Statement from UT re: Gameday Atmosphere

[VolSousa12]

Whether the information given from the higher-ups of the band (directors, staff, etc.) was faulty or not, I don't know. But many, many band members I know all received the same info that was known last night. Multiple people have read what's out now and are saying that some things have, in fact, been edited, but that Fuller isn't mentioning those as alterations to the aforementioned info. They're saying some of the things they were told may have been backed off or changed for damage control.

I can tell you as a member that things were changed in Chris Fuller's statement from what he originally sent the band. Whether this was to cover his tail or was just backpeddling from the all the flak the AD was getting, I don't know. But it was different.

 

[Voltopia]

Why isn't anyone posting the original message? All it would take is posting it or a picture of it to blow a bit of a storm up about all this mess ...

 

[crusse10]

Here's a picture of one page that I've gotten from a good friend of mine, a band member, which he got from a squad leader. He doesn't have the 2nd page yet

edit: here's the 2nd page

 

[AgentOrange007]

Winning some football games against few top ranked SEC schools will go much farther in creating a more electric atmosphere in the stadium than any "marketing plan" developed by a bunch of people sitting around a table.

 

[crusse10]

Based on those 2 pages, my guess is that they felt they were being told "No Down the Field" because it says they can't play during the play (Pride always plays Down the Field after a TD, quiets down during the PAT, then finishes at full volume) coupled with the comment about being able to start the break with Rocky Top after scores.

 

[onevol74]

i understand.

i believe the college game will continue to mimic the nfl game including the experience in the stands.

If I wanted to go to an NFL game I would go to an NFL game. College games are unique for a reason. They need to leave the band alone.

 

[Voltopia]

If I wanted to go to an NFL game I would go to an NFL game. College games are unique for a reason. They need to leave the band alone.

This.

 

[MSCE09]

The new emphasis on Rocky Top from the AD is probably a branding campaign idea. Often the tv broadcasts cuts to commercial before the band hits Rocky Top, so this is probably the AD trying to get Rocky Top after scores into the broadcast.

 

[SmokeyX]

For your education

"I am a member of The Pride, and I am the person who works directly with the people who run the sound and video boards on Saturdays.

In the past, the guys on the headset and I always worked together to share timeouts. If they were done playing a video, we got the remainder of the time out to play a stand tune and vice versa.

However, when we arrived at the game this past Saturday, I received a different script. In this, the media vs. band timeouts were delegated (and of course there were more media timeouts that band).

I was told that I was no longer allowed to speak or ask questions from the people on the headset and that I was not allowed to ask if the band could play as was always done in the past.

If during a media timeout they played a video (commercial) that only lasted 30 seconds, we were no longer given the opportunity to play.

We, as musicians, had to sit and be insulted as they played prerecorded music over the loud speakers as we held instruments in our hands.

Sometimes they would play the music for a minute and a half of the timeout.

That is where the disrespect occurred. In his statement, Mr. Chris Fuller attempts to make it seem that they only used the canned music as a prerecorded filler out of necessity due to time constraints, but I know this isn't true.

If anyone wants to ask me about what happened on Saturday, I would be happy to give them the facts.

-Sareena Rhody"

 

[drewwes01]

This is a classic new school vs. old school issue. Generally speaking, folks 50+ in age are likely to support more band music and less canned music. The younger crowd likes the blend of the band and canned music. I think we must consider the interests of recruits. What do 17-18 year olds on visits want to hear? The last home game I attended was LSU in 2011. I noticed that in the pre-game warm-ups there were large speakers down on the sideline playing rap music for the players to warm up to on the field while the band played their usual selections over the PA system. Is this a healthy compromise?

We must remember that East Tennessee is one of the most traditional/conservative regions in the country, so any kind of change will likely be met with resistance. Folks that have been attending games for 25+ years expect certain things when they go to games. Deviations from those expectations are likely not a welcome change.

For those familiar at all with modern church trends, it's akin to when churches that are flatlining in attendance implement contemporary styles/methods like replacing the choir with a worship band to attempt to reach a younger generation.

