Assistant Director of Bands John Pasquale named new Marching Band Director
So the Daily actually reported this a couple of days ago...
http://www.michigandaily.com/article/01pasquale-announced-new-marching-…
Any thoughts from our past and present band members on the move? Should be a seemless transition. And knows Michigan. But does that mean the same of what we like, and what we don't like, or do people think he's going to put his own spin on things? What's his rep?
January 25th, 2013 at 9:45 AM ^
Can I play the Spoons in the band now?
January 25th, 2013 at 9:59 AM ^
My son (current Music Composition major) played for him in University Band two years ago, and was very impressed. Reaction from the band members I've heard has been very positive. He has a ton of energy and will certainly put everything into putting a great product out on the field and in the stands.
January 25th, 2013 at 10:29 AM ^
January 25th, 2013 at 3:11 PM ^
I can't speak for every director, but Gary Lewis (MMB director 1990-1994) was a graduate of Oklahoma and Texas Tech (masters). He may have been a faculty member at Michigan before taking over the band.
January 25th, 2013 at 10:41 AM ^
I couldn't be more excited. He is the current Assistant Director and Director of the Hockey Band, so the students know him very well. He will, without a doubt, uphold the tradition of excellence the MMB has. I can't really say whether or not he will impliment any big changes. I guess we'll find out once the season comes up.
January 25th, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
I really hope he brings some fun back to the halftime shows ! The MMB is a great band - but the job at halftime is entertainment.
Go Blue!
January 25th, 2013 at 11:21 AM ^
January 25th, 2013 at 11:50 AM ^
Bands will make her dance
January 25th, 2013 at 12:18 PM ^
Pasquale is beloved by the student body, but word on the street is that the starched shirts in the Music department weren't quite on board with his particular brand of charisma (unorthodox for a director, to say the least).
As a recent MMB alumnus, I'm very pleased with this move and hope they can find an assistant director as excellent as Pasquale has been.
January 25th, 2013 at 2:39 PM ^
And maybe it's just me, but the Music Department people not being on board with this sounds like a positive.
January 25th, 2013 at 12:24 PM ^
I've always liked the guy. He's got the credentials for sure, and having been with the band for the last 5 years, it makes sense for him to take over. Should be a good fit.
January 25th, 2013 at 12:32 PM ^
I hope they get back to the highstepping style instead of the flat-footed southern parade walk. That has been so offensive for so long,,,,,,,,,,,, They should bring back some of the precision drills and dance steps that were awesome and really energized the crowd. IE the Saint Louis Blues March was always one of my faves. I know formation shows can be thrown together is a day or two, but they're so BORING and just silly.
January 25th, 2013 at 4:56 PM ^
January 25th, 2013 at 4:56 PM ^
January 25th, 2013 at 1:25 PM ^
Pasquale is very popular among the students (honestly, with no disrespect intended, moreso than Boerma) and everyone I've talked to thinks he is a tremendous choice, myself included.
For anyone interested here's his bio on the MMB website: http://mmb.music.umich.edu/john-pasquale
Of particular relevance to the MMB is his DCI experience: "Dr. Pasquale served as the Associate Brass Caption Manager of the Santa Clara Vangaurd Drum and Bugle Corps from Santa Clara, California, and taught ensemble music as a member of the Brass Staff of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Illinois. [...] During his tenure from 2002-2009, the Cavaliers have been named Drum Corps International World Champions three times and the recipient of two Jim Ott Awards for "Excellence in Brass Performance."
January 25th, 2013 at 1:30 PM ^
DCI =/= College marching band. Two different things that are unfortunately thought to be relevant to one another. Sure, that experience is great, but the MMB is not a DCI corps, nor should it take on the dimensions of one.
January 25th, 2013 at 1:28 PM ^
I'm on board based on what I've seen watching the hockey band over the past few years. He seems familiar with the dynamics of an athletic band, to say the least. And it seems like he has the respect of the students. That speaks volumes to me.
Honestly, all I care about is the MMB having a voice that promotes and ensures the well-being of its students in a respectful way, can stand up for the band in the face of an athletic department that doesn't have the interests of a marching band in mind, and who is willing to steer the band away from its progression towards becoming a DCI corps.
Let the MMB be the MMB. And let 'em be heard, fergodsakes. YUBA.
January 25th, 2013 at 1:42 PM ^
Where's Damon, er, I mean, Mr. Talley?
(early 2000s bandos will get the reference.)
January 25th, 2013 at 2:33 PM ^
and i know who talley is. dude could dance. MMB hasn't been as good, IME, since he left.
January 25th, 2013 at 2:03 PM ^
Bring back Nix.
January 25th, 2013 at 3:16 PM ^
First order of business: Lift the ban at Yost and bring back the dancing conductor during a win late in the 3rd period. Perhaps it has already been lifted; wouldn't know based on this year's hockey performance on the ice.
January 25th, 2013 at 3:30 PM ^
that the hockey pep band brought to a game back in the 90 and very early '00s. during this period, the band provided energy to several tight games. they were so instramental in a few games that they were awarded teh third star of the game (yeah i know, not possible with today's corporate sponsoring). who ever takes over, should bring the energy back to the hockey pep band that has been lacking in the past several years.