Since we are still in conference limbo and we seem to look a lot at our potential new conferencemates, here are the 2013 Preseason Marching Band rankings for the MAC.
This is just another aspect in which we would move to the top of the rankings on Day #1. How would we compare to the Sunbelt and CUSA? Have they come out with their rankings yet?
http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/8/16/4622...hing-bands
Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget. But I do have to say this about our band, although they are the largest band and generally play well until they can learn to march in a formation that looks something more than a blob most of the time (e.g. the spelling out JMU and Dukes is a good step away from that, as was the last game where they actually cris-crossed each other) and stop playing god damned show tunes all the time, they will never be in the upper echelon of marching bands.
(08-16-2013 02:33 PM)JMaddy Wrote: [ -> ]Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget. But I do have to say this about our band, although they are the largest band and generally play well until they can learn to march in a formation that looks something more than a blob most of the time (e.g. the spelling out JMU and Dukes is a good step away from that, as was the last game where they actually cris-crossed each other) and stop playing god damned show tunes all the time, they will never be in the upper echelon of marching bands.
So you're saying that until the band makes pretty shapes and plays pop music, they will not be good enough for you. How about we have the color guard just hold up shiny things and jangle some car keys? Would that be ok?
(08-16-2013 02:33 PM)JMaddy Wrote: [ -> ]Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget. But I do have to say this about our band, although they are the largest band and generally play well until they can learn to march in a formation that looks something more than a blob most of the time (e.g. the spelling out JMU and Dukes is a good step away from that, as was the last game where they actually cris-crossed each other) and stop playing god damned show tunes all the time, they will never be in the upper echelon of marching bands.
I wasn't in the MRD and have no skin in this game, but I'm pretty sure you're gonna get chewed out by some posters on here. To quote Yeager, there is a mob of them out there.
(08-16-2013 03:14 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote: [ -> ] (08-16-2013 02:33 PM)JMaddy Wrote: [ -> ]Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget. But I do have to say this about our band, although they are the largest band and generally play well until they can learn to march in a formation that looks something more than a blob most of the time (e.g. the spelling out JMU and Dukes is a good step away from that, as was the last game where they actually cris-crossed each other) and stop playing god damned show tunes all the time, they will never be in the upper echelon of marching bands.
I wasn't in the MRD and have no skin in this game, but I'm pretty sure you're gonna get chewed out by some posters on here. To quote Yeager, there is a mob of them out there.
So I was in the MRDs and my first reaction was to blast the guy (or girl...I only hear annoying sorority girls yell "JMaddy" at football games), but to an extent he's right.
For the record, the band has won the Sudler Trophy as the best college marching band in America (that was in '94 - first I-AA band to win it). You can't win it more than once.
Nevertheless, the point is valid. I got REALLY tired of hearing and seeing the same show last year. We used to almost do a new show every game. When you do that you can do a Broadway show, a pop-ish show, a Latin show and then mix and match. It doesn't seem like that variety is there anymore. I have to admit that even as a former MRD, I've been disappointed with the band for a couple of years.
I was going to post this huge post blasting the guy, but it's just not worth it.
People like what they like, but to say they are not in the upper echelon of marching bands is just plain incorrect.
I've marched most of my life and also spent two summers in drum corps, so I know my ****. The quality of the stuff they play is top notch. It may not be your taste, so be it.
The quality of their marching is also top quality for college marching standards. They are way better and more challenging in the drill now than when I marched. It's not easy to get a show like that on the field.
At the risk of being blasted by the mob - I really don't like the running on the field by the band at half-time. I'd rather see disciplined marching out to the starting spots than any of that kind of stuff. Blast away.
(08-16-2013 04:02 PM)GeoJMU Wrote: [ -> ]At the risk of being blasted by the mob - I really don't like the running on the field by the band at half-time. I'd rather see disciplined marching out to the starting spots than any of that kind of stuff. Blast away.
No blasting here... I actually agree. I never did it.
Some members take it more seriously than others. College marching band is about entertaining and having fun doing so. For some people, that is about running onto the field. Unless the staff tells them "this is how it's going to be", it will always be like that.
(08-16-2013 04:18 PM)JMad03 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-16-2013 04:02 PM)GeoJMU Wrote: [ -> ]At the risk of being blasted by the mob - I really don't like the running on the field by the band at half-time. I'd rather see disciplined marching out to the starting spots than any of that kind of stuff. Blast away.
No blasting here... I actually agree. I never did it.
Some members take it more seriously than others. College marching band is about entertaining and having fun doing so. For some people, that is about running onto the field. Unless the staff tells them "this is how it's going to be", it will always be like that.
