Sousa out as director of the POSL...

#327
#327
Weezer said:
True, but Sousa wasn't hired to be first and foremost the director of concert bands. He knew that taking the job. Anyone coming in to be director of bands knows the POTS takes top billing because they are the part of the music dept most visible. I'm not taking away from those in concert band, I did both myself, but the audience for our concerts were far less than the audience we had on gameday. When you're doing a job, business comes first, before passion.
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He oversees everything. That's why Ryder is there. To run the Pride. Much like an offensive coordinator and a head coach.
 
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#328
#328
whobethis16 said:
He oversees everything. That's why Ryder is there. To run the Pride. Much like an offensive coordinator and a head coach.
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Apparently you are very attached to Sousa. And that's fine. But the fact remains that his drum major, a young woman in a new position of leadership, was guided to do something that in no way was in her best interest. And he is responsible for it.
 
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#329
#329
vollygirl said:
Apparently you are very attached to Sousa. And that's fine. But the fact remains that his drum major, a young woman in a new position of leadership, was guided to do something that in no way was in her best interest. And he is responsible for it.
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For defending a man that taught me that there are things in life bigger than myself, the value of tradition and family, who taught me several life lessons that I would've missed out on anywhere else? Yeah, you can say I'm attached. For yet another time, I don't agree with the way he went about this, but knowing him as I do, he wouldbt jeopardize the students or the organization unless he felt he had no other way. Bash the man all you want for not bending over and taking it, but I admire the premise of his actions. People idolize Jones for the arguing with referees (ie standing up for his players) but castrate this man for standing up for his members? Hypocrisy much?
 
#330
#330
whobethis16 said:
For defending a man that taught me that there are things in life bigger than myself, the value of tradition and family, who taught me several life lessons that I would've missed out on anywhere else? Yeah, you can say I'm attached. For yet another time, I don't agree with the way he went about this, but knowing him as I do, he wouldbt jeopardize the students or the organization unless he felt he had no other way. Bash the man all you want for not bending over and taking it, but I admire the premise of his actions. People idolize Jones for the arguing with referees (ie standing up for his players) but castrate this man for standing up for his members? Hypocrisy much?
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Did he help the drum major throw herself under the bus for the greater good?
 
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#331
#331
whobethis16 said:
For defending a man that taught me that there are things in life bigger than myself, the value of tradition and family, who taught me several life lessons that I would've missed out on anywhere else? Yeah, you can say I'm attached. For yet another time, I don't agree with the way he went about this, but knowing him as I do, he wouldbt jeopardize the students or the organization unless he felt he had no other way. Bash the man all you want for not bending over and taking it, but I admire the premise of his actions. People idolize Jones for the arguing with referees (ie standing up for his players) but castrate this man for standing up for his members? Hypocrisy much?
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Surprisingly salient point. It is however posted in the FOOTBALL forum.
 
#332
#332
vollygirl said:
Did he help the drum major throw herself under the bus for the greater good?
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Knowing him, he said just what the articles said: do what you want. He didn't encourage it, nor discourage it. Therefore that goes all the way back to him, but the actions were that of the drum major.
 
#333
#333
whobethis16 said:
Knowing him, he said just what the articles said: do what you want. He didn't encourage it, nor discourage it. Therefore that goes all the way back to him, but the actions were that of the drum major.
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So you don't think he gave her any advice or counsel to tell her that what she was going to do would be perceived in a bad light? You don't think he knew what she was going to do would be received negatively? You don't think he cared enough about someone under his charge to prevent the impact it could potentially have on Miss Henderson?
 
#334
#334
vollygirl said:
So you don't think he gave her any advice or counsel to tell her that what she was going to do would be perceived in a bad light? You don't think he knew what she was going to do would be received negatively? You don't think he cared enough about someone under his charge to prevent the impact it could potentially have on Miss Henderson?
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He manipulates people all the time, so I wouldn't put it past him.
 
#335
#335
vollygirl said:
So you don't think he gave her any advice or counsel to tell her that what she was going to do would be perceived in a bad light? You don't think he knew what she was going to do would be received negatively? You don't think he cared enough about someone under his charge to prevent the impact it could potentially have on Miss Henderson?
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He lifted the no response policy that he lived and breathed. Find the old Beacon articles from 2009 when an ex member badmouthed the Pride. Sousa reiterated over and over how we could not respond to it. He knew what could/would have happened. Hence why I said he neither encouraged or discouraged any actions by the members.
 
