Except this is the exact same thing done at other B1G games! The band plays the opposing team's fight song during the pregame and has a small group that walks around the stadium playing it for groups of away fans during the 3rd quarter. It's planned before the game even starts. Happened when RU was at tOSU. It want seen as taunting because they were up big. Happened when RU hosted Iowa, no uproar over it then. This something that bands in the B1G do all the time. Better get used to it. It's called friendly hospitality. We're not in the Big East anymore!
Lets boycott the band at halftime.
- Thread starter ruready4somefootball_rivals
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Except this is the exact same thing done at other B1G games! The band plays the opposing team's fight song during the pregame and has a small group that walks around the stadium playing it for groups of away fans during the 3rd quarter. It's planned before the game even starts. Happened when RU was at tOSU. It want seen as taunting because they were up big. Happened when RU hosted Iowa, no uproar over it then. This something that bands in the B1G do all the time. Better get used to it. It's called friendly hospitality. We're not in the Big East anymore!
The band playing on Saturday did not affect the outcome and nobody has said it did, but playing the visitors' fight song and riling up visitors' fans during the game is not a habit our own band should be picking up week in and week out. It is counterproductive to the "hostile" environment our own coaches want to create here. Yes, we need to have playmakers on the field, and it's their job to play, but it's our job as fans, and the band is a big part of it, to be loud and on our team's side, and to make it hard for the opponent to operate. In close games (not Saturday, but in general), it will matter a whole lot more.
I believe the band has less than 5% of the total responsibility of the loss. I would say 3%. Our opinions differ.
The walking around the stadium and playing the opposing teams fight song is not something the bands do. It didn't happen at Michigan last year. I asked a coworker today who is an MSU alum and they also said that was not part of the tradition and sounded as ridiculous as most of us here think it is.
Seriously, boycott the students in the band for something you believe is disrespectful? interesting. Those kids are at every game (every minute of every home game) and cheer and scream when most everyone else has left the stadium. They are some of the most hardcore fans at Rutgers. Why the HELL would you shun them?
There are SOOO many more things to complain about in regards to Rutgers and you pick this?? I can see why people feel this way, but I'd boycott the OC press conference with his lack of experience than the halftime show. Again, there are MANY others things to complain about regarding Rutgers. This might fall extremely low on the priority list. Don't take your frustrations out on hardcore student fanatics.
There are SOOO many more things to complain about in regards to Rutgers and you pick this?? I can see why people feel this way, but I'd boycott the OC press conference with his lack of experience than the halftime show. Again, there are MANY others things to complain about regarding Rutgers. This might fall extremely low on the priority list. Don't take your frustrations out on hardcore student fanatics.
I would take part in a one man peaceful protest at halftime, by getting up going to get a drink and using the restroom. It's not so much as protesting as much as I would rather miss the band than the actual football game. I'm more concerned with what happened on the field than in the stands. if we were up by same margin that UM was, would the outrage be as high?
stupid post, its tim smiths last year, ii think this forum should boycot you
This is not Big Ten tradition, people.
I've been to every single Michigan home game besides one since 2010 and our traveling band has NEVER played an opponents fight song after the game has started in any circumstance.
I've also been to a Michigan game at MSU and it obviously didn't happen.
I was at the game and when I first heard it I actually asked "Who the hell brought a trumpet?" To which a Michigan fan near me laughed and and said "that's what I was thinking". A Rutgers season ticket holder near me also laughed and concurred. No one even thought it was the RU band.
It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th time that I realized it was. I sung along every time but could not believe it and was even frustrated for Rutgers.
Maybe Indiana and OSU did it as the director said but if they did, they probably only did it once and at a point in the game where the result was still in question (IU) or thoroughly over (OSU). No one would do this while down 60+ and multiple times to boot.
Your director obviously seen 2 schools do this and wanted to himself (vs Iowa and Michigan) but that display Saturday was pathetic.
Our traveling band goes around playing The Victors silently in various sections during the 2nd half. Rutgers band played The Victors rather loudly mid plays at least 5 times. They played Rutgers fight song once.
I've been to every single Michigan home game besides one since 2010 and our traveling band has NEVER played an opponents fight song after the game has started in any circumstance.
I've also been to a Michigan game at MSU and it obviously didn't happen.
I was at the game and when I first heard it I actually asked "Who the hell brought a trumpet?" To which a Michigan fan near me laughed and and said "that's what I was thinking". A Rutgers season ticket holder near me also laughed and concurred. No one even thought it was the RU band.
It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th time that I realized it was. I sung along every time but could not believe it and was even frustrated for Rutgers.
Maybe Indiana and OSU did it as the director said but if they did, they probably only did it once and at a point in the game where the result was still in question (IU) or thoroughly over (OSU). No one would do this while down 60+ and multiple times to boot.
Your director obviously seen 2 schools do this and wanted to himself (vs Iowa and Michigan) but that display Saturday was pathetic.
Our traveling band goes around playing The Victors silently in various sections during the 2nd half. Rutgers band played The Victors rather loudly mid plays at least 5 times. They played Rutgers fight song once.
Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
You want to boycott the student group in the stadium with the most spirit...the group that jumps around in the stands until the final whistle and performs after the game is over...the group that has played in the Super Bowl, the Heisman Trophy event for two years in a row, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (with U2), the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and just this fall, the Harry Connick Junior show?
This group of kids has always represented the university with honor and pride. If you thought that they were too hospitable to the Michigan fans, then write a letter the band director.
I'll never boo or perform any "boycott" against a Rutgers student - ever. We may be frustrated with our team, but every kid that's playing football today went through a grueling training camp. They may be overmatched, but they are giving their all. Even the band goes to a one week band camp before the season starts, where they practice from early in the morning until at least 10:00 at night. The band also practices on Saturdays during the summer, with kids making the weekly drive to Rutgers for sectional rehearsals. In addition to being full-time students, band members must practice three nights a week and memorize the music for every show - including the visiting team's fight song.
So go ahead...boycott our students.
-Scarlet Jerry
You want to boycott the student group in the stadium with the most spirit...the group that jumps around in the stands until the final whistle and performs after the game is over...the group that has played in the Super Bowl, the Heisman Trophy event for two years in a row, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (with U2), the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and just this fall, the Harry Connick Junior show?
This group of kids has always represented the university with honor and pride. If you thought that they were too hospitable to the Michigan fans, then write a letter the band director.
I'll never boo or perform any "boycott" against a Rutgers student - ever. We may be frustrated with our team, but every kid that's playing football today went through a grueling training camp. They may be overmatched, but they are giving their all. Even the band goes to a one week band camp before the season starts, where they practice from early in the morning until at least 10:00 at night. The band also practices on Saturdays during the summer, with kids making the weekly drive to Rutgers for sectional rehearsals. In addition to being full-time students, band members must practice three nights a week and memorize the music for every show - including the visiting team's fight song.
So go ahead...boycott our students.
-Scarlet Jerry
thank you for posting this. Seems like our band director Tim trying to score points, instead scored in the ridicule department, seems like something a school in the Patriot League does. Tim obviously doesnt get it. I feel sorry for the band members who were forced to do this
if we get the horse video back,and the band plays songs we like..do we get to win games on the field during B10 play.??.do they go hand in hand..is anyone on PTI or ESPN talking about the Rutgers band today or stupid horse video?? NO they are asking based upon Rutgers dismal play ON THE FIELD.,why are they in the B10 ?
NOBODY really cares about the band or horse..
NOBODY really cares about the band or horse..
because the band and horse video is something that is part of fan experience...you bet you that the fans are talking about it because its something we have input in.
we have no input over the rebuilding season that will likely end up 4-8 at best
we have no input over the rebuilding season that will likely end up 4-8 at best
It happened once when we were at OSU? Well I reached out to people today. All people with season tickets at B1G schools. My friends who have season tix at MSU, Mich, Nebraska, Illlinois, Wisconsin (during the 2nd half of the 3rd quarter their Sousas walk around the stadium playing "Beer Barrel Polka"), Purdue, and Penn State, all said "********." The ONLY time it's done is in the pre-game IF the visiting band isn't in the stadium. If it was pre-planned to do as such, 2 weeks ago, then that's another reason Tim Smith should be fired on the spot and have his pension taken away from him.
My boys from LSU said if their band did that they'd never be allowed in the stadium again lol!
There seems to be a bit of disagreement on this board as to exactly what is the B1G tradition of playing the visiting team's fight song. Some say it is done only BEFORE the game, while others say it is done DURING the game. I'm not sure which is correct. I have been at HPSS (Iowa and Michigan games) when the Rutgers band played during the game (which I don't think is appropriate, particularly when we are getting trounced).
Whatever the tradition may be, I don't think it is appropriate to ever take it out on the student band members. These students are dedicating a lot of time and effort to support the team and we in turn should support them.
Whatever the tradition may be, I don't think it is appropriate to ever take it out on the student band members. These students are dedicating a lot of time and effort to support the team and we in turn should support them.
Fire Tim Smith and take his pension away from him ? I believe that we have reached a new low in this thread.
The vitriol among some of the RU Marching Band haters on this board is truly extraordinary.
I guess I was wrong thinking a one game walkout at halftime might be better way of showing Tim the fans displeasure of playing opposing teams victory song over and over again during a 78-0 embarrassment.Pretty sure I said the band members were only following orders and felt bad for them. I guess throwing obscenities and objects at band members is what some of our fans would rather be the way to show displeasure, my bad.
One word: context. Even if every other B1G school plays the opposing team's fight during the game -- and they don't -- you need to have a feel for time and place. We were getting killed and RU fans were shell shocked. It was not the time and place to play the opposing team's song.
You would think 17-22 year old kids would realize that this was not a good idea. Eventually better judgement should have crept in.
Knightmoves=Tim Smiths mother
We are not band haters - some of us were in the band and it pisses us off what Tim has done to the band and how he has treated the alumni band. He is a terrrible, untalented director who lucked into the position at the time because he was a cheap hire. The attrition rate of members speaks for itself. The fact that he has to rely on Rutgers-Newark and Camden students not to Mention bringing in friggin county college kids in an attempt to boost his numbers when there are 35,000 undergrads in New Brunswick is embarrassing and laughable. I truly feel bad for the kids who have had to put up with him the last 15 years.