Regardless of how this all shakes out, the band MUST learn some new songs. How many times have you heard them play 'Livin' On A Prayer'? OMG

 

[CNCVol88]

This is a classic new school vs. old school issue. Generally speaking, folks 50+ in age are likely to support more band music and less canned music. The younger crowd likes the blend of the band and canned music. I think we must consider the interests of recruits. What do 17-18 year olds on visits want to hear? The last home game I attended was LSU in 2011. I noticed that in the pre-game warm-ups there were large speakers down on the sideline playing rap music for the players to warm up to on the field while the band played their usual selections over the PA system. Is this a healthy compromise?

We must remember that East Tennessee is one of the most traditional/conservative regions in the country, so any kind of change will likely be met with resistance. Folks that have been attending games for 25+ years expect certain things when they go to games. Deviations from those expectations are likely not a welcome change.

For those familiar at all with modern church trends, it's akin to when churches that are flatlining in attendance implement contemporary styles/methods like replacing the choir with a worship band to attempt to reach a younger generation.

Regardless of how this all shakes out, the band MUST learn some new songs. How many times have you heard them play 'Livin' On A Prayer'? OMG

okay, here's the thing

I'm 24 and I will support the band above all else in College Football when it comes to music. The Atmosphere of College ball is different and the band brings a lot of it.

The Uniforms and a few other things are done for the Players and the recruits. The band, is not primarily for the players or the recruits. The band is for the Fans. The band is a louder and musical extension to a cheer/spirit squad. We bring cheers and songs that everyone knows and wants to sing. Could the Pride use some updating in their rep? Probably, but there are some things that are more for the people sitting in the chairs and the band is one of them.

Having Rap music and stuff during warmups is one thing, but the band is there to play. Let them play. If you want them to update their rep, the AD needs to communicate that...Not play the "Canned" crap that's not a part of the college experience.

 

[Obsessedvol]

I'd rather hear the POTS over any rap crap...seriously stupid.

 

[WillFollowPearl]

When the Pride wears gray uniforms and has a top 5 nationally ranked recruiting class I'll care about what's going on with them.

 

[Vol865]

This is a classic new school vs. old school issue. Generally speaking, folks 50+ in age are likely to support more band music and less canned music. The younger crowd likes the blend of the band and canned music. I think we must consider the interests of recruits. What do 17-18 year olds on visits want to hear? The last home game I attended was LSU in 2011. I noticed that in the pre-game warm-ups there were large speakers down on the sideline playing rap music for the players to warm up to on the field while the band played their usual selections over the PA system. Is this a healthy compromise?

We must remember that East Tennessee is one of the most traditional/conservative regions in the country, so any kind of change will likely be met with resistance. Folks that have been attending games for 25+ years expect certain things when they go to games. Deviations from those expectations are likely not a welcome change.

For those familiar at all with modern church trends, it's akin to when churches that are flatlining in attendance implement contemporary styles/methods like replacing the choir with a worship band to attempt to reach a younger generation.

Regardless of how this all shakes out, the band MUST learn some new songs. How many times have you heard them play 'Livin' On A Prayer'? OMG

I'm 21. I want to hear the band.

 

[Coug]

The band should make a statement to the athletic department and protest!

A couple idiots up top can't hold down 330 members strong!

 

[WoodsmanVol]

Based on those 2 pages, my guess is that they felt they were being told "No Down the Field" because it says they can't play during the play (Pride always plays Down the Field after a TD, quiets down during the PAT, then finishes at full volume) coupled with the comment about being able to start the break with Rocky Top after scores.

What it seems like to me is that contrary to the accusation, this isn't a Hart attack. Rather, an SEC dictator decree. I understand at least on a basic level, the need to increase attendance (customer foot traffic) and generate revenue that ANY business needs to stay in business. I think traditions should remain in place but times change so how traditions are accommodated must also change. If you can't understand that, ask Zayre Store and GEMCO Store.
Or Howard Hughes' refusal to listen to his advisors about leaving the prop plane for the newfangled jet powered ones. Get to know that story and see what it cost him.

