GUHoya07
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Post by GUHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:01:11 GMT -5
I agree with FL on the people in the aisles who are trying to make their way up to the front. They are typically the media sluts and not very interested in the game. When you factor in drunkenness and the overall annoyance factor they can be a major pain in the ass.
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GUHoya07
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Post by GUHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:02:06 GMT -5
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CAHoya07
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Post by CAHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:03:13 GMT -5
One other school that has their band in the back that I saw tonight--Wake Forest. I saw that too. I do appreciate our band, but I also think this is an interesting idea and a topic worthy of discussion.
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Post by TheCashew05 on Feb 3, 2005 2:03:21 GMT -5
I love how you're totally covering yourself now. When you said "The band doesn't really contribute much right now, as I see it." you were questioning our devotion and our worth at the games. I would have no problem with the band being moved over, but it will never happen since then we'd be taking non-student section seats away. However, you were talking about moving us back in your previous posts which is aboslutely absurd. Next time you go to a game actually watch the band and you'll see that we're just as passionate as the rest of the student section. Polo- I don't think I'm covering myself- just calm down for a minute. You guys go to games early and travel with the team. I respect that, but I don't think my suggestion is absurd. If you would stop overreacting to everything and listen to what I'm saying, maybe we could see if this would be possible and people would be interested. In all honesty though, I don't think you're very loud compared to what we could have. I'm not saying your bad fans, but I think extending the student section there makes sense. I do think it is VERY POSSIBLE to move the band up or to the side, as I and a few other posters have seen it done elsewhere. Maybe we could move you to the other side, where you wouldn't have to cope with these belligerent fans who are trying to get beer in your instruments.
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CAHoya07
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Post by CAHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:05:41 GMT -5
This is from my friend the asian kid who sits behind the couch and yells for people to be loud all the time to no avail... "instead of criticizing the band, you can spend your energy trying to get the back-most 40 rows of the student section to make a little more than a peep... they dont even attempt to make noise, even if uncoordinated with the front... they are literally worthless if you're just coming to the game to be seen, go home, because you make us look terrible on national tv when we have a sizable student crowd but little to no noise even the kids in the 3rd row were basically silent even when SHU got within 6 with 3 min to go... that's inexcusable... why even come if you're not going to get into the game? and the worst was when those kids behind me started chanting defense when we had the ball... they did it for about 5 seconds until i turned around and yelled, we have the ball, Editeds... pay attention so save your words for the band and direct your energy elsewhere where it is needed... i dont need hundred of mutes behind me at every home sitting on their hands and clapping twice whenever we make a basket... just watch the game on tv" Haha, I saw your Asian friend behind the couch today and he was very loud. Good points. We need more fans like him. ;D
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Post by Hoyabliu on Feb 3, 2005 2:07:37 GMT -5
Where are these diehard fans you speak of?? Other than the first few rows of the student section, I don't see many. People have spent so much time on this board complaining about how the student section needs to be louder and more into the games, and suddenly, people are saying that the band can't even compare w/ all the rowdy fans out there. Ok ok, i'm being very biased, but it's really frustrating to hear our own fans being so unappreciative of what we DO bring to the games. People are always reluctant to give us credit where credit is due, but quick to point out all the negatives when given the opportunity. We cheer JUST as loud as everyone else in the student section, we care about the bball game JUST as much. If people are suddenly expecting us to start all these cheers, the least they could do is be a little more receptive to us. When I look at the rest of the student section, I see VERY few people who are in any position to criticize us for a lack of spirit and effort. So unless you're one of the diehard fans on the front row like 007, all I see are disgruntled fans who are just jealous that they can't sit closer to the court and eat really nasty booey's sandwiches go band! go hoyas!
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hoyatables
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Post by hoyatables on Feb 3, 2005 2:09:55 GMT -5
To quote Coach, "There were games when all we had were the damn band." (Hoop Club Banquet, 1999). Or even before that, "If it weren't for the band, this ******* school wouldn't have much." (Leaving the US Air Arena floor, 1996 or 97)
I've done this tango a time or two before, and at 2 am on a Wednesday i don't really feel like getting into it again. Besides, the current crop has done an excellent job of defending themselves (and guys, I hear you went retro with the old rugbys tonight--well done!). Fact is, there have been some pretty dark times in the last few years when, but for the band in the front rows at MCI, the student section would have been empty because there weren't enough to fill out the lower tier, much less the entire student section.
