(05-03-2017 12:41 PM)Ahhhorsepoo Wrote: Tubas always win! Why do you even try?
As long as he doesn't try to bring some Star Wars fanfare on 3rd down I think it could be a really fun process.. as his first order of business, he is defending/figuring out where to put the band in the stadium though..
Chris is a really, really sharp guy.
Honestly, I would expect him to:
1) Take the traditions already in place, and play up their strengths. And the UC Band has A LOT of traditions already there...so, I expect things like the Fanfare and charging the field, "Down the Drive," and "Cheer Cincinnati" will ONLY be played up. The "Pride of West Virginia" is used as the "exclamation point" in WVU football games and I expect the Bearcat Band will be used likewise. I think Chris will start from "What's already working" as opposed to "Let's pitch it all in the trash and start over from scratch."
2) I think Chris will lobby...hard...for MORE music scholarships and resources, including trying to build a closer relationship with the CCM. Chris is known in Morgantown for demanding the BEST musicianship...and while he's not averse to "pop" influences, he is above all a fine musician. When I think of Chris, I always end up thinking about the director character in the movie "Drumline," who demands that his musicians master their craft. (This is not a reflection on Dr. Frenz.) But I hope and think Nichter will approach the CCM in the spirit of fine musicianship and seek to broach some of the walls that have divided the CCM from the Bands program.
3) I think Chris will also bring more dynamic formations to the Band's programs and drill...and drill...and drill his Bands on marching discipline and precision. He is the type of Marching Band guy who is about precision marching. The Band will really shine and snap under his direction.
4) Finally, his musicians up here love him... I mean, there is real sorrow and regret up in Morgantown at the moment. He is a guy who kids WANT to play and work for. He earns the devotion and trust of his kids...which is not always an easy thing.
Just saying...This is a really good thing for the band, IMO.