has been improving and will continue to improve.
I've been asked to lock this thread, but I don't think that's quite the right thing to do.
While the original post in this thread created a lot of angst, there's some decent conversation here, notwithstanding the "sucks" people.
So the middle ground is to continue the discussion under a different topic heading..
Quote from: 5YearsatMU on February 05, 2010, 06:27:12 PM
I applaud them for volunteering their time, however don't try and tell us you learn 5-7 new songs a year. The same songs are being played now as when I was in school - 4 years ago. And as a former band player in high school that played with the top bands, I know these songs are not that hard to play. The playlist needs to be completely revamped. I mean, 25 or 6 to 4, El Cumbanchero and Sell Out are NOT college level songs.
Typically, pepband songs do not increase much in difficulty. You try to find an arrangement that sounds good not how difficult they are. Obviously you have not been at many games or you do not pay attention at all because we have added songs this year, as you can see in the above post.
Quote from: Warriors4ever on February 05, 2010, 05:58:33 PM
I counted three people out of three pages of posts. That's not a huge amount. Lots of people lurk without posting, until one of their buttons gets pushed or they want to contribute on a topic they know about.
That's me! I registered in '07, I just never post.
Quote from: Brandinooo on February 05, 2010, 08:11:05 PM
That's me! I registered in '07, I just never post.
Probably no time to post - too busy learning all those new songs to play.
Well played.
I want to thank all those students who are in the band and contribute their precious time to play for the games as well as being good students and displaying good sportsmanship to other schools. They are being positive role models as oppossed to being drunk and disorderly and are having a good time and support their team as well.
what's wrong with being a drunk and disorderly college student?
That's another discussion---just don't tear down the kids who are contributing something POSITIVE to the game. They all work hard at many aspects of their life at Marquette and don't deserve this teardown!
Awesome. Holy war has begun.
Rabble! Rabble! Rabble! Rabble! Rabble!
Quote from: lakersfan839 on February 05, 2010, 06:52:56 PM
Obviously you have not been at many games or you do not pay attention at all because we have added songs this year, as you can see in the above post.
Obviously. ::)
Quote from: 5YearsatMU on February 05, 2010, 10:00:12 PM
Obviously. ::)
Yea because you did not even notice all the new ones this year! idiot, no wonder it took you 5 years at MU
This is one of those threads that will go down in my "most annoying of all time" as well as "thread contributing most users to my ignore list" ranks.
Regardless of opinions on the issue itself, the fact that the only purpose of this thread was to tear down others, none of whom have wronged you in any way, is pathetic. I am disappointed that it's been allowed to stay open.
Honestly. These kids have contributed infinitely more to Marquette's community than 99% of the cranky babies on here did in their time at MU. I can think of no better way to describe this wasted pile of internet garbage opinion that some call a legitimate discussion topic than utter douchbaggery at its worst. What a sad group of people you all can be.
Maybe next you'll form neighborhood coalitions with other crotchety scrooges to keep those hooligan youngsters off your lawn in the summer time. Keep it up. I'm sure you will have no problem continuing to mock these kids sarcastically from behind the anonymity of your computer while they continue to dedicate their time and effort to the tradition of Marquette Athletics.
Quote from: kafitzger on February 05, 2010, 09:38:12 PM
That's another discussion---just don't tear down the kids who are contributing something POSITIVE to the game. They all work hard at many aspects of their life at Marquette and don't deserve this teardown!
You still didn't answer the question, aren't Drunk and Disorderly fans just as important as band geeks? They scream loudly, and since the band can't scream bullsh*t someone's gotta. Sorry they aren't geeks, they're musically inclined socially inept superfans? we all know gwaki wasn't trying to call them geeks otherwise he wouldn't be celebrating his DJ Hero trophy cards -congrats brah, in between shotgunning a natty Ice and pwning n00bz, you might have set yourself down a path to music minor... but I digress.
