Disappointment. Tryouts?

[John K.]

I'm really disappointed this year. We had a great show, And a HUGE potential to be good. We had had loads of opritunities to be great... And we f---ed off, didn't show up, didn't practice, didn't listen, didn't pay attention, and didn't care!

57.4 is nothing to be proud of. We could have hit 70 if we ALL WORKED.

IF you didn't care this year, Quit. I know it sounds mean, but its said alot throughout the year... But the people who don't care didn't listen. Were busting our buts striffing to be perfect.

Upperclassman, I also saw a lack of caring from you. Its just not freshman. Even if your doing your normal marching job, thats still not enough. You need to make an effort to set an example on the field, and to help lowerclassman.

Theres a FINE LINE between joking around, and just plain apathy. A know plenty of people this year, who joked around, but when buisness got to buisness, they did there job.

Marching Band isn't some nerdy afterschool program where anybody can just show up and be good. It takes work and dedication. I'm sick and tired of people this year just joking around, being lazy, walking instead of running, not rolling there feet, moving at a set, not yelling huts, and talking back to upperclassmen... I say section leaders next year get B-B guns, and we get the right to shot anyone not working.

I vote for next year, doing real tryouts for marching band. Id WAY rather have a marching band of 70 that looks good, then a band of 110 that looks big. IF we cut the useless people, the sounds only going to improve. Anyways, our huge sounds going to be more impressive if we do it with less members.

I honostly think, if you miss any of the first 4 practices (for new members or 2nd year members), or 3 total (all members), you should be cut. (Exculeding VALID EXCUSES, and not just ones you say or have on paper, I want parents to talk to section leaders or cassell) In my section this year, I had people show up to less then 50% off practices. They hurt the line, play sloppily, and stick out of forms.

I know some people aren't naturaly good, but if you WORK you WILL improve. If you take time to ask, PEOPLE WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE. There was people who stunk at the start of the year. Yet they show up to everything AND work. Those are my favorite people. I remeber at the start of my freshman year, I couldn't march on step, hold my cymbals in the exact right spot, or backmarch properly. But I showed up to all practices, and I got way better. I couldn't play snare. But then I practiced, and got help from CJ and Brian Brenan, and I became preaty good.

We should start marching band EARLIER, like a couple months. I also think in those months it should be a evalution peroid. If your slaking off, not working, not improving, you should be cut... I think the top 3 people in each section should vote on it. If you leave it up to sectional leaders, it might become biased.

Im tired of this STUPID system of, not working, not caring, and being disappinted. Tell me if you agree, and what you think.

[croberts]

I agree with you so much John. There was a lot of slacking off and not taking it seriously, and when something bad happened blame was put on others and nobody tried to improve. I know that I probably would be told that I don't have any room to talk because I'm in pit, but we actually did improve over the season. 4 of us had no experience in percussion at all, and no way of practicing at home except a bell kit that had to be shared between 4 people. Yes we did goof around a lot but when it came down to it we worked in whatever way we could. And we already have ideas of how to run pit next year to make it better than it is, we should take this year and use it to help us become motivated to work harder next year.

I agree that we should start marching band earlier and have the evaluation period, but are tryouts honestly necessary? If we are going to take time to judge each person on their dedication to band, would we need tryouts? We can just cut them if they prove not serious. And if we held tryouts, wouldn't some people that are good but not dedicated be chosen over the dedicated ones? You can't judge a person's dedication and behavior for a season on tryouts, just were they stand musically and marching. But the evaluation period and people getting cut if they are shown to be slacking is a good idea.

I am upset with how this year went and I think we need to take the necessary actions to make next year's season great.

[John K.]

Yea, thats true Courtney. Im just ranting, No tryouts, but defiantly an evaulation peroid.

We need WAY better staff, and staff to be assigned to the right sections

Pit, I blame you partionaly on me, and partionaly on cassell. On me, for not taking enough initative to try and help you, and same with cassell. And honostly, he could have appointed WAY better staff. WTF WAS UP WITH HONEYCUT (the older female one) AT BANDCAMP!?!? I went to one pit sectional with her there, and they honostly had no help from her. She just sat on her a-- and slept while they needed help... And while were on the subject of honeycuts, whats with Honeycut (M.D.??) He sat on his arse the first day, and I didn't get vital thyroid medicene (in all of the hula-baloo, I forgot, normaly I take it in mornings)... And on the second day, I remember, and asked for it, and it took them an hour to find it. Talk about great orginazation. And on the third day, I got it hour and a half after dinner started... I need to take it at least, if not more 2 hours after I ate. I spent the whole dinner eating....its should be 2 hours after I finish, not start.
I love Mrs. Steeby, and Mrs. Peters, and Mr. Bragg!!

Next year, during summer rehearsals and band camp. I'm assigning a rotation of Mike, Tim, and Tayna to stay in and help the pit... This year there marching was good, and I don't think they will suffer to much from issing basics...

Anymore comments/thoughts? I wanna know what you guys think.

[Andy]

i agree.
tryouts
for the love of god.
tryouts

i want a marching band that cares for my senior year.
is that too much to ask for

TRYOUTS TRYOUTS TRYOUTS TRYOUTS

[Ody]

Agreed for the most part.
I love the cut idea, our band would be so much better without certain people in it. Especially early in the season before everything starts up and people spend time and money on band. But, I'm sorry, there are some people who just shouldn't be in band for some reason or another. Whether they didn't come to practices, didn't really care when they were at practices or the fact they don't know their parts. Everyone that cares and shows up shouldn't have to deal with sucky scores because half the band doesn't care and doesn't give it their all.

I was really, sorely disappointed in the band this year. Every year since my freshman year I've noticed a slow decline in things. I remember my freshman year working all practice and doing a lot, sophomore year we worked a lot but there was some goofing off and this year was just horrible.

No one wanted to work, and then when things got bad they blamed someone else. The thing is it's a little bit of everyone, there were obviously people that were far worse than others, but I think everyone can look back at this season and think of a thing or two they could've done to make it better.

But next year I seriously think the biggest thing I want is cuts, If you miss so many practices and don't show dedication. You should be cut. I think it'd help people be a bit more serious about things, it'd boost the attendance and get rid of the fact people miss practices just because they didn't feel like coming that day or whatever bollocks reason they have that isn't something major.

We should start band sooner next year. I agree with that as well. And I dunno. I just didn't like this year and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make next year really great, if that means less time to myself and more time up at the school at reversal. So be it. I'll be there. Longer or more practices, sectionals, working with people. I'll do it. Next year HAS to be better than this year.

C'mon guys. Let's break sixty next year. We can do it, we have the talent. It's a matter of do we care enough to give it EVERYTHING we've got. . .

[croberts]

Yes, band should seriously start earlier.
Do you think that section leaders should also be watched carefully though? I mean, coming from a section that had no section leader, it's really hard to get motivated and work when there is no leadership. I think that if we did have better leadership within section leaders we could've been better too.

It probably also doesn't help that attitudes change so much after camp, that band is just a hassle after that week is over. Camp is where we got the most out