remember...
 

Some bands have auxiliary groups that separate themselves: at my alma mater, we had colorguard (they did dance), a dance troupe, and banner girls. There was a clear distinction between the groups, even though they were all part of the band.

I'm confused, at my high school, what was actually color gaurd had nothing to do with the band. Color guard was the group of JROTC people who carried the American and state flags.

I was a rifle girl for 2 years and was pretty good at it. I definitely have some great memories from our performances... like showing up for Homecoming when it was 20 degrees out and I had laryngitis! My mom was soooo mad at me for going!

As for the movie, I don't really know if I'll see it or not. If I do, I probably will wait till it's out on DVD. The last movie I saw in the theatre was Harry Potter 2, and before that I don't even remember!

SSS,

You bring up a good point. The JROTC thing you mention is probably what most people think of as a color guard. In a military sense, it is. Generally, it consists of at least two rifles, at least two flags -- one being the U.S. Flag -- and sometimes the commander carries a saber.

The flags who accompany marching bands and drum corps are also called color guards.

Then, there is an international competition called Winterguard, which is sort of like a cross between gymnastics, dance and flagwork -- these often include rifles and sabers as well.

When it's good, the later is amazing to watch, with specially produced audio tracks and really intricate choreography and split second timing.

At our kids' high school, they actually gave varsity letters to Colorguard and Winterguard participants. It can be grueling.

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Wow all of you guys actually talk good about band people!!!!! That is not the thing to do at UK. I was in band in high school and in band now at UK, I love it. But the student body is pretty hard on us sometimes. Especially some of the greek students. I was told by a few house members I couldnt' prolly get in b/c I was in band. Wow, I'm so happy to see that you guys don't hate us! I'm in shock.....we need people like you at UK.

At LSU, its a *big* deal to be a member of Tiger Band. My guy was in it for 3 years (he sat out his senior year because his EE schedule was just too much along with band). Even if it wasn't cool in HS, band is a big deal activity here. Its quite an honor to be a part of it.

At Ohio University, the Marching 110 is HUGE! By the way, the name is deceiving -- when the "modern" band (playing rock music and dancing) back in 1967 there were about 110 members. Now there are more like 140/150, but they're expected to give 110% at every practice and performance.

Ask any O.U. student or graduate!

Matt Lauer from the TODAY Show, and Ohio graduate, absolutely gushed (his word) over them on the air when they performed in the Macy's Parade two years ago.

Check out the website at www.ohio.edu/marching110

Only 110? Tiger Band is 325 :D

Geaux Tigers!

Gotta agree with juniorgrrl. Being in Tiger Band is a really big honor. The student body absolutely loves the band. They are the essence of school spirit at our football games. I kinda want to see the movie because the scenes from the trailer remind me of another school here in town. Juniorgrrl...do any of those bands remind you of Southern? LOL.

Allison

Quantity does not always equal quality.

I'm definately going to see it this saturday.

The 110 is sooooo awesome :) I have a best friend now that is in the 110 drumline (look for the redheaded snare, lol). I still wish I went ahead and went to OU, I even had a Music scholarship...*sighs*


But anyway, ditto on the praising of the Marching Bands!! :) At my old high school we were only an A band, but we creamed AA bands like they were nothing!! :) :) Ahhh...the good old days....oh...and every band member remembers the Band Bus trips!! So many -wrong- things happened then...lol!! :)

and this one time. . .at band camp. . .

Well those 325 musicians won the Sudler Trophy for 2002. So I guess this time quantity does equal quality. :D

Guess that's true. That's why the word "always" was in my original quote.

There are some really boring "big" bands, some exciting small bands -- and everywhere in between.

Now, a bit of history.

Ohio caps the size of the band in order to be a little more selective. In fact, although they march 140 or so for most performances, they always still march 110 for pre-game.

It's tradition.

Interesting to note that the Sudler Trophy has been dominated by Big Ten bands. My personal opinion (those last two words are important -- I'm not claiming facts) is that while Big Ten bands are generally really good musically, and marching, their shows (Particularly music selection ) are dull.

I know my friends from Ohio State, etc. wouldn't agree. Let's hear it for "Hang on Sloopy" and Mr. Touchdown, USA! Long live Sousa!

I will admit that when Ohio State's alumni band is back and they do multiple "Script Ohios", they usually all spell it correctly.

Yawn.

Uhm...I tried out for colorguard when I was a freshman in high school, but had to drop out halfway through the week since I would have had to choose between colorguard and ice skating. My parents weren't too thrilled about me giving up 8 years of ice skating.

But, if it helps, my boyfriend is a former contrabass player for a corps here in England (Pride of Bristol). They weren't a top-rate corps or anything, but they did go to DCI a few times.

:)


.....Kelly :)