I tried to find the NCAA rules regarding amplifying the band and came up with little. I found that it appears to be OK to mike the band when they are on the field. That probably doesn't tell us much.
I found that the SEC has a rule that doesn't allow any electric amplified music during anytime other than timeouts and halftime. Therefore, they can't play speakered music between plays.
For basketball games, the amplification of the PEP band has to be toward the stands and not the floor.
So, without any hard facts, I have to think they aren't lying. However, if I were to guess, and someone were to actually figure out where the rule could be (there are a lot of NCAA rule books, but I found little regulating bands, cheerleaders, venues, etc.), I would bet the rule is actually a conference rule. It just seems like the kind of thing conferences care about more than the NCAA.
Showing posts with label piped in music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label piped in music. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
more on music - hehe
I don't have a problem before the bands are on the field. Or even in the time when the bands are moving in prep of their halftime shows. Other than that I just don't get it.
The band has been in that spot or a similar one on the other side for as long as I remember. The boxes should help hold sound in and bounce it back for everyone to hear. Why make the change now? If there are still dead/deaf spots after everything is finished then address it.
I think they made a mistake not putting the band in the center of the north endzone. They didn't to give up non-student seats. Well make those students seats and take away the closest to the old press box student seats.
I'm not convinced that amplifying the band is not allowed. Seems like I've seen it done before.
I agree with you, I'd rather hear the visiting band than AC/DC, Journey or Neil Diamond.
The band has been in that spot or a similar one on the other side for as long as I remember. The boxes should help hold sound in and bounce it back for everyone to hear. Why make the change now? If there are still dead/deaf spots after everything is finished then address it.
I think they made a mistake not putting the band in the center of the north endzone. They didn't to give up non-student seats. Well make those students seats and take away the closest to the old press box student seats.
I'm not convinced that amplifying the band is not allowed. Seems like I've seen it done before.
I agree with you, I'd rather hear the visiting band than AC/DC, Journey or Neil Diamond.
PA music, MMB
Their responses were pretty good. I can't imagine they did that with everyone. You are very important.
As far as the music itself, I don't really mind it if it does one of two things:
1) Gets the crowd involved. Playing a song that has fan participation is OK. It is actually quite entertaining.
2) Gets the crowd pumped up. I think the piped in music did that in pregame. Not so much during the game.
Overall, though, I am probably in the minority in that I would rather hear the visiting band than piped in music. This piped in music thing is OK, I guess, but it isn't necessary. I think the atmosphere would have been more upbeat this week even if the PA was not working, the Marching Band wasn't there because they all got honenone (H1N1) flu and the cheerleaders all broke their legs. Having the entire country against you, and then having a good product on the field will do that.
As far as the music itself, I don't really mind it if it does one of two things:
1) Gets the crowd involved. Playing a song that has fan participation is OK. It is actually quite entertaining.
2) Gets the crowd pumped up. I think the piped in music did that in pregame. Not so much during the game.
Overall, though, I am probably in the minority in that I would rather hear the visiting band than piped in music. This piped in music thing is OK, I guess, but it isn't necessary. I think the atmosphere would have been more upbeat this week even if the PA was not working, the Marching Band wasn't there because they all got honenone (H1N1) flu and the cheerleaders all broke their legs. Having the entire country against you, and then having a good product on the field will do that.
Music on the PA
I e-mailed both the marching band and the athletic department regarding the PA music during the game last week. It seems to me the band had played at least 2 of those songs in the past - why not just have them play the songs? Part of the argument appears to be the spots where the band cannot be heard. I asked if they could play louder or amplify the sound.
Although I am "kind of a big deal..." I doubt my concerns will cause any changes in the future.