I have a soft spot for old time traditions. They lacked the sordid muck we see today. But again, times change. Would be nice if POTS added to their musical repertoire. I'm not the musical director but have long had ideas I kept to myself until now:

During a rally to come from behind: Play the William Tell (Lone Ranger) score.

When we tie a score midway or late in the game: Play a VERY upbeat version of I Have Faith of the Heart.

At least once a game, give Rockytop a different beat: Rock and Roll, Stirring classical sound, Gospel sound, Blues sound, Jazz sound, a good old good timing country sound.

 

[davethevol]

What if they replaced the band with a rap group? Live rapping over the loudspeakers would be a great compromise.

 

[BonesVol]

Even watching college football from home the band is what gives the great atmosphere. Saturdays are greater than Sundays as far as football when the surround sound is blasting and those drums and horns are going hard. It would be a shame to lose that in the future.

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

It looks like the repealed SEC rule on only band play in between plays may be the key problem. UT may be thinking "ok other schools are going to be playing loud rap music between every play and its going to sound really loud compared to some instruments, so we need to also do that so Neyland sounds just as loud."

I have always made fun of USCjr fans because they have "sandstorm" play over the loud speakers at the start of the game and after every score. Kind of like a minor league hockey game to me????

Maybe people should start lobbying the SEC office to maintain the SEC rule on only band music between plays. Once that is repealed it really will feel like an NFL game.

 

[vol66]

For your education

"I am a member of The Pride, and I am the person who works directly with the people who run the sound and video boards on Saturdays.

In the past, the guys on the headset and I always worked together to share timeouts. If they were done playing a video, we got the remainder of the time out to play a stand tune and vice versa.

However, when we arrived at the game this past Saturday, I received a different script. In this, the media vs. band timeouts were delegated (and of course there were more media timeouts that band).

I was told that I was no longer allowed to speak or ask questions from the people on the headset and that I was not allowed to ask if the band could play as was always done in the past.

If during a media timeout they played a video (commercial) that only lasted 30 seconds, we were no longer given the opportunity to play.

We, as musicians, had to sit and be insulted as they played prerecorded music over the loud speakers as we held instruments in our hands.

Sometimes they would play the music for a minute and a half of the timeout.

That is where the disrespect occurred. In his statement, Mr. Chris Fuller attempts to make it seem that they only used the canned music as a prerecorded filler out of necessity due to time constraints, but I know this isn't true.

If anyone wants to ask me about what happened on Saturday, I would be happy to give them the facts.

-Sareena Rhody"

I think this a point most folks don't seem to be getting. These students rehearse/practice for these few moments. It's their stage too.

This would be akin to an acoustic performer at a bar or club beginning his/her set and a patron turning on the jukebox.

As much as I see the band's point of view, it sure seems like a compromise could be reached here.

 

[txbo]

What it sounds like to me is that since the band didn't participate in the production meeting, they were surprised by the outcome.

 

[vol445]

Maybe they can replace living on a prayer with.




Blaze of glory. Lol just kidding

How bout thunderstruck

 

[Backwards K]

There were at least two instances where a commercial and/or a song was being played over the loudspeakers and the UGA band played through one of them and the UGA fans started a cheer through the other one.

Lulls caused so a commercial can be played over the jumbotron can kill the momentum of the crowd very quickly.

 

[Nashvol2]

There were at least two instances where a commercial and/or a song was being played over the loudspeakers and the UGA band played through one of them and the UGA fans started a cheer through the other one.

Lulls caused so a commercial can be played over the jumbotron can kill the momentum of the crowd very quickly.

Agreed. My wife kept asking why our band wasn't playing and UGA was playing. The UGA fans were getting back into the game. She knows nothing about tradition and has only gone to a handful of games with me over the last few years.

 

[GAVol]

There were at least two instances where a commercial and/or a song was being played over the loudspeakers and the UGA band played through one of them and the UGA fans started a cheer through the other one.

Lulls caused so a commercial can be played over the jumbotron can kill the momentum of the crowd very quickly.

It was a CBS game. The TV timeouts are longer and the crowd does down no matter what.