Speaking as a former/rehabilitated band geek (and to steal the words from an above poster): We are for the troops but against the war. the Band contributes a lot to the game, that much is clear (who else would get us through Da-da-dadaaaaaa-dada HEY YOU SUCK?). But also as a rehabbed band person, sight reading pop music that I already know isn't hard, this isn't Beethoven or Mozart or... As I said before, some of the arrangements are crappy but not all of them. And yes you band folk will defend this with "Well we've been playing so many more, open your ears" Well hearing the a new song sandwiched between 3 or 4 songs that have been played since the 70s means we have to listen to 3 or 4 songs that have been played since the 70s before we get to a 'new song'. Try playing more new songs? All new songs? They aren't hard at all.
Can't we all just put aside our differences and just come together over Visanthe Shiancoe's Dong... The post has been removed...sad, Its still funny to me... I miss "I know Ousmane Barro"
There this issue is settled.. good night
Quote from: kafitzger on February 05, 2010, 09:38:12 PM
That's another discussion---just don't tear down the kids who are contributing something POSITIVE to the game. They all work hard at many aspects of their life at Marquette and don't deserve this teardown!
Thank you very much! I'm glad to see that you and some others on this thread are positive.
As a band member, I was very surprised to even see that this topic had even come up. We may have old songs that we play, but they're enjoyable and also serve a constant throughout seasons. I guess that I just always assumed that people enjoyed hearing them as much as we liked playing them.
All in all, I don't really think this should be as big as an issue as people are making it. Just be respectful, understand that we work hard, and that we are always trying to make the experience of MU Basketball, whether it be a men's or women's game, better for all.
Quote from: MUMelody212 on February 05, 2010, 11:08:19 PM
I guess that I just always assumed that people enjoyed hearing them as much as we liked playing them.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the blowhards on here are, by any means, a representative sample of the Marquette community. I think that the band is, by and large, appreciated and enjoyed.
Quote from: DHarder on February 05, 2010, 05:34:43 PM
We are, hands down, the best group of fans in that stadium. Dare to challenge me? Come stand next to us and you'll find out. We don't need to wear small jerseys, tight pants, or be in a drunken stupor to be passionate about our basketball teams.
Ok I challenge that and no I don't fall into any of those categories that you just mentioned. Not that we should be seeing who is the better fan.
Quote from: BirkieWarrior on February 05, 2010, 11:12:23 PM
Don't be fooled into thinking that the blowhards on here are, by any means, a representative sample of the Marquette community. I think that the band is, by and large, appreciated and enjoyed.
Thanks, that's true. And I hope so! :)
Let me restate this. I know the original thread title was attacking and I am sorry for that. I looked at it as a way to get people to read the thread. I am sorry for that and never meant for my comments to be attacking at all. I didn't intend for it to come across like the band is poor in quality however I felt the song selection seemed to be. I enjoy the band at the game and am thankful for their enthusiasm. I just chose the wrong words to start the thread. After talking with both the director and reading the students responses I see they have new music choices and their selection is much larger than I thought.
gwaki is that you?
(http://routingbyrumor.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/eliot-spitzer-and-wife.jpg)
or is this you?
(http://www.marybethhicks.com/Portals/1/Sanford_Mark_062409.jpg)
Wait no you had to be So PC about this, thats you next to Jesse right?
(http://www.foxnews.com/images/242278/1_62_112706_richards_jackson.jpg)
Quote from: Gwaki on February 06, 2010, 12:42:12 AM
I looked at it as a way to get people to read the thread. I am sorry for that and never meant for my comments to be attacking at all.
BS! Just admit your a jerk and we'll all forgive you. It's ok to be a jerk, as long as you don't continue pretend that you're not a jerk.
Otherwise, We'll just call you IIII#2
I like the band and think they add a ton to the atmosphere at the game. They give the BC a real collegiate feel. Believe me, we'd miss them if they were gone
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 06, 2010, 07:49:07 AM
I like the band and think they add a ton to the atmosphere at the game. They give the BC a real collegiate feel. Believe me, we'd miss them if they were gone
I'm just glad they get to play during stupid crap like the Kiss Cam.
Hey, remember when people didn't need entertainment during timeouts to maintain interest in a basketball game?
Kiss Cam = Awesome.
