Pre-game

[smarsh]

Hi all,

I am the Director of the Grizzly Marching Band and I've been following this thread this weekend. I am always looking for ways to improve the band's presence in the game day atmosphere so I am interested in the perceptions of what fans see.

In fact, a number of years ago, I used comments on this board to improve our location on the field when the team runs out. Someone had commented that the team was nearly into the padding before they were able to make the corner. It was an excellent observation and we immediately changed to the curved lines to give the team a better pathway.

You are correct that some things were a little different at this game. I don't know the reasons for all of the changes but I can tell you that a full season off, some personnel changes and "first game of the year" may account for most of it. I think there was also an effort to minimize long periods of waiting for the next thing to happen and keep momentum building until kickoff. It appears there is still some tweaking to be done.

The reason for my post is to pose a question. This is not the first time that criticisms have been aired and I am curious to know what kinds of things would help to create an enjoyable, exciting pregame? Some traditions are probably gone forever, such as the Silvertip Skydivers, as a result of the accident a number of years ago. What improvements could we be exploring?

Thanks for your input!

i'll take band over canned all day long. keep up the good work.

 

[Griz2k]

I understand the take of many of you that you're there for the game and don't care about anything else...pregame, concessions, etc. A lot of us do care however. I'm usually in the stadium early with my daughter as she loves the pre-game stuff. Monte riding out on a motorcycle or whatever, the marching band, fireworks, music blaring, etc. It's all a part of the fan experience and I love telling people who've never been to a game how much fun the whole thing is. All of the pomp and circumstance is just as much a part of the experience for some as the game itself. Most of it was missing at this game and I for one hope they get it all back on track in a couple weeks.

 

[UMGMB]

It's also weird (through no fault of your own) that when the band is facing away from one side or the other, all you can hear is the drums. My seats are NEZ, and when the band faced the West side, I literally couldn't hear anything but the drumbeat. you'd think in THAT stadium it wouldn't be a problem....but it apparently is.

That's a very common problem. Most of our instruments are directional - like a megaphone - and the sound goes where you point it. Some schools, even the ones with huge bands of 200-300 kids, are opting to amplify the band with powerful sound systems. (impossible to do on the field but it works in the stands) I've been asked how we can accomplish that but so far, the $20,000-$30,000 necessary for the equipment hasn't been available. (could be more than that depending on how much sound you're after)

 

[EverettGriz]

It's also weird (through no fault of your own) that when the band is facing away from one side or the other, all you can hear is the drums. My seats are NEZ, and when the band faced the West side, I literally couldn't hear anything but the drumbeat. you'd think in THAT stadium it wouldn't be a problem....but it apparently is.

That's a very common problem. Most of our instruments are directional - like a megaphone - and the sound goes where you point it. Some schools, even the ones with huge bands of 200-300 kids, are opting to amplify the band with powerful sound systems. (impossible to do on the field but it works in the stands) I've been asked how we can accomplish that but so far, the $20,000-$30,000 necessary for the equipment hasn't been available. (could be more than that depending on how much sound you're after)

Thanks for all you and your students do, UMGMB. You all work your asses off, and none of you receive anywhere NEAR what you should in appreciation. Just know that you guys play a major role in creating the fantastic atmosphere at WaGRIZ.

 

[Griz2k]

It's also weird (through no fault of your own) that when the band is facing away from one side or the other, all you can hear is the drums. My seats are NEZ, and when the band faced the West side, I literally couldn't hear anything but the drumbeat. you'd think in THAT stadium it wouldn't be a problem....but it apparently is.

That's a very common problem. Most of our instruments are directional - like a megaphone - and the sound goes where you point it. Some schools, even the ones with huge bands of 200-300 kids, are opting to amplify the band with powerful sound systems. (impossible to do on the field but it works in the stands) I've been asked how we can accomplish that but so far, the $20,000-$30,000 necessary for the equipment hasn't been available. (could be more than that depending on how much sound you're after)

Sounds like a great tax deductible donation opportunity for AZGrizfan. Amirite?!?!

 

[AZGrizFan]

That's a very common problem. Most of our instruments are directional - like a megaphone - and the sound goes where you point it. Some schools, even the ones with huge bands of 200-300 kids, are opting to amplify the band with powerful sound systems. (impossible to do on the field but it works in the stands) I've been asked how we can accomplish that but so far, the $20,000-$30,000 necessary for the equipment hasn't been available. (could be more than that depending on how much sound you're after)

Sounds like a great tax deductible donation opportunity for AZGrizfan. Amirite?!?!

Normally I’d be all over that but when the band is in the seats playing, I hear them PERFECTLY in the NEZ, so I’m good…