UAZip0510

Yeah, & I'd like to have an audience who goes with what we do rather than complaining about little things that don't matter. The fact of the matter is that mostly everyone I've talked to LOVED Pregame & Halftime. I've sat in class, looking over music for the next shows as well as discussing band stuff with band friends in my classes, & people interrupt me/turn to me when they see/hear this all excited & say that we were amazing & that they were speechless. My RA, my roommate, a girl in my biology lab, random people in my classes, & co-workers turned to me with wide eyes telling me how awesome we were. Sorry if you don't agree, but that's my own opinion.You're friends, family, and 99% of your acquaintances are always going to tell you you did great...you could run out there, trip and fall, and crap your pants and most people will still say, "Oh yeah, we loved it!". They are being nice. They're not going to - knowing you're in the band - make things awkward by telling you what they really thought. Heck, I wouldn't even tell you the truth in person...it's just awkward for everyone. Just one last thing though...it's the people that seek and consider the advice of those that won't blow sunshine up their you-know-where that really thrive in this world. I'm really done this time...Good luck this year.

Let me check my own checklist...1. We've established that someone mentioning their opinion that many high school bands provide as much as if not more energy than UA's band will cause an agitated band member to twist the original comment into a sarcastic comment that doesn't resemble the original comment one bit2. We've established that this constructive criticism will also cause this band member to create words such as "splated"3. We've established that constructive criticism will not work with these band members, as, although they say otherwise, they really have no intention in listening to or considering ideas from non-band membersI mentioned all of this because I felt the potential was there for the band to take advantage of the new stadium with new traditions and better than show, their organization, and their effect on the game. I took an interest because I felt like the band members could yake some suggestions, even if they didn't agree with them. Silly me.Do whatever you guys want to do, it's obvious to me now that you're going to do that anyways. Best of luck this season.

If you want to get defensive and snippy about it, I'll let this topic go, and next time instead of using my ears to listen to your show, I'll just use my feet and go to the concession stand instead. I offered constructive criticism, and it's obvious some just can't take it. I was being polite before, but now I'll be brutally honest - I've seen many high school bands that are better than UA's. I agree with those that say colleges are on a different level than high school...but there's always exceptions. My high school band (and many, many others that I've seen) put on a superior show to that of the current UA band. The sad part is, some of those in the band (not everyone, of course) basically ignore any kind of criticism, even constructive...even worse, they have the talent to improve their band and their performances...I wouldn't have ever brought it up if I thought otherwise.You weren't being polite at all!! We have worked for countless hours memorizing the pre-game music and halftime music and stand music. You haven't heard half the songs we've had to memorize. Plus, we memorize new music every week for every new game. The reason we are angry is simply because we worked our butts off getting the whole thing ready, and you just write that we had no energy, we didn't play loud enough, we need to march better, etc. etc. We HAD energy, we DID play loud!Look, all we want is a little respect. How would you like not even having a band? Just be glad with what you've got here at UA, and if you love OUs band so much more, then go to OU games and watch them play, but don't just sit there and say we didn't give it our all. We did!Did you even read my posts? I basically said my complaints with with the Director, not the band members. Hence - "Dear Band Director". And I'd rather have no band than one who can't take a little bit of constructive criticism to their program.

What do you mean by energy, I'm sorry I went off was a little upset, but I have no idea what by energy you mean. We put a lot of energy in our shows, and leave it all on the field. Can you help me out here. ThanksNo problem...there's a lot of different ways to bring energy. High steps, fast steps, horn hits and horn raises, body language that shows a powerful emotion behind the music.

It sure as hell aint for the fans. Btw, i'm not just all about OU. That style of band IS what football is about. The band isn't supposed to be putting on a boring concert. I could care less if you played Journey (who i hate) the whole night as long as it was energetic and not just crappy standing around and playing like i see every game. Cater to the fans and maybe you will have the tradition/equipment/supporrt of one of those 10 bands i mentioned because PEOPLE WILL DONATE MONEY!!!!+1

Sorry for the triple post, but I think by reading the posts here from band members, I've figured out the problem. Band members think the following is important:- Integrity of the music- A contemporary feel to the show- Harmonious motionFootball fans want:- Energy, energy, energy- Music that will get the excited and/or moving in their seats- A show that will pump them up for the gameWhich leads to a question for the band members...are you playing for you, or are you playing for the fans?