The Kiss Cam is a thousand times more entertaining then the idiotic jump thing. It's at the point where I might start booing that idiot they keep showing. I don't care who he is.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 06, 2010, 09:32:16 AM
The Kiss Cam is a thousand times more entertaining then the idiotic jump thing. It's at the point where I might start booing that idiot they keep showing. I don't care who he is.
How old are you? At least he's getting into it and enjoying his time. Most other people enjoy it, or if they don't they just ignore it. To hate a guy for doing nothing to you is pretty damn immature....not like the rest of this thread hasn't been...(oh and he's not an idiot, especially given the fact he owns a successful engineering company)
I really enjoyed it last year when late in the season they showed a highlight clip of his jumps during the season.
i definitely don't see why its so bad to be anti-jump. i mean the guy himself is fine i guess, but his celebrity has gotten a little old. more than anything, i have always been anti-jump because i think it is UW's thing. they do it better than everyone else, and I don't get how people don't cringe when they come in and we play jump and go crazy.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 06, 2010, 09:15:09 AM
Kiss Cam = Awesome.
Best Kiss Cam was back when they first introduced it in '03 or '04. They would finish with two players on the other team's bench. I only saw it once or twice, so I'm guessing the administration put the stops on it pretty quickly.
Quote from: maxpower773 on February 06, 2010, 09:56:15 AM
How old are you? At least he's getting into it and enjoying his time. Most other people enjoy it, or if they don't they just ignore it. To hate a guy for doing nothing to you is pretty damn immature....not like the rest of this thread hasn't been...(oh and he's not an idiot, especially given the fact he owns a successful engineering company)
I don't "hate" the man. But I don't care what he owns...when you act like an idiot, be prepared to be called one. The idea that "owning a successful engineering company" precludes one from being called out for acting like an idiot is laughable.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 06, 2010, 10:51:45 AM
I don't "hate" the man. But I don't care what he owns...when you act like an idiot, be prepared to be called one. The idea that "owning a successful engineering company" precludes one from being called out for acting like an idiot is laughable.
I think he's great. His reason for "being an idiot" was because the alums around him were always sitting on their a$$es. Give him credit for having some spirit. For what it's worth, students love him.
Also, if anybody thinks our band sucks, listen to Providence's. Yikes, man.
For the record, there was a time when Freeway was shown dancing on the jumbotron.
He doesn't own his own engineering company.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 06, 2010, 10:51:45 AM
...when you act like an idiot, be prepared to be called one. The idea that "owning a successful engineering company" precludes one from being called out for acting like an idiot is laughable.
And the Curmudgeon of the Week award goes to ... PRN!
where are all the people starting account to defend Mo and Fulce on the other threads? people are saying the suck. ?-( ?-( ?-(
Quote from: mugrad2006 on February 06, 2010, 10:23:14 AM
Best Kiss Cam was back when they first introduced it in '03 or '04. They would finish with two players on the other team's bench. I only saw it once or twice, so I'm guessing the administration put the stops on it pretty quickly.
I clearly remember one time that happened. Cincinnati. Classic.
Quote from: mugrad2006 on February 06, 2010, 10:23:14 AM
Best Kiss Cam was back when they first introduced it in '03 or '04. They would finish with two players on the other team's bench. I only saw it once or twice, so I'm guessing the administration put the stops on it pretty quickly.
I also remember that .. awesome .. and wonder why they stopped .. but I wonder if it has something to with timing and where the guys sit during a TO. Generally, if there's a time out, the guys are all sitting/standing on the court around the coach. For a kiss cam shot, you need them to be sitting on chairs, next to eachother.
Quote from: mugrad2006 on February 06, 2010, 10:23:14 AM
Best Kiss Cam was back when they first introduced it in '03 or '04. They would finish with two players on the other team's bench. I only saw it once or twice, so I'm guessing the administration put the stops on it pretty quickly.
I believe it was last year or maybe early this year, but they did it once recently. Have not seen it since that one time. I can not recall which game.
the band rocks!!! thanks to all the musicians-past, present, and future-that help make college basketball so great.