Here are the answers I received:
Mr. Altese,
The band can play no louder, it is not physically possible to replicate the sound of those speakers as acoustical instruments are very directional. Enhancing the sound electronically, from the band, is against Big 10 conference rules as was recently confirmed by the athletic administration when the football staff discussed amplifying the MMB. All sports are programmed by the athletic game day management staff. The band is "not allowing" this to happen, it is being dictated to us by the people who are in charge of the event. The coaches, the coaches wives, and the players are all clamoring for piped in music. The athletic department is trying to have a balance between the traditional and what is "new". The expectation at professional events is trickling down to the college ranks and what is collegiate is trickling up to the pro's (as in the Pistons drum line).
Regret that we can not make you happy on this one. Thanks for your interest and taking the time to write.
Michael Haithcock
Mike:
Thanks for your note. I saw Michael Haithcock's response, and I would have offered the same information. We are not happy with this recent introduction to the game day experience either, but we respect the Athletic Dept.'s quest to try to increase the level of energy in the stadium. As you know, it's a "Big House," and it's impossible for one band to fill it with the kind of sound that canned music provides. Believe me, the MMB is playing as loud as we possibly can. Half the stadium can hear us very well, but the other cannot, due to the directionality of our instruments. We hope that the new press boxes assist in capturing more sound.
I forwarded your note to the person in charge of this issue in Athletics. His name is Marty Bodnar: mbodnar@umich.edu
Thanks for your interest in the MMB.
Scott Boerma
Dear Dr. Altese:
Thank you for your feedback on the game day experience at Michigan Stadium. We work hard to create an environment that can be appreciated by all participants - players, students, alumni and fans. With more than 100,000 people, it is difficult to craft an experience that satisfies everyone's unique interests and as such we do our best and realize that we will never hit the mark for all 100,000 plus in the stadium. We'll continue to work on all elements that contribute to a Michigan football game. We appreciate your time and consideration in offering your thoughts.
All the Best and Go Blue!
Joe Parker
Senior Associate Athletic Director
Although I am "kind of a big deal..." I doubt my concerns will cause any changes in the future.
Here are the answers I received:
Mr. Altese,
The band can play no louder, it is not physically possible to replicate the sound of those speakers as acoustical instruments are very directional. Enhancing the sound electronically, from the band, is against Big 10 conference rules as was recently confirmed by the athletic administration when the football staff discussed amplifying the MMB. All sports are programmed by the athletic game day management staff. The band is "not allowing" this to happen, it is being dictated to us by the people who are in charge of the event. The coaches, the coaches wives, and the players are all clamoring for piped in music. The athletic department is trying to have a balance between the traditional and what is "new". The expectation at professional events is trickling down to the college ranks and what is collegiate is trickling up to the pro's (as in the Pistons drum line).
Regret that we can not make you happy on this one. Thanks for your interest and taking the time to write.
Michael Haithcock
Mike:
Thanks for your note. I saw Michael Haithcock's response, and I would have offered the same information. We are not happy with this recent introduction to the game day experience either, but we respect the Athletic Dept.'s quest to try to increase the level of energy in the stadium. As you know, it's a "Big House," and it's impossible for one band to fill it with the kind of sound that canned music provides. Believe me, the MMB is playing as loud as we possibly can. Half the stadium can hear us very well, but the other cannot, due to the directionality of our instruments. We hope that the new press boxes assist in capturing more sound.
I forwarded your note to the person in charge of this issue in Athletics. His name is Marty Bodnar: mbodnar@umich.edu
Thanks for your interest in the MMB.
Scott Boerma
Dear Dr. Altese:
Thank you for your feedback on the game day experience at Michigan Stadium. We work hard to create an environment that can be appreciated by all participants - players, students, alumni and fans. With more than 100,000 people, it is difficult to craft an experience that satisfies everyone's unique interests and as such we do our best and realize that we will never hit the mark for all 100,000 plus in the stadium. We'll continue to work on all elements that contribute to a Michigan football game. We appreciate your time and consideration in offering your thoughts.
All the Best and Go Blue!
Joe Parker
Senior Associate Athletic Director
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