As someone who's been in marching band for the past 8 years, with three at the college level, let me tell you, it's not the same thing. You have way less time to prepare, you're playing for 30,000 people every week, you do run on and every single person has to play to even be heard. No 3rd quarter breaks to hang out with your friends and eat pizza either. Friday night games are at least a little cooler than Saturday afternoon with the sun beating down on you all day while wearing a dark blue wool uniform for 6 hours. I also seriously doubt you had rehearsal at 7 am on a Saturday for a 2:00 game where you played pre and post game concerts with a pep rally in between. I'm sure your high school band had nothing on Ohio's Pride. Not trying to be a jerk or anything, just realistic. Please think before you post. Maybe it is just a little harder then you think.Actually, our practices were petty grueling. Some kids' parents didn't let them stay in the band because they thought it was "too much". And because we disagree doesn't mean I don't think before I post...I've thought this way about our band for quite some time. And let me again say this - I'm not saying they don't work hard, that they don't have a tough job, or that they don't have great talent. They obviously do. I'm just saying that their current show is very lackluster. People are certainly different...if someone thought I wasn't doing my job as good as it could be done, I wouldn't shut them out...I'd listen to their thoughts, even if I respectfully disagreed with them. Judging by the tone of some of the responses, it seems as if some would prefer to hear people tell them how great they are. I guess that's OK...but those who do great things are never afraid to take and consider constructive criticism.

If you want to get defensive and snippy about it, I'll let this topic go, and next time instead of using my ears to listen to your show, I'll just use my feet and go to the concession stand instead. I offered constructive criticism, and it's obvious some just can't take it. I was being polite before, but now I'll be brutally honest - I've seen many high school bands that are better than UA's. I agree with those that say colleges are on a different level than high school...but there's always exceptions. My high school band (and many, many others that I've seen) put on a superior show to that of the current UA band. The sad part is, some of those in the band (not everyone, of course) basically ignore any kind of criticism, even constructive...even worse, they have the talent to improve their band and their performances...I wouldn't have ever brought it up if I thought otherwise.

GO ZIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!Alright, let's see you, Mr. UAZIPS0510, go down on the field that is radiating heat and chair step all of pre-game in a restricting uniform that is dark blue and soaks up the heat, then continue to play music for you unappreciative people throughout the first half then see you go down with whatever lip you have left and destroy it while trying to remember where to march to next and remember the right notes while keeping perfect body posture and walking with a perfect roll-step. Then continue to play throughout the remaining half then finally go down and attempt to play a few songs with no lip left, all the while sweating your balls off! You guys think what we do is easy? Let's see you do it better!Umm...I did it for four years in high school. That's my point - if my high school band (and many other high school bands) can do it, a college band should be able to as well, but better.

Sounds like the student section (who, in great fashion, went nuts for just about everything Saturday) was cheering like crazy while the rest of the stadium gave average applause. Maybe I'm wrong, and others can correct me if I am...I just didn't think there was much of a reaction for the band aside from the student sections (who, again, cheered like crazy for everything Saturday).

I was paying attention, and have been for the last 9 years...it was a boring routine...sorry, just being honest.

