UTAD cutting band funding/involvement? (Merged)

[vollygirl]

I didn't have a problem with the "balance" in that game. Other than with some of the crap the DJ played before the game started. I guess we have to cater to the tasteless too. But it was not a "new model". Any "new model" hasn't been seen yet and therein lies the concern.

Hmmm, I'm old and my husband and I were the first two people in Gate 21 Saturday (all four gates at 21). So we heard eveything the DJ played and I loved all of it. What didn't you like?

 

[GAVol]

Hmmm, I'm old and my husband and I were the first two people in Gate 21 Saturday (all four gates at 21). So we heard eveything the DJ played and I loved all of it. What didn't you like?

The only problem I ever have is the general volume during pregame. I know why they play it, but there are times when it's slightly annoying ; especially early on when there's nothing but metal bleachers for the sound to bounce off.

 

[vollygirl]

The only problem I ever have is the general volume during pregame. I know why they play it, but there are times when it's slightly annoying ; especially early on when there's nothing but metal bleachers for the sound to bounce off.

I hear ya. I love it though.

 

[DeerPark12]

I wonder if this won't mark the beginning of the end for Sousa.

I'd rather Ryder. He picks the stand music and, imo, is the reason people don't want to be in band in the first place

There has been support among band alumni and donors to make a change in the band leadership for several years, but the academic side has had trouble doing it because these people are tenured professors.

However, making very public statements that dispute an official University (the release came from both the Chancellor's office and the UTAD) release may give them he last straw in the matter.

 

[Orange Blazer]

There is really a quite simple solution. Boycott any advertisers that take away our band. Or perhaps smart advertisers might sponsor the band songs during the game.

Either way Dave Hart is trying to sell our traditions for a few pieces of silver.

Please post less.

 

[crusse10]

There has been support among band alumni and donors to make a change in the band leadership for several years, but the academic side has had trouble doing it because these people are tenured professors.

However, making very public statements that dispute an official University (the release came from both the Chancellor's office and the UTAD) release may give them he last straw in the matter.

I'll never say anything bad about Sousa because he always had my back. I could see him any day for the foreseeable future and he'd be like...hey Chris, how are you doing?

Ryder, though.

F that guy.

 

[Voltopia]

"From Sousa's perspective, however, the Georgia game stands as the most obvious manifestation to date of the issues the band is facing, specifically an instance that occurred while the Bulldogs warmed up on the field prior to the game.

"At the end of their warm-up, they turned and put their helmets in the air and started walking in a straight line, slowly across the field, which is unbelievably disrespectful to the University of Tennessee," Sousa said. "It's an 'in your face' kind of situation, and traditionally, what would have happened is that the band would have played 'Rocky Top' as loud as they could have played it, and the fans would have erupted and they would have shut them down, but we were about to play 'Rocky Top' and they were playing the rap music from the D.J., and we were told specifically 'do not play.'""

Playing Rocky Top at the Bulldogs would have been perfect. Why not let them do it? Why not let 'em play over everything? Georgia has a habit of doing little cute things before games (and sometimes during games) to diss the opposing team, so why not stick a finger back in their faces too? Bah. Surely the DJ could spin down for 30 seconds or something.

 

[sports_junkie]

Wow! I noticed this at the USA game how small a role the band seemed to have.

 

[DeerPark12]

I'll never say anything bad about Sousa because he always had my back. I could see him any day for the foreseeable future and he'd be like...hey Chris, how are you doing?

Ryder, though.

F that guy.

That's fair.

Sousa has the reputation of being very hard to work with from an administration standpoint. Part of this whole issue is his lack of communication with the UTAD. Most notably, his refusal to attend the weekly football production meeting that is attended by the senior staff member from each area involved in the game. Not only does Sousa refuse to attend, he will not even send a representative.

I don't agree with many things that Hart has done, but the fact on this issue is, Sousa doesn't have a relationship with him because Sousa has chosen for it to be that way. Despite what he said in the article, he did not have a good relationship with Hamilton.

 

[DD4ME]

That's fair.

Sousa has the reputation of being very hard to work with from an administration standpoint. Part of this whole issue is his lack of communication with the UTAD. Most notably, his refusal to attend the weekly football production meeting that is attended by the senior staff member from each area involved in the game. Not only does Sousa refuse to attend, he will not even send a representative.

I don't agree with many things that Hart has done, but the fact on this issue is, Sousa doesn't have a relationship with him because Sousa has chosen for it to be that way. Despite what he said in the article, he did not have a good relationship with Hamilton.

 

[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"

 

[crusse10]

That's fair.

Sousa has the reputation of being very hard to work with from an administration standpoint. Part of this whole issue is his lack of communication with the UTAD. Most notably, his refusal to attend the weekly football production meeting that is attended by the senior staff member from each area involved in the game. Not only does Sousa refuse to attend, he will not even send a representative.

I don't agree with many things that Hart has done, but the fact on this issue is, Sousa doesn't have a relationship with him because Sousa has chosen for it to be that way. Despite what he said in the article, he did not have a good relationship with Hamilton.

I must ask, then. If Sousa doesn't attend and doesn't send a rep, why do all the write-ups say that there is a band rep in attendance for that weekly meeting?

 

[CagleMtnVol]

I don't want to see the band done away with but I agree with what others have said in updating the playlist some.