The band was in the front rows at US Air as well--the invasion seems much greater because I believe US Air was a little wider along the baseline. Moreover, those press tables and the Young Alums section now take up one whole side of the arena. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in US Air and also in MCI prior to 2001 or 02, the students had both sides of the arena. If you're looking for someone to move, why not those garish press tables?
And as for cheering--well, back in my day, it was pretty much the band leading cheers in the student section (I had weekly bouts with laryngitis (sp?) due to those efforts) in conjunction with the dedicated hardcore student fans that showed up (all 30 of them). I think it is GREAT that so many more students are turning out these days, and certainly don't want to take away from their presence or support of the Hoyas. But as has been said many times, those kids in the band play their hearts out -- not just for the men but for women and football as well -- and all for a hot dog and a diet coke. Giving them a decent seat in the arena seems like the least one can do.
But I have to say one thing--it warms my heart to see the ol band debates flaring up again--it means that the Hoyas are doing well enough that we can focus on these sorts of things!
Hoya Saxa, and GO GU BAND!
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LCPolo18
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Post by LCPolo18 on Feb 3, 2005 2:12:53 GMT -5
but I think extending the student section there makes sense. I do think it is VERY POSSIBLE to move the band up or to the side, as I and a few other posters have seen it done elsewhere. Maybe we could move you to the other side, where you wouldn't have to cope with these belligerent fans who are trying to get beer in your instruments. I agree, I'd love to see the student section expanded, but it's not a band issue, it's an MCI issue. The other side has the young alumni and the press. The sides are non students. That doesn't leave much room for the band or the student section. There's no place to put the drum set or the bass drum in the back and that would be unfair to us anyway. If the band section or the student section could be expanded that would be great, but that'll never happen at MCI.
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GUHoya07
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Post by GUHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:12:57 GMT -5
Gotta agree with the Editeded off band members that we are being a bit unfair to them. They are generally very good fans and better than the vast majority of fans.
However, I kind of think that moving the band could be a good idea if done right. I'd still want you to be in a good location, but if we could at least get 3 full length rows of rowdy fans it would be awesome.
The band member is right though, most of the people behind the first 5 rows or so are pretty boring and quiet. There are a few pockets of good fans out there but for the most part its just hanging out talking to friends and not following the game a lot of the time. So basically, the band is definitely better than most of the student section at this point in time.
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Post by TheCashew05 on Feb 3, 2005 2:20:21 GMT -5
As for Polo's observations about the kids in the back (above the railing), they actually are chanting. I've been back there before (not because of a lack of devotion, but because I have a job and can't get there two hours early) and sometimes people in the front rows have actually picked up chants started in the back. Everyone's trying to put something together, it's just hard to hear.
Having a stronger presence up front, on both sides of the center aisle in the front, would help chants to be heard by the back, and more importantly, help the chants be louder ON THE COURT, which is what we're really looking for.
And honestly, would there be anything wrong with MCI letting people come down and crowd the center aisle for the last five minutes? It makes it louder and sometimes the people jumping there actually help to fire people up. No need to crowd the seats, but the aisle is a gaping hole. I understand often beer gets spilt, people jostle a little more, but extra voices near the court are a good thing. I'm all for getting rid of the couch for this too- there's space for about ten people down there as opposed to two.
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LCPolo18
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Post by LCPolo18 on Feb 3, 2005 2:27:43 GMT -5
I'm all for getting rid of the couch for this too- there's space for about ten people down there as opposed to two. Before the game my friends in the first row tried to put some chairs next to the couch since there was a ton of room to the side of it. Those were taken away within minutes and four people in the front row had to be pushed back to the next one. Didn't the couch used to be on the side of the court opposite the benches?
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GUHoya07
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Post by GUHoya07 on Feb 3, 2005 2:31:20 GMT -5
The couch used to not be anywhere in the arena and it wont be there next year. The 8-10 seats that used to be there were much better.
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PhillyHoya
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Post by PhillyHoya on Feb 3, 2005 3:38:58 GMT -5
And honestly, would there be anything wrong with MCI letting people come down and crowd the center aisle for the last five minutes? It makes it louder and sometimes the people jumping there actually help to fire people up. No need to crowd the seats, but the aisle is a gaping hole. I understand often beer gets spilt, people jostle a little more, but extra voices near the court are a good thing. I'm all for getting rid of the couch for this too- there's space for about ten people down there as opposed to two. Sorry, but when you're on the shorter side like I am, more people means you don't even get to see the game. I go to a basketball game for just that reason, to see the game. Not to have to fight off drunk people no matter what part of the game it is.