Dear UAZIP0510,1) You obviously weren't there for pregame, as ALL of pregame is chair step. If you can't find a video I'll post a clip for you. It's already been explained on here several times by countless posters that glide step is what a majority of college marching bands do now for halftime. I understand that some people find it "boring" or "uninteresting" but that's the way it is here at Akron. We did do chairstep for the fight song off the field.2) Trust me, we were playing with energy. That stadium is loud and there were a lot of people. I know every single one of us out there was playing with everything we had. With the pregame drill there were about 140-150 of us out there for pregame so the fact that you can hear us from the back stands with 30,000 people yelling means we were playing "loud" since I'm assuming that's what you mean by energy.3) We didn't use sheet music for pregame or halftime...Just out of curiosity, where were you sitting?I was in general admission for this one, but usually sit much closer...and if you didn't use sheet music, I stand corrected. I can tell you that this isn't an opinion formed in one Saturday - I've thought this for a long time...just never posted about it. Energy to me is marching with your knees up, horn hits, etc. And music that is a) Not boring, Not just our fight song. Again, not trying to knock you guys...you do a great job with what the band director has you do. I'm just saying - and being honest when I do - is that the performances during pregame and halftime were not exciting, didn't have energy, and actually quieted the crowd, instead of pumping them up even more for the game. And just because "most other colleges" roll with the glidestep doesn't mean UA's band has to. Watching the video of the 1990 UA band that was posted in this thread made me sick...what I would do to have that kind of pregame/halftime now.I see you're realitively new but for the record we've had this discussion on here several times in the past few years. Search the forums and I'm sure you'll find at least 20 topics on it.For the first game at least, music was gone. The memorization thing is new for this year at the request of many in the band and the return of Mr. Karriker. Music will not be used for pregame all season, but halftime will really depend on how each week goes. For example, we start a new show for the Indiana game Tuesday, as of now we haven't even had a chance to go over the music in rehearsal, and we haven't received drill yet. Unlike highschool where you have band everyday of the week and shows with only a couple moves, we have three, 1.5 hour rehearsals this week and the game on Saturday. If you see music anytime this season, don't panic, we're doing the best we can.I have seen video from both sides of the field for Saturday and I can understand how it seemed unenergetic from the General Admission seats. Those are a long way up there and it is very hard to hear the band. Most of the quieting in the GA section was probably due to people trying to hear the band, from the other side it wasn't a problem at all. I think if you were sitting on the pressbox side of the stadium you would have a very different opinion of at least pregame. You probably noticed that the entire band isn't on the field for pregame, it's designed so if someone is sick or has a family emergency an alternate takes their spot for the game. It also keeps some people who are having problems with the highstep or music from being a distraction on the field, though everyone will march pregame before the end of the season.It sounds like there are some good steps moving forward...still though - look at how much energy the 1990 band had, or even the high school band that I posted the links of. Just not a fan of the contemporary style...who knows, I might be in the minority there...just didn't seem like it Saturday.

Maybe there was a cloud that momentarily covered the sun and created a breeze, because the performance did nothing to bring chills. No offense, but it sounds like you're either a band member, former band member, or parent of a former/current band member. Again, not knocking these guys...they work hard and I respect tat...but I know my section barely responded to the band, and it didn't seem much better in other parts of the stadium. It's the style that needs changed IMO, not the members of the band.

Dear UAZIP0510,1) You obviously weren't there for pregame, as ALL of pregame is chair step. If you can't find a video I'll post a clip for you. It's already been explained on here several times by countless posters that glide step is what a majority of college marching bands do now for halftime. I understand that some people find it "boring" or "uninteresting" but that's the way it is here at Akron. We did do chairstep for the fight song off the field.2) Trust me, we were playing with energy. That stadium is loud and there were a lot of people. I know every single one of us out there was playing with everything we had. With the pregame drill there were about 140-150 of us out there for pregame so the fact that you can hear us from the back stands with 30,000 people yelling means we were playing "loud" since I'm assuming that's what you mean by energy.3) We didn't use sheet music for pregame or halftime...Just out of curiosity, where were you sitting?I was in general admission for this one, but usually sit much closer...and if you didn't use sheet music, I stand corrected. I can tell you that this isn't an opinion formed in one Saturday - I've thought this for a long time...just never posted about it. Energy to me is marching with your knees up, horn hits, etc. And music that is a) Not boring, Not just our fight song. Again, not trying to knock you guys...you do a great job with what the band director has you do. I'm just saying - and being honest when I do - is that the performances during pregame and halftime were not exciting, didn't have energy, and actually quieted the crowd, instead of pumping them up even more for the game. And just because "most other colleges" roll with the glidestep doesn't mean UA's band has to. Watching the video of the 1990 UA band that was posted in this thread made me sick...what I would do to have that kind of pregame/halftime now.

