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Post by Aggie One on Aug 3, 2015 15:48:43 GMT -5
I understand that band camp starts or started this week. Can anyone give the fans a general idea on what is in store for this year's edition of the B&GMM?
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Post by Aggie9195 on Aug 3, 2015 16:50:29 GMT -5
Well I've heard that there are 190 kids in camp right now. I am not sure if that is including the 19 Golden delights. That's all I have so far.
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 3, 2015 17:48:26 GMT -5
That's quite a few more kids than last year which speaks well of the continued excellence and reputation of the program. Looking forward to those BOTB exhibitions later this month.
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Post by AggiePride on Aug 4, 2015 8:43:55 GMT -5
that is exciting news.
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Post by marchingband1969 on Aug 4, 2015 13:34:12 GMT -5
Well I dropped in on band camp last week and here's what I picked up:
1. Band is about the same size as last year (With limited band scholarship dollars, it's tough to get much bigger)
2. Lots of freshmen (Band schedule is gulling so it's tough to play all 4 years and graduate on time)
3. The brass section is bigger and musically stronger than last year. (Bigger and better sound)
4. Golden Delight is ready. (Tiffany keeps those young ladies ready year-round!)
5. Rumor has it that the band budget was cut again (May not travel to some away games this year...FAMU, etc.)
6. We will play at halftime in Chapel Hill (Bring your popcorn because show will be special)
7. Did I mention that Golden Delight is ready?
As long as we have this dedicated staff, the A&T Band and Golden Delight will always "show up and show out!" Despite limited scholarship funds, reduced operating budgets, limited "paid" staff and crappy practice facilities, they continue to make us Aggies proud.
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Post by Aggie9195 on Aug 4, 2015 19:00:37 GMT -5
AMEN!!!^^^  |
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Post by marchingband1969 on Aug 7, 2015 11:33:17 GMT -5
Here's a recent quote from Coach Broadway that also applies to the A&T Marching Band...
“That’s the thing about the Aggies though. They’ve always had a lot of expectations and pride regardless of where they were because I don’t think they were looking through it with clear glasses. They were looking through it with their heart, hoping that the program was in better shape than it was. I’m not sure people realize where we were.”
I don't believe the average A&T fan in the stands realize where the A&T band is either. Without the truly dedicated effort of Dr. Ruff and his staff, this band would be a mess. But there's just so much you can do with "dedication." Eventually you're going to have to put more money in it.
Now I realize it's "just the band" but the A&T Marching band is a big part of our "fan experience." If we have a crappy band will it impact game attendance? Probably not enough to be noticed if the team is winning. But it would hurt our image in the community and among HBCU's. There are parents and potential students all around the U.S. that couldn't tell you one thing about A&T, except they know the A&T Blue and Gold Marching Band is outstanding. And that's brand awareness that is priceless.
So why am I bringing this up? I want our fans to care about what goes on with the band. When they put the band in a warehouse with bad acoustics and a gravel parking lot, I want more people speaking up. When they cut band scholarships or travel budgets or band staff, I want more people to ask why.
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Post by wall2wall on Aug 7, 2015 12:15:22 GMT -5
Marchingband 1969, if the Blue & Gold is performing half time in Chapel Hill, that is a major accomplishment. It is my understanding that "No" visiting band has performed half time in Chapel Hill for more than 40 years. Wow!
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Post by marchingband1969 on Aug 7, 2015 12:24:36 GMT -5
Marchingband 1969, if the Blue & Gold is performing half time in Chapel Hill, that is a major accomplishment. It is my understanding that "No" visiting band has performed half time in Chapel Hill for more than 40 years. Wow! I got that piece of information directly from Dr. Ruff last week. He said they have been talking to the folks at Chapel Hill and they are very receptive. The show will be shorter than our usual show but it will be at halftime. Dr. Ruff says he's not going to do a post game show again. I guess the situation at App State a few years back was all he could take. Leave it to the Aggies to break a 40 year tradition at Chapel Hill. And special thanks to the Tar Heels for appreciating the Blue and Gold Marching Band. |
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Post by wall2wall on Aug 7, 2015 16:39:52 GMT -5
I guess the old fellow who told me about the long standing tradition has got some crow to eat!!!
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Post by marchingband1969 on Aug 7, 2015 21:31:22 GMT -5
I guess the old fellow who told me about the long standing tradition has got some crow to eat!!! Just tell that old fellow. .."Aggies Do!" |
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Post by The Professor on Aug 7, 2015 22:29:40 GMT -5
I've very confused. Is the warehouse inadequate now or has it always been?
How much funding has been cut?
What is the bands wants vs their needs?
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Post by ohsixrain on Aug 7, 2015 23:21:18 GMT -5
For starters, nobody's bandroom should be in a warehouse...period. Nuff said.
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Post by oldschool on Aug 8, 2015 0:58:41 GMT -5
I've very confused. Is the warehouse inadequate now or has it always been? How much funding has been cut? What is the bands wants vs their needs? Although the warehouse is an upgrade from their former quarters , it is inadequate . Does anybody remember when the band was in what is now the NAPA parts store on the corner across from the warehouse . Now that was despicable in my opinion . If memory serves me correctly , they had to move into what was the former motorsports department (now the NAPA parts store) after Frazier Hall was renovated . In a classic case of poor planning and lack of vision the band could not return to Frazier hall after renovation . When you renovate a structure past a certain point you must adhere to all current building codes . The size of the band exceeds current building codes for occupancy . If the building was never renovated they could still be in Frazier Hall . Why the administration at that time did not foresee this problem is totally incomprehensible. I am absolutely amazed at what Dr. Ruff and his staff is able to accomplish with the inadequate resources that they have . The are able to turn "sheeet into sugar" ,pardon my french . In spite of this short fall ,they turn out amazing shows week after week , win competitions such as the Honda BOTB , perform in prestigious events such as the Macy's day parade ,all from this old warehouse/band room . So to answer your question , yes their current facility is inadequate ,and their funding is inadequate . What they want and need is a brand new , state of the art facility , and scholarships for all band members . Just imagine what Dr. Ruff could accomplish with the proper resources . So I am in total agreement with Marching Band 1969 ,who has voiced these same concerns for all to hear . I'm proud of all the new construction going on ,new student union ,new clock tower ,proposed upgrade of Memorial stadium , and soon to come , new engineering building . Our next big project should be a new home for our award winning BGMM . |
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Post by ArrangerNCAT on Aug 8, 2015 9:49:53 GMT -5
In addition--for starters--our practice field is a dust bowl that isn't even a full field size...  |
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