#336
#336
Weezer said:
Technically, he followed an embezzler. Sparky was a "legend" in his own mind, but certainly no where near the real thing.

And though this will get a laugh from those who don't understand, Doc is to the band what the General is to football. Hell, Doc even served in WWII. He was U.S. Navy and his ship was sunk by a kamikaze. And though I've never seen confirmed reports of what happenned after the sinking, I've heard stories that Doc helped save several lives. Just a little historical rambling at the end. Even band geeks can be heroes. :p
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I liked Sparky, regardless of wrong doing. I still had more "Pride" marching under him than I did under Romines. And yes, I marched under Julian as well and got a serious butt chewing for being late...once.
 
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#337
#337
whobethis16 said:
He lifted the no response policy that he lived and breathed. Find the old Beacon articles from 2009 when an ex member badmouthed the Pride. Sousa reiterated over and over how we could not respond to it. He knew what could/would have happened. Hence why I said he neither encouraged or discouraged any actions by the members.
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So, he was willing to let her throw herself under the bus for what he perceived to be the greater good. Correct?
 
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#338
#338
9296potsguy said:
I liked Sparky, regardless of wrong doing. I still had more "Pride" marching under him than I did under Romines. And yes, I marched under Julian as well and got a serious butt chewing for being late...once.
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Romines had a completely different take on things than Sparky did. Romines never would have responded to heckling by turning the Pride towards the PKA houe at 7 in the mornng on gameday and playing Psych Warmup at full f'n blast like Sparky did. He did put my favorite Circle Drill on field, though... Turn the truck around, watch out for that awning.

This whole thing... it's like Mr. Popsicle just died.
 
#339
#339
vollygirl said:
So, he was willing to let her throw herself under the bus for what he perceived to be the greater good. Correct?
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If she didn't, it would appear even more that Sousa had a vendetta against the AD, while the student leader voicing her concerns, along with numerous other students, shows that it isn't just sour grapes from that one guy. For the millionth time, I lived by the no response policy, even though there were several things that made me not want to, so I know that there is something else up regarding this. Just because you adore and take Hart's side just because "Butch gets it", doesn't mean there isn't any validity behind the band's argument. I don't like how it happened, but he wouldn't have done it if he felt there was another option. You won't make me change my stance on that.
 
#343
#343
whobethis16 said:
He oversees everything. That's why Ryder is there. To run the Pride. Much like an offensive coordinator and a head coach.
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Ah, so you honestly believe Sousa isn't the one held responsible for the POTS? He may dictate an assistant to run practices(Doc did that), but ultimately, like a head coach, he's the one held responsible. And I guarantee he knew/knows that.

Never bite the hand that feeds you.
 
#344
#344
9296potsguy said:
I liked Sparky, regardless of wrong doing. I still had more "Pride" marching under him than I did under Romines. And yes, I marched under Julian as well and got a serious butt chewing for being late...once.
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Sparky had moments. He could be fun, he could also be a big assclown. I never marched under Romines, but assuming it's the same Romines I knew, I liked him. Very cool and mellow guy. Looking at your years, chances are we crossed paths.

Personally, even though I was gone when things came to light, I've not liked Sparky since he muddied up the Pride's reputation. He should be barred from the Tennessee forever.
 
#345
#345
Sorry if this has been addressed....but will the Pride of the Southland band perform the pregame and halftime show? I simply cannot imagine Neyland Stadium without the pregame show.....still today that gives me chills....and the forming the Power T for the team to run through....I just can't imagine. This is all just a shame. Sounds like new blood is needed in leadership from Sousa....but its not the bands fault. And yes they are a huge part of the Neyland experience!
 
#346
#346
allvol9 said:
Sorry if this has been addressed....but will the Pride of the Southland band perform the pregame and halftime show? I simply cannot imagine Neyland Stadium without the pregame show.....still today that gives me chills....and the forming the Power T for the team to run through....I just can't imagine. This is all just a shame. Sounds like new blood is needed in leadership from Sousa....but its not the bands fault. And yes they are a huge part of the Neyland experience!
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If they want to keep their scholarships, then any musician that has one will perform. They'd have to have a medical excuse to miss in this situation(imo). It would be silly for them to put their schollys on the line.

Non-schollys could sit out without fear of financial repercussion, but it would seem silly to me.