In response to #3, that is completely untrue. My high school band did four different shows throughout a year, with different music and routines each show. And all music was memorized. And I do have experience - I was in the band I speak of for all four years...I wouldn't have started this thread if I wasn't speaking with experience. Again, not saying they don't work hard....just being honest in saying that the current band does not get the job done in providing energy to the game and getting our fans pumped for the action on the field.

After thinking over Saturday's events, I came to the realization that only three things need fixed to make InfoCision perfect. 1) More staff at the food service place (did you see those lines?)2) The Team Shop to be open (I am SHOCKED it wasn't ready...UA lost a looooot of money there)3) The band Apologies to any band members that post here. I'm not trying to rip you, and know you put a great deal of hard work into your band. But I'll be blunt - the pregame and halftime routines have absolutely zero energy. I'm somewhat surprised at the showing year after year from our band. I'm not sure if anyone cares or if this will be well received, but I do have some thoughts.1) Pick your feet/knees upYou have 27,000+ roaring in anticipation...and the band comes in slide-stepping with absolutely no energy. This not only do what it needed to do - increase the energy - but actually seemed to bring it down a little. 2) Pick up the energyAside from adding some energy to your steps, bring it with your music as well. Play it loud, play it like you mean it! And let's see some horn hits...let the crowd know you love what you're doing...get them pumped to see their team!3) Lose the sheet musicMany high schools don't use sheet music...why is a college doing so? Memorize the music. Using sheet music prevents you from stepping high, doing horn hits, moving as you play. And trust me - fans would sacrifice the quality of the music a hair if they got more energy in return. The announcer during the band performance was practically begging people to make noise. And while some may, I don't blame the fans here. Give them reason to cheer, to stand up, to get pumped. Again, not trying to bash - we appreciate you and the work you put in - I just think that some changes to how the band operates should join the rest of the changes that are or already have taken place at UA. I found some links below - this is a high school band I found on youtube, and I'd be interested to ask other non-band members...who would you rather watch at halftime? GO ZIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate to say it, but no one values your rather ambiguous assessment of our stadium until you change that ridiculous avatar and screen name.yes beanie wells is awful and so are the suckeyes...loved to watch them lose last night and I could care less what suckeye people think of our stadium. It's amazing and something zips fans are very proud ofThat's the kind of attitude that will prevent our fan base from growing if it continues.1) The guy is a Zips fan...who cares if he likes Beanie Wells?2) There's always complaining about the "average fans" cheering for OSU and ignoring UA...and then you bash them when they do show genuine interest?3) Beanie Wells was a 1st round pick in the NFL...saying he sucks doesn't make you're football knowledge look too good. 4) We have a new stadium, an exciting team, and had a great weekend...why are so you worried about freaking OSU?????

I've never been more excited for a basketball season...after last year, with so many returning, with Zeke aboard...can't wait can't wait can't wait.

I know they can't turn the lights off because it takes too long for them to come back on, or something to that effect. I do like the ideas of the history of the Zips - maybe have it build from the Michigan '86 game, to clips of McFadden, Romeo, Dru, Wood, Dials, Ced, etc., then to clips of highlights from last year, then to a group shot with Humpty, Brett, Chris, and Zeke out front...?Love the creative ideas...hopefully someone with the Zips is watching and we don't get Thunderstruck again.

Akron needs to establish itself as the premier team in the MAC, leading the conference every year, going to the NCAA every year, before we start scheduling like Gonzaga. To do that, we need to continue to get better recruits. To get better recruits, you need to win games and make NCAA Tournament appearances. To win games and make NCAA tournament appearances, for a team on the way up, sometimes means playing a less-than-stellar non-conference schedule.