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TBird41
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Post by TBird41 on Feb 3, 2005 7:32:59 GMT -5
Before the game my friends in the first row tried to put some chairs next to the couch since there was a ton of room to the side of it. Those were taken away within minutes and four people in the front row had to be pushed back to the next one. Didn't the couch used to be on the side of the court opposite the benches? I'm pretty sure they usually reserve that area for handicapped student fans and I know that the area has usually been taken advantage of.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2005 9:55:18 GMT -5
Band, schmand! I want more dirt on the girl who had her shirt ripped off....
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Jack
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Post by Jack on Feb 3, 2005 10:11:20 GMT -5
Once again the student section disappointed me by starting to leave en masse with over a minute left and the Hoyas only leading by 8. I know this criticism does not apply to the folks here, but it was really disheartening to see such a large contingent fail to show much support for the team- relatively quiet throughout, then leave with the outcome still in doubt. I know the game started a little later, but it's not like college students have a 10:30 curfew. I was happy to hear Fr. McFadden announce that buses would not load until after the game ended, we need to make that policy clear and have the entire student section on their feet cheering as time expires.
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DaHoya
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Post by DaHoya on Feb 3, 2005 10:28:04 GMT -5
Let me state for the record that I do believe that the band members are as devoted fans as there are in the arena, and they cannot be thanked enough for all the time and effort they put in to what they do.
But (and you knew there would be a but..) there was some valid constructive criticism offered before in reference to the games when the middle school bands play. Perhaps this is just my opinion (but it sounds like some people on this board sound the same way), but the middle school band did seem to be more effective.
Why? A few main reasons.
1. That band seemed more responsive to using its volume to drown out opposing fans' chants. I don't know what the policy is with the GU band, but it seemed that every time we heard one of those annoying chants from the other teams fans (which we all know happens waayyy too much in our home building), the band was there to start up and squelch it before it starts. Perhaps this is something that the GU band could make more of an effort to do in the future.
2. Volume. I'm not sure what the numbers were, I'm not sure what the instrument breakdown was, but the middle school seemed much louder than the GU band. I'm fairly certain that the middle school band had more tubas, and if that's the case, maybe Nodak can come back and help out for the big games! Not being musically inclined myself, I'm not sure how hard it would be to possibly convert more band members to the tuba section, but I believe if you do, the difference would be extreme.
3. Song selection. I know, I know, there is no way that the GU band can devote as much time to practice as a middle school band (who probably gets together every day after school for a few hours). But perhaps if the GU band were to try to work a few newer songs into their repetoire (maybe a new song a month?) it might help things a bit.
That's my two cents. Again, I really want to make clear that I'm not trying to diminish the efforts or insult the devotion of any band member. All fans are glad you are there, and we want to see the GU band be a formidable weapon that adds to our home court advantage. I just hope that the constructive criticism helps out to that end. Thanks!
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TBird41
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Post by TBird41 on Feb 3, 2005 10:28:49 GMT -5
Once again the student section disappointed me by starting to leave en masse with over a minute left and the Hoyas only leading by 8. I know this criticism does not apply to the folks here, but it was really disheartening to see such a large contingent fail to show much support for the team- relatively quiet throughout, then leave with the outcome still in doubt. I know the game started a little later, but it's not like college students have a 10:30 curfew. I was happy to hear Fr. McFadden announce that buses would not load until after the game ended, we need to make that policy clear and have the entire student section on their feet cheering as time expires. Agreed. I turned around w/ about two minutes left and all the fans in the third and fourth row had disappeared. It was shocking and not acceptable. I am, however, glad to hear that they won't start loading the buses until the game is over. Maybe now I'll have a shot at catching one of the buses without having to sprint as soon as the final buzzer sounds.