The local HS band here this year is doing songs by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry etc.. during their halftime show. Now just like if the "Pride" done that a lot of the older folks don't really have a clue who those people are but the younger people and opposing bands are really enjoying it.

I see no reason why the Pride can't do something a little more modern as well every now and then.

 

[DeerPark12]

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.

The script was ready and handed out at the production meeting earlier in the week. It was also emailed to the band, who did not attend. It should not have been a surprise.

 

[DeerPark12]

I must ask, then. If Sousa doesn't attend and doesn't send a rep, why do all the write-ups say that there is a band rep in attendance for that weekly meeting?

Not sure what you mean here? They would be listed on the agenda, but I've never seen a document that I would consider a "write up" of the meeting with a list of those that actually attended, and I've sat in my fair share of those meetings.

 

[crusse10]

Not sure what you mean here? They would be listed on the agenda, but I've never seen a document that I would consider a "write up" of the meeting with a list of those that actually attended, and I've sat in my fair share of those meetings.

"Our marketing department has been charged with developing a strategy to create more in-game energy in the stadium. Every Tuesday, a production meeting is held, and all entities that play a role in the gameday atmosphere are represented, including the band."

This is what I was referring to

 

[Orange And Garnet]

My goodness they aren't going to tell the band they can't play at all. Have some variety. Saturday was perfect in my opinion. The band played. We had pre recorded music and we had videos. It was perfect. IMO

 

[UTProf]

If every person/dept who comes into contact with you 'misunderstands' you or is 'difficult' to work with maybe they aren't the problem... How many departments and employees since Hart's arrival have "misheard" Dave Hart or "misunderstood" him?

 

[WallyBalls]

Setting aside the in game production issues (which the truth probably lies somewhere between the petition and UT's statement), I'm not sure I understand their complaints about travel.

That seems like a pretty cut and dry thing...and rather simple to understand given the budget issues. If its that big a deal, hit up some donors...I highly doubt the UTAD would stop them if they funded their own trip.

 

[whobethis16]

My goodness they aren't going to tell the band they can't play at all. Have some variety. Saturday was perfect in my opinion. The band played. We had pre recorded music and we had videos. It was perfect. IMO

But, see, that's the problem. There can't be a script for Gameday, because things happen that can't be predicted. Like UGA players walking off slowly, almost taunting the UT fans after warm-ups. Think that was planned by a script 4 days earlier? Think a big interception is planned in a meeting right before the board was scheduled to play a video? No. Those things will, in the long run, ruin any potential excitement that will occur.

 

[Stevorino]

But, see, that's the problem. There can't be a script for Gameday, because things happen that can't be predicted. Like UGA players walking off slowly, almost taunting the UT fans after warm-ups. Think that was planned by a script 4 days earlier? Think a big interception is planned in a meeting right before the board was scheduled to play a video? No. Those things will, in the long run, ruin any potential excitement that will occur.

Even the band supporters have to agree that whatever has been going on in the past just isn't working. Tweets all over the internetz on Saturday were commenting on how fantastic the atmosphere was for the first time in years (many referenced the 2004 Florida game).

The way I see it, if the band wants to win back some support, they need to step up their game. You look around and the vast majority of pride supporters are either pride members or pride alumni.

We like to say in football that character comes out when facing adversity, I don't see why it's any different for the band right now. Come out vs. USC and go nuts - earn yourselves some support. This internet petition and media coverage won't make a dent in the plans of the AD.

 

[whobethis16]

Even the band supporters have to agree that whatever has been going on in the past just isn't working. Tweets all over the internetz on Saturday were commenting on how fantastic the atmosphere was for the first time in years (many referenced the 2004 Florida game).

The way I see it, if the band wants to win back some support, they need to step up their game. You look around and the vast majority of pride supporters are either pride members or pride alumni.

We like to say in football that character comes out when facing adversity, I don't see why it's any different for the band right now. Come out vs. USC and go nuts - earn yourselves some support. This internet petition and media coverage won't make a dent in the plans of the AD.

I've said for years, even when I marched, that they needed to update their music folder for the stands. That's no secret.

However, there have been countless times, in both football and basketball, where there was a huge play for the Vols and Rocky Top was expected but not there because of marketing crap on the video boards. It's easy for you to say that, but when there are people with headsets, ie gameday officials, telling you you can't do something, it makes it difficult to "go crazy" as you put it.

 

[VolsRule]

it's a lot cheaper to be blaring the pre-recorded rap music during timeouts than give the band a bunch of money

 

[whobethis16]

it's a lot cheaper to be blaring the pre-recorded rap music during timeouts than give the band a bunch of money

Then get rid of the cheerleaders. That'll save money, too. Lord knows "T-E-DOUBLE N-E..." pumps up the crowd.

Edit: ok, not "get rid of", since that's not what they're doing, but don't send them to road games. Limit them with what they do during games.

 

[Orange Alert]

Then get rid of the cheerleaders. That'll save money, too. Lord knows "T-E-DOUBLE N-E..." pumps up the crowd.

Edit: ok, not "get rid of", since that's not what they're doing, but don't send them to road games. Limit them with what they do during games.

I have no problem with that. IMO the most annoying thing about gamedays is the "Orange, White" cheer before the game that no one cares about.