I'm positive that UA staff reads these forums, so I thought I'd throw out something that could help us this season. A great player introduction. Since Dan Gilbert has taken over the Cavaliers, people have always made sure they are in their seats for player intros. Certainly, the Zips can't afford the fire and pyros that Cleveland can, but there are some things that they can do to make sure the crowd is ready to go come tip off.First, it needs to have great music. Sorry folks, Thunderstruck is not getting the job done. "Requium" in 2007-2008 was outstanding...or maybe steal "I Put On For This City", as the Cavaliers surely won't use it again. Definitely find something good to get people excited.Second, visual/audio highlights need to be incorporated. Video/audio of some of the best Akron plays in 2008-2009 should be shown/heard (French radio calls dubbed to video)...Akron defeating Can't should be shown/heard...the miracle against Toledo, the wins over BG and Miami, and, of course, the win over Buffalo. And then show highlights of the CBS broadcast of Akron (first half only of course). Putting audio/video out there to remind people of the past and to get them to think about the future is the key. Remind them why they are there. When introductions come, flush the player's picture on the screen. And after player introductions, the gameday announcer (younger guy, fires the crowd up) should be sent out to get everyone going. Players feed off the the energy of the crowd, as shown every year in Can't, and as shown as Zips fans packed the Q last March. It might seem silly to some, but a great player introduction could go a long way towards jumpstarting the Zips early in games.

I'm afraid Bob Cousy's connections to Boston are too great to get him to hook up with the Zips.Cousy as one of the two greatest players ever? Really?

Rasor alluded to the Zips having a shot at landing Adreian Payne, currently a Junior out of Dayton, OH. After looking at his scouting reports, I'm thrilled at the possibility of nabbing this guy. Imagine Marshall, Payne, McKnight, Humpty, Nik, etc all together...we can dream, can't we?http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect...mp;pr_key=68813

Didn't even think of that...excellent point

It's northeast Ohio tradition...when the season ends, you look towards next year. With that said, Starters------------C-MarshallF-McKnightF-McKnightG-RobertsG-HitchensBench-------------G-McNeesF-CvetinovicF-ConyersG-StewardG-McClanahanC-BardoAlso in the Mix-----------------F-ParrishC-SwiechF-CarrollG-CoblentzG-PetersonAnd now, in Peter King style, Ten Things I Think I Think:1) I think Nate Linhart was a great, great player for the Zips. I didn't always buy into Linhart, and still feel he was more of a role player than a star player, but that's OK if he is. He gave his blood, sweat, and tears to this school for 4 years and will be missed. He wouldn't be a bad GA, assuming he'd be interested. 2) I think that if Zeke Marshall is the real deal, he'll be what this team is sorely lacking. If he can block shots, rebounds, and provide a strong presence inside, this team will be able to hang more with the Gonzaga's of the world. 3) I think that Nik and Humpty have very bright futures ahead of them. To come in and do what they did on such a big stage, in such big situations, says a lot about the two of them. 4) I also think that Chris and Brett McKnight could rule the MAC next year. Chris is becoming a dependable low post option, and Brett's game has an incredibly high ceiling. 5) I think that this experience, the MAC Tournament experience, and an offseason of workouts, conditioning, and practices with Keith Dambrot will do wonders for this team, especially Hitchens, Cvetinovic, and the McKnights. 6) I think that we are extremely lucky to have Keith Dambrot. Not only is he a great coach, not only does he get the most out of his players, but he represents this city in wonderful fashion. He IS Akron, and I hope he leads the men's hoops team until he decides to retire. 7) I think that, should a scholarship open up, the Zips shouldn't shut down the possibility of looking at a JUCO player. I never, ever, ever, ever want to be Can't and load up our roster with them, but if KD could find the right guy with the right personality, it could take the Zips to an even higher level. 8) I think that the guard position is looking really good now. Hitchens is a star in the making, Roberts is a solid all-around player, McNees has taken his game to a new level, and McClanahan looked good in limited action. Add in (hopefully) a healthy Steward and you have 5 guards who can play some really good basketball. 9) I think that it will be interesting to see the non-conference schedule for next year. #1-Does KD schedule tougher opponents? #2-Will any tougher teams be willing to play us? I'm not so sure the game ends the same way tonight had it not been a home game for Gonzaga. 10) I think that this was a huge step for the entire program. They started the season barely getting by Walsh, then ended it by winning the MAC and giving the #10 team in the country all they could handle in what was basically a road game. They have a top 50 player coming in at arguably their weakest position, and bring back all but one player for next year. We have a lot to be happy about right now, and a lot to look forward to in the future. GO ZIPS!!!!