I am totally for that. In addition I support more regular shapes, a larger band, and better shows. Will any of this happen? nope.
What you can do!- if you know any current band members suggest show ideas to them. They get up to 3 "votes" on suggestions for next seasons tunes. Usually the students only get to influence 1 show, but if they all suggest a really cool idea, that would be one show that's really good at least.
anyone in sections 4-25 during the game, you have basically no chance to hear the band. Welcome to physics. That's how sound works, and most of these are directional instruments. Anyone from 26-3 should expect to hear something, although depending on where you are not so much. For pregame 20-26 should expect to hear most of it except for when they play towards the end zones. Half time is basically the same thing minus when they pity the non-pressbox side.
Also, cutting instruments will not make the band louder unless you know a whole bunch of kids who want to audition for trumpet and trombone. Last couple of years, those numbers have been down and it has hurt the overall volume level. Hate to sound like the football team, but yes it matters how many players the band has. Not saying Boerma isn't too blame, (which he very much is) but it's saying something when the band can't fill the quota for trombone players (one of the loudest instruments).
I've been waiting for anyone to bring this up. 4 games in 7 days. I know they didn't practice Monday(travel/rest day), so they have had probably 1 or 2 days of practice since Beilein has noticed all these issues. What did you really think would get fixed?
Long season, plenty of games to earn those "quality wins" so sack up and lets watch some basketball.
Funny you mention illegal, I thought I just heard Keith Jackson say that UM was the most penalized team in the country. I'm not saying it's not a GREAT defense, but you'd think a Carr team would be anti-penalty. Maybe it was just the young gusto Carr being overly aggressive (too bad that didn't last) to get big hits etc.
Note- He said this while UM was on defense but I have no clue what the breakdown was.
Anyone else laughing how different football was 11 years ago? even the production value seems so retro.
Ok, I think you might be reading a bit much into that quote. Regardless, why not grant it for the 5th year? we still have an open scholarship for Trey, and if manny leaves(likely) we will have two open ships. Is there anyone else we are in on that we would need an extra scholarship or two going into next season that would necessitate forcing out a great team player?
I'm a huge fan of this type of research. This is what truly makes this board so great in that it gives us ways to suggest new metrics/ideas. I think this rating tool could be added into UFR and would be meaningful. The best part is that it doesn't even introduce anything new, just views them differently. It's a simple plug and chug addition. Once again kudos.
FWIW the halftime selection for this week is of the RAWK variety and not of the alumni pleasing variety so we'll see if that makes any difference in the discussion.
I know nothing about the numbers over a long period of time, but was simply relating the idea that we only have a band of brass is impractical based on the auditioning members currently. In addition there is no disputing that there are fewer members than there has been of late as it's come down from over 350ish to more like 320ish. I think topgun has the right idea that it's related to football success as sad as that is based on the evidence provided by the years after 97 when the band ballooned in size.
I was a member of the MMB recently and can tell you that they have been bleeding members the last 3 years. The band is down to around 320ish I believe and has been well over 400 at times. Part of this is a new musical cap put in place to promote musicality, but this does not explain the recent lack of people auditioning. This is especially true of Trombones and Trumpets who usually get no more than 20-25 people auditioning for about 15 spots. Of those 20, only maybe 13 or 14 are college level musicians. To give you a real number example, there are only around 40 trombones in this years band and they will take up to 60+. 20 Trombones is a huge difference in sound and balance of a band. It pains me to say it, but there is not the interest in bands that their once was and the lack of interest more than anything else has to be partly responsible in the lack of noise. This is not an excuse* for a lack of noise, but something to be considered.
*(see Charlie Weis for example of excuses)
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