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Music at Basketball Games.

Just my own opinion and perhaps I am alone in musical taste, but I've always thought Missouri State has the most entertaining/obnoxious/raucous band. It seems to me that the MVC bands that are conducted by younger people have more energetic bands with more appeal to college-aged people. That being said, I do think Dr. Vroman does a very professional job. He is obviously very talented. I just wish he would loosen up a bit. This isn't the 60s, nor should a basketball band be conducted as if it were the Peoria Municipal band. Just my opinion.:-P
 
That's a fair assessment. . .I wouldn't necessarily say any band in the MVC stands out over the others. . .a lot has to do with personnel as well.

At some schools it's more a competitive thing to be involved in, for instance MSU, InSU, and SIU might have auditions some years, they also have a larger talent pool to choose from. Those kinds of bands also emphasize specific instruments, such as brass and saxes.

Vroman struggles to get some of the better players in the band program to do the basketball band thing given the overwhelming commitment, and he utilizes ALL the instruments for better balance. So an argument could be made the body and depth of sound is better from the BU band.

Given the emphasis of the other bands, it makes them more favorable for the more straight rock/jazz charts that they play; which some people argue makes them sound better, and I can agree, given that it is more appropriate.
 
Agreed. Where I really notice the instrument selection is at the valley tournament where it seems the total number of band members allowed per school is much smaller...It seems like some bands like MSU go nearly all brass and percussion, given it a much larger sound, while Bradley goes with the full band sound, just less of everything. While they may be technically better, the BU Basketball band always sounds maddeningly weak in St. Louis where they don't benefit from being piped loudly into the sound system like they do at Carver. Lets face it, in a giant arena playing pep band music, why "waste" precious spots on flutes, clarinets and oboes that no one more than 50 feet away are going to be able to hear anyway? (Absolutely no offense to those fine musicians. I have family members that played those instruments so its not personal. For concert bands, yes. Basketball bands, no.) Just my worthless opinion.
 
Ok well first off I love the band. I'm currently in Bradley's Symphonic Winds, and played pep band in high school (our band was so big we only had to play every 4th game). This was not at all ment to discredit the band as they do a good job, and I have no problem approachin Dr V and asking him to play certian songs or suggesting they get some new stuff. I've actually asked him on gamedays to play certian songs because they have been a hit with the student section.

With all that said, I think that adding some music "piped in" wouldnt hurt anything, but I'm indiferent about it. I guess we will just wait for the fall to see.

Personally more than music "piped in" i think that uitlizing the scoreboard for more than just advertisements could do a lot to add some atmosphere. I know at rivermem games they put up a noise meter and do other things to get the crowd involved and cheering.
 
I'm a tuba player in the Basketball Band and we play the fight song AT LEAST 4 times a game; AT LEAST! Sometimes, it's close to 10 times.
But I'm totally for some more piped in music pr-game and halftime. But during the game, no. Piped in music during games seems cheesy and fake. Just watch an NBA game
 
Big Lance said:
Agreed. Where I really notice the instrument selection is at the valley tournament where it seems the total number of band members allowed per school is much smaller...It seems like some bands like MSU go nearly all brass and percussion, given it a much larger sound, while Bradley goes with the full band sound, just less of everything. While they may be technically better, the BU Basketball band always sounds maddeningly weak in St. Louis where they don't benefit from being piped loudly into the sound system like they do at Carver. Lets face it, in a giant arena playing pep band music, why "waste" precious spots on flutes, clarinets and oboes that no one more than 50 feet away are going to be able to hear anyway? (Absolutely no offense to those fine musicians. I have family members that played those instruments so its not personal. For concert bands, yes. Basketball bands, no.) Just my worthless opinion.
Click to expand...

I agree, but I'm a brass player :D
 
sousaman2089 said:
I'm a tuba player in the Basketball Band and we play the fight song AT LEAST 4 times a game; AT LEAST! Sometimes, it's close to 10 times.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought, and sometimes it seems like more than that. There's been many games when my son and I just look at each other and smile when the fight song starts.....as if to say "Again?". However, we stand up each and every time. Wouldn't want it any other way!

We appreciate the atmosphere the band creates and keep up the good work!
 
shaunguth said:
That's what I thought, and sometimes it seems like more than that. There's been many games when my son and I just look at each other and smile when the fight song starts.....as if to say "Again?". However, we stand up each and every time. Wouldn't want it any other way!

We appreciate the atmosphere the band creates and keep up the good work!
Click to expand...

Ha, thanks! We're trying to integrate more new music each year, so we don't play "Splish Splash" as much as the band did in the 90s. Trust me; I remember going to games with my dad during the Parker, Pollard days and I actually thought "Splish Splash" was our fight song!
 
shaunguth said:
That's what I thought, and sometimes it seems like more than that. There's been many games when my son and I just look at each other and smile when the fight song starts.....as if to say "Again?". However, we stand up each and every time. Wouldn't want it any other way!

We appreciate the atmosphere the band creates and keep up the good work!
Click to expand...

You guys are hearing things that evidently don't make it up to my section.
 
sousaman2089 said:
I'm a tuba player in the Basketball Band and we play the fight song AT LEAST 4 times a game; AT LEAST! Sometimes, it's close to 10 times.
But I'm totally for some more piped in music pr-game and halftime. But during the game, no. Piped in music during games seems cheesy and fake. Just watch an NBA game
Click to expand...

At a time in high school, I kinda thought piped in music was more cool than band music during a game. But as you mention, it is too common, and in today's culture, common means boring. There might be a song that works every now and then, but with a diverse student group there is only a razor-thin line between a recognized cool song and an overplayed song, so piped in music will never generate more student interest. never.

College sports have a better atmosphere because of the band music, (It is part of the sensory experience with the popcorn, nachos and every thing else) and since it is the only time of the week most students hear any band music, it can remain unique enough, and I think it is an important part of building the experience that draws alumni back.

and BTW, you play the best instrument!
 
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