In High School I remember band competitions where a band would occasionally march out in absolute silence - not even a drum rim shot. And they would be in absolute lock-step. If you're into marching bands, it was really cool to see if they did it right.
when one of you comes up with a good way to get 560 students on and off the field in such a manner that isn't disorganized or blobish, call Scott Rikkers; he'll hear you out.
The band members aren't there to major in marching band; they're there to put on a show and have fun. If you want strict marching style head up to a DCI show.
(08-16-2013 02:33 PM)JMaddy Wrote: [ -> ]Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget.
You obviously have never seen or heard the UMass Band, which is a great, great marching band. And if you don't think the MRDs are already in the "upper echelon" of marching bands (I'm talking Michigan, Texas, USC territory) I apologize for being critical of your statement about the MAC bands. You are obviously handicapped by being both blind and deaf.
(08-16-2013 02:33 PM)JMaddy Wrote: [ -> ]Well being #1 in the MAC would be like being the tallest midget. But I do have to say this about our band, although they are the largest band and generally play well until they can learn to march in a formation that looks something more than a blob most of the time (e.g. the spelling out JMU and Dukes is a good step away from that, as was the last game where they actually cris-crossed each other) and stop playing god damned show tunes all the time, they will never be in the upper echelon of marching bands.
News flash. The Marching Royal Dukes already are in the "upper echelon" of marching bands.
The MRD's won the Sudler Trophy before UMass did. Your statement about criss-crossing each other demonstrates a lack of understanding of the various styles of marching and of marching shows.
(08-16-2013 04:02 PM)GeoJMU Wrote: [ -> ]At the risk of being blasted by the mob - I really don't like the running on the field by the band at half-time. I'd rather see disciplined marching out to the starting spots than any of that kind of stuff. Blast away.
Some of that began with the change in band leadership. More of it is due to the Athletic Department wanting their view of "big time" football and running onto the field is part of that view.
I personally preferred it when the MRD's came into the stadium in ranks of two behind the full drum line, but things change. For example, the cadence has morphed to the point where I find it practically impossible to find the beat at times, but it works for the current band.
(08-16-2013 05:38 PM)Deez Nuts Wrote: [ -> ]when one of you comes up with a good way to get 560 students on and off the field in such a manner that isn't disorganized or blobish, call Scott Rikkers; he'll hear you out.
The band members aren't there to major in marching band; they're there to put on a show and have fun. If you want strict marching style head up to a DCI show.
+1
When you are great or the best of the best, sometimes one of a few things happens. 1. You get taken for granted. You create a monster. The fans are used to the greatness and expect even more. Hard to live up to the expectations. 2. You get complacent. You forget what it took to get to the top. You change things just a little and begin a slow regression. Unintended consequences of changes are failed to be recognized and the product slips. 3. You build on your successes and create and even better model.
I love the MRDs and look forward to hearing them every opportunity I can get. But, I must admit that in my opinion, they have slipped a bit. I get tired of the same halftime show for 5 straight home games. I don't like it when they act all crazy jumping around and all that stuff. Give me a rafter raising, blowout the brass, tune and I am a happy camper. Precision marching instead of silly stuff. I still love them, but really do think they aren't quite at the level they were a few years ago.
BSKB, you must mean more than a "few" years ago. The current band is better than any MRDs post-2003. I assume you mean pre-03.
(08-16-2013 08:55 PM)HyperDuke Wrote: [ -> ]BSKB, you must mean more than a "few" years ago. The current band is better than any MRDs post-2003. I assume you mean pre-03.
Heck Hyper, the years run together. I really am not being critical. I still think the MRDs are the best. I just think they used to be better than the current version. It is like the football team, some years are better than others. The band used to have this really great trombone player...
Lol. I just know that the current band marches better than & plays (mostly) as well as any group since 2003. Big difference in my opinion to pre-2003 & 2003-2008.
(08-16-2013 05:38 PM)Deez Nuts Wrote: [ -> ]when one of you comes up with a good way to get 560 students on and off the field in such a manner that isn't disorganized or blobish, call Scott Rikkers; he'll hear you out.
The band members aren't there to major in marching band; they're there to put on a show and have fun. If you want strict marching style head up to a DCI show.
Holy Cow- Relax Dude. We're just talking- Geez. I'm just expressing an opinion. We've all got 'em. Not trying to ridicule the entire MRD. I just enjoy seeing something different. You're right I do prefer seeing a competitive drum corps show.
The MRDs report this Sunday. I've been hearing a preview of the show from my basement for the past week or so. Sounds great!