Maybe there's more to the story than I've seen, but what I've read makes all this seem so silly. If it really is about reduced playing time and reduced travel expenses, then Sousa is an idiot. I'm sorry to the guy with the man-crush on him, but really? Is this something to start a fight with the admin over?

You still have pre-game, you still have half-time, you still have after the game. I'm sure when there's a score, Down the Field is still played followed by Rocky Top. It's not like a football game is where you showcase your true musical ability, so I fail to see how reduced playing time is something to stir the pot over. And as for travel, the AD pays for that. It doesn't come from the music dept budget. If they decide they don't want the band at every game, so be it. That's their choice, and any negativity expressed by fans should be directed at the AD for that choice, but travel is not a right the band has. We travelled at the AD's discretion, on their dime. And as I recall, they gave us enough of a per diem to have a good time. I normally came home with money left over.

IMO, as someone who marched in the POTS, this smacks of individuals wanting more because they always got it. UT and the UTAD do not owe the POTS anything. That's not to say the band is unimportant because I truly believe we add to the gameday environment enormously, but the sense of self-importance is out of hand. Yes, members put in long practice hours, hours harder than most would realize, but we did it, at least in my time there, because we enjoyed the overall experience. You get to see the game in a totally different way.

I think the band should be appreciated, but I also think the band members should appreciate what they have. Anyone that dissatisfied should just quit.

End of rant.
 
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#347
#347
Weezer said:
If they want to keep their scholarships, then any musician that has one will perform. They'd have to have a medical excuse to miss in this situation(imo). It would be silly for them to put their schollys on the line.

Non-schollys could sit out without fear of financial repercussion, but it would seem silly to me.

Maybe there's more to the story than I've seen, but what I've read makes all this seem so silly. If it really is about reduced playing time and reduced travel expenses, then Sousa is an idiot. I'm sorry to the guy with the man-crush on him, but really? Is this something to start a fight with the admin over?

You still have pre-game, you still have half-time, you still have after the game. I'm sure when there's a score, Down the Field is still played followed by Rocky Top. It's not like a football game is where you showcase your true musical ability, so I fail to see how reduced playing time is something to stir the pot over. And as for travel, the AD pays for that. It doesn't come from the music dept budget. If they decide they don't want the band at every game, so be it. That's their choice, and any negativity expressed by fans should be directed at the AD for that choice, but travel is not a right the band has. We travelled at the AD's discretion, on their dime. And as I recall, they gave us enough of a per diem to have a good time. I normally came home with money left over.

IMO, as someone who marched in the POTS, this smacks of individuals wanting more because they always got it. UT and the UTAD do not owe the POTS anything. That's not to say the band is unimportant because I truly believe we add to the gameday environment enormously, but the sense of self-importance is out of hand. Yes, members put in long practice hours, hours harder than most would realize, but we did it, at least in my time there, because we enjoyed the overall experience. You get to see the game in a totally different way.

I think the band should be appreciated, but I also think the band members should appreciate what they have. Anyone that dissatisfied should just quit.

End of rant.
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I love how people always try to make passive-aggressive jabs at others who defend someone who, up until now, has done everything the right way. But if you think the AD would've cut the travel down this much with Julian, or even the previous AD, you're crazy. It's easy for you to say "get over it" to the current members, but I doubt you'd be saying that if you were a current member. Or it happened to you when you marched. I just know that Sousa would not have let it explode like this if he saw a way to resolve it. Accept that or not, that's the way it is.
 
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#348
#348
vollygirl said:
So you don't think he gave her any advice or counsel to tell her that what she was going to do would be perceived in a bad light? You don't think he knew what she was going to do would be received negatively? You don't think he cared enough about someone under his charge to prevent the impact it could potentially have on Miss Henderson?
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For those of us out of the area, could someone provide an update as to whether the students who spoke out publicly (including Miss Henderson; not sure I understand who or what she is) have been disciplined because of this? And if so, how severe it was? thanks :hi:
 
#349
#349
VolNExile said:
For those of us out of the area, could someone provide an update as to whether the students who spoke out publicly (including Miss Henderson; not sure I understand who or what she is) have been disciplined because of this? And if so, how severe it was? thanks :hi:
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She's the new drum major that started the petition. I haven't heard of any students being disciplined for anything. I wouldn't expect that to happen (I don't think they've done anything "wrong".)
 
#350
#350
I hope not. I'd rather see students riled up and advocating for their program (even if maybe not in the most appropriate way) than just shuffling back and forth to class/ rehearsal. Thanks!
 
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