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hoyadrummer
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Post by hoyadrummer on Feb 3, 2005 10:42:19 GMT -5
Let me state for the record that I do believe that the band members are as devoted fans as there are in the arena, and they cannot be thanked enough for all the time and effort they put in to what they do. But (and you knew there would be a but..) there was some valid constructive criticism offered before in reference to the games when the middle school bands play. Perhaps this is just my opinion (but it sounds like some people on this board sound the same way), but the middle school band did seem to be more effective. Why? A few main reasons. 1. That band seemed more responsive to using its volume to drown out opposing fans' chants. I don't know what the policy is with the GU band, but it seemed that every time we heard one of those annoying chants from the other teams fans (which we all know happens waayyy too much in our home building), the band was there to start up and squelch it before it starts. Perhaps this is something that the GU band could make more of an effort to do in the future. 2. Volume. I'm not sure what the numbers were, I'm not sure what the instrument breakdown was, but the middle school seemed much louder than the GU band. I'm fairly certain that the middle school band had more tubas, and if that's the case, maybe Nodak can come back and help out for the big games! Not being musically inclined myself, I'm not sure how hard it would be to possibly convert more band members to the tuba section, but I believe if you do, the difference would be extreme. 3. Song selection. I know, I know, there is no way that the GU band can devote as much time to practice as a middle school band (who probably gets together every day after school for a few hours). But perhaps if the GU band were to try to work a few newer songs into their repetoire (maybe a new song a month?) it might help things a bit. That's my two cents. Again, I really want to make clear that I'm not trying to diminish the efforts or insult the devotion of any band member. All fans are glad you are there, and we want to see the GU band be a formidable weapon that adds to our home court advantage. I just hope that the constructive criticism helps out to that end. Thanks! 1. Depends on when the fans are chanting, the band can only play during certain times (essentially timeouts) and never when the ball is in play (NCAA rule). Otherwise you risk a technical foul being called on the band, and trust me, that ain't pretty. 2. MCI swallows sound like no other arena I've ever been in, to even compete the Band has to be miked, which they are, and piped through the MCI sound system. The volume is controlled by a technician, and while the band conductor can tell him to adjust the volume some, at the end of the day the athletic dept and MCI determine this. Trust me, they are playing as loud as they can, it is not uncommon for lips/hands to be bleeding after the end of the game. Tubas are no louder than any other brass instrument (trumpt, trombone etc). The middle school band might have been louder and playing when they shouldn't because they don't care about the repercussions, but the GU band, by order of the athletic department, has to be more careful. 3. Songs have to be distributed by a music company for the band to purchase in order for them to be played. Thus 1) Many songs are not available at all, especially a lot of current hits, and often the arrangement of songs sounds like absolute crap. 2) there is a price problem in getting new songs and the band doesn't have the world's biggest budget. Its a good point, I'll pass it on to the current band, and see what can be done.
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LCPolo18
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Post by LCPolo18 on Feb 3, 2005 10:43:59 GMT -5
1. That band seemed more responsive to using its volume to drown out opposing fans' chants. I don't know what the policy is with the GU band, but it seemed that every time we heard one of those annoying chants from the other teams fans (which we all know happens waayyy too much in our home building), the band was there to start up and squelch it before it starts. Perhaps this is something that the GU band could make more of an effort to do in the future. 2. Volume. I'm not sure what the numbers were, I'm not sure what the instrument breakdown was, but the middle school seemed much louder than the GU band. I'm fairly certain that the middle school band had more tubas, and if that's the case, maybe Nodak can come back and help out for the big games! Not being musically inclined myself, I'm not sure how hard it would be to possibly convert more band members to the tuba section, but I believe if you do, the difference would be extreme. 3. Song selection. I know, I know, there is no way that the GU band can devote as much time to practice as a middle school band (who probably gets together every day after school for a few hours). But perhaps if the GU band were to try to work a few newer songs into their repetoire (maybe a new song a month?) it might help things a bit. I definitely agree that the band should be bigger, I mentioned in an earlier post that it has been on the rise ever since the team started playing better. You're right on the money about the tubas, but that also goes for any of the brass instruments. Last night we had 10 trumpets, 3 trombones, and 2 tubas, while earlier in the season we would have 4 trumpets, 2 trombones, and 2 tubas. Hopefully next year the band will be even bigger and we'll be able to address the volume problem that you mentioned. The NCAA policy is that we can only play during dead time (timeouts, before the game, after the game, halftime). There have been instances in the past where overzealous drummers have gotten technical fouls for accidentally playing during the game, and hurting the team is the last thing we want to do. Plus you have to add to that policy the fact that we're not allowed to play during dance routines and fan games/competitions on the court. So I guess we try to play as much as possible but there's only so much we can do. As for the new music, we have been playing new songs almost once a month since our new director came in a couple years ago. In the past two weeks we've added Up In Here, Apache, the song from Drumline, YMCA, and Lean Back. If you guys have any suggestions we'd love to hear it because we're always looking for new music to play that will get the whole crowd into the game. We're there to enhance the game experience, so if there's songs you'd want to hear then we'd definitely try to play them if we can.
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