MMB to Jerryworld Saga Explained
A whole lot of people gave DB gruff when it was announced this spring that the MMB would not be heading to Dallas for the Bama game - turns out it was the MMB that initiated the "situation" by renegging on their agreement to bus it down to Texas and play a series of concerts for alumni groups on the way. The cost of the change was an additional 300k that wasn't budgeted, hard to blame Brandon for how he handled the situation (knowing full well that people would step in and make it happen).
I looked hard and couldn't find that this had already been posted, but if it has, my apologies.
August 24th, 2012 at 6:20 AM ^
August 24th, 2012 at 9:12 AM ^
I'd guess there was a GREAT deal of misunderstanding, muddled details, and some expenses/revenue that didn't meet expectations on anyone's spreadsheet except Jerry Jones.
That said, MICHIGAN FOOTBALL is facing Alabama in a prime time recruitment bonanza, that ultimately still COULD turn ugly as quickly as it could put us back on the elite stage of football powerhouses. My perspective, Brandon agreed to this game to bring back the era where we played big time programs on a regular basis and wowed recruits/alum/powers that be instead of the Carr era where I started thinking we had somehow joined the MAC.
Unfortunately the band has always been a part of football saturday and while not essential to contest a football game, it's great to hear the victors at just the right time etc. I think it helps get the crowd involved and having them there would be/will be a nice addition to the environment. I also recall some discussion that after all the figures of payout from this event vs. a home/home agreement with Bama we aren't making any money on the deal or perhaps even 'losing' money compared to a home gate.
Based on the finger pointing, I'd guess there is some hard feelings on both sides of the issue. As to bandweek and the bus trip, I understand preparation is part of it....but please, bandweek is being portrayed as the center of the marching band and without it, the band won't be able to function the entire season. REALLY? Last I knew, these were some of the most talented musicians in all of college 'athletics' let alone the world perhaps? and without band week the show simply cannot go on? wow...that's pretty lame. It's a once in a lifetime situation, and think of the 'recruitiung' MMB could do along the way, not to mention the exposure on national TV, not to mention...you know as well as anyone the MMB was excited to be a part of this whole thing. Guess what, to get what you want in life sometimes you have to deviate from the norm, sometimes to attain something special, you have to put a little extra into it and make things happen. Sounds like a ton of sour grapes all the way around. I think Brandon handled this wrong, the boiler plate concept definitely would have been the best way to handle it, hey things worked out great, but personal jabs just stirs controversy. And blogging =) GO BLUE!
August 24th, 2012 at 9:36 AM ^
"Unfortunately the band has always been a part of football saturday"
Really? Is that what you meant to say? Would the football team play a game for exposure without preparing for it? The preparation is what Band Week is all about. It is the foundation of the season. All the football players are talented. You can't throw a ball out and ask them to play together at a high level.
The goal is to represent the University of Michigan - this isn't done by doing ANYTHING half-assed.
August 24th, 2012 at 9:41 AM ^
these were some of the most talented musicians in all of college 'athletics' let alone the world perhaps? and without band week the show simply cannot go on? wow...that's pretty lame.
You can be a very talented musician but that doesn't mean you can step on to the field with 200 other people and play & march in flawless formation with little practice. Particularly if you're an incoming freshman, which some of them are.
Our football team are some of the most talented players you'll find anywhere. Yet I'll bet their leadership would balk at travel arrangements that required them to miss almost 50% of their practice & prep time before their season. That's not "pretty lame;" that's a commitment to doing what it takes to achieve excellence. I think you have to trust the band leadership, just as you trust the coaches, to determine what kind of time and practice is needed to deliver the kind of experience we fans deserve.
August 24th, 2012 at 9:53 AM ^
August 24th, 2012 at 10:58 AM ^
I think we've all seen that Brandon is not above using a little double-speak when it serves his interests.
That said I'm sure there's some blame and mis-understanding that should go towards both sides here. DB is just trying to get in the final word. The important thing now is that the band will be there, I hope they have a great trip and represent the University very well.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:21 AM ^
I'm assuming it went something like this:
DB: "Hey would you consider bussing down to Texas?"
MMB: "Sure, we'll take it into consideration and figure out the logistics."
DB: "Great, glad to hear it! I'll budget accordingly!"
MMB: "Wait..."