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.

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

Clausen

Weren't both of those games against WAC teams? It is all Dave's fault!

Scary

One very scary stat about ND:

In each of their past two games, Clausen has had more TD passes than incompletions.

ouch

"M is 2-1 in games following the M coaches 6th loss (for B this was his 33rd game, Mo his 30th game, for Lloyd his 41st game, for RR his 9th)"

Even if he goes 8-5 this year, he will still have the worst all time winning percentage for any M coach anywhere.

prediction based on historical data

M is 154-39-1 in all games I have attended (all data is based on games I have attended unless specifically mentioned)
M is 128-28-1 in games played at Michigan Stadium
M is 29-4 in the first game I have attended in a season (2 consecutive losses)
M is 2-0 against WMU (WMU is 0-3 in games I've attended, they lost to Miami (OH) in 1975)
M is 46-5 against teams I've seen not play Michigan
M is 19-3 against schools with directional names
M is 27-11 following a loss (4 consecutive losses)
M is 12-4 when facing a team for the 3rd time
M is 3-0 in the M coaches 9th game as head coach
M is 21-3 in games against teams from Michigan
M is 6-1 against opposing head coaches named Bill or William (last game 1994 loss to Colorado)
M is 15-4 against coaches whose last names begin with the letter "C"
M is 2-0 against coaches whose first and last names begin with consecutive letters
M is 43-7 with a QB making his 3rd start or less
M is 2-1 in games following the M coaches 6th loss (for Bo this was his 33rd game, Mo his 30th game, for Lloyd his 41st game, for RR his 9th)
M is 3-3 against hoofed mascots (including the Arizona State Sun Devils - devils have hooves, right?)
M is 51-17 in games Melissa Hoot has attended (50-17 in games we've both attended)

M 34, WMU 21

local talent back on wdfn?

I've read that WDFN is going back to local talent. Sean Baligian and Tom Kowlaski in the mornings and Shep and Sharp in the afternoons. It will be good to have another option. I won't have to listen to Sam Webb and not Andy Evans every day. And i'll have an option for the non-JUB portion of the afternoon big show.