We are not band haters - some of us were in the band and it pisses us off what Tim has done to the band and how he has treated the alumni band. He is a terrrible, untalented director who lucked into the position at the time because he was a cheap hire. The attrition rate of members speaks for itself. The fact that he has to rely on Rutgers-Newark and Camden students not to Mention bringing in friggin county college kids in an attempt to boost his numbers when there are 35,000 undergrads in New Brunswick is embarrassing and laughable. I truly feel bad for the kids who have had to put up with him the last 15 years.
Which based on the many comments from opposing Big 10 fans sounds like it was specific to Wisconsin and not some standing Big 10 tradition like the pregame fight song.
They sent a small ensemble to to play the Rutgers Fight Song to the the lower level section of tickets provided to Rutgers.
I thought it was classy as hell, but with that being said discretion should have been used.
I am fine with this, if this is something that the Band wants to have as it is classy....... BUT
It should have ONLY been played in section 211-212 once.
My issue is that it was apparently played all over the stadium in several sections.
The people calling for a boycott seem like The Real Housewives of NJ: i.e., drama queens.
You love your team. The band loves the team. The team is going through a rough patch and everybody is looking for someplace to vent. My advice would be to support your team and vent on the Fighting Illini. Squabbling among yourselves is not going to help the program.
You love your team. The band loves the team. The team is going through a rough patch and everybody is looking for someplace to vent. My advice would be to support your team and vent on the Fighting Illini. Squabbling among yourselves is not going to help the program.
I just spoke with an old client Wisconsin grad, father of 2 Wisconsin students (1 in the band) and one of their larger boosters. I actually attended a game with him about 8 years ago when he received an alumni award.
He said it is not a tradition and that he would be highly offended if they did so. "he would have to rethink the placement of his donations."
If you are pulling back donations because your band showed class and played the opposing fans fight song for 1 minute then he never had his priorities straight to begin with.
I sat in the stands and heard it and sang along with it in the pouring rain. Wisconsin fans around us also clapped when it was over and we really courtious. Nobody Booed their band or yelled obsenities at them like the monoslavic a holes we have as fans.
People really take things too seriously in our state and get offended Way too easily.
Difference between playing once before the game or early in the first quarter as a welcoming gesture and playing it repeatedly in the second half in an epic beat down. What you see as class can easily be seen as disrespect. It is all in context. I do not think we would be having this conversation if the band played their fight song once within the first 5 minutes of the game. People are offended about the fact they played the fight song no fewer than 6 times.
This man is one of the most honest and well respected men I know. He would not want his alma mater nor children perceived as kicking a team when they are down or disrespectful to your own players,players family and alumni. Which the actions of the RU band was.
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One would think that Band malcontents like you would be happy that Tim Smith is leaving after this season and that you can look forward to the new Marching Band leader later this year.
Unless it's likely that you will be equally critical of the next band leader that RU hires. That is up to you.
BTW did Tim accidentally step on your tuba during your undergrad days ? You're so butt hurt and clinging to a big time grudge against the guy.
Many of us actually like the RU Marching Band and enjoy their performances on game day. So you are not going to talk us out of enjoying watching and listening to them.
Thankfully, I never had to march under Tim Smith - when I was in the band we had band directors that actually knew what the hell they were doing and were respected by the band members and even the music faculty. In fact, Dr. Berz ended up conducting the Grammy nominated Rutgers Wind Ensemble for many years during the 90's and early 2000's. MGSA wouldn't let Tim anywhere near an ensemble made up of music majors given his lack of skill. It was actually pretty eye opening coming back to NJ after many years living away and seeing what a shadow of its former self the band had become under Tim Smith's (lack of) leadership and skill. What was really telling was speaking to band members on the way back from Ann Arbor last year at the airport in Detroit who made the trip and aside from playing at the alumni tailgate didn't get to much beyond that. Tim saw them speaking to members of the public and had to interject himself lest they say anything disparaging. It was really pretty pathetic.
I am extremely glad that Tim is leaving and I hope that the administration actually hires someone as qualified as Bill Berz was or John Madden (who left to become director of bands at Michigan State years ago). That being said as a band alum I and others support the kids in the band. It's just too bad the Tim can't give the kids the experience they deserve and instead have to subject them to made up traditions to piss off the fans on his way out.
I think we all like the Band and wish it was larger. Even at the size it is now I think they sound great.
But I think the jist of this thread is play the song before the game like everybody else does but don't play it during the game. Especially when the result ends up like it did on Saturday night.
I would imagine most of us are on this same page with regard to the Band...
Love the Band. Wish they were bigger. Think they sound great. Love hearing the opponent's fight song pre-game. Hate hearing it during the game.
Not on this board but I bet it would be on the Michigan one.
And in true NJ form we would have people complaining on here and NJ.Com too. That's just one of those "it is what it is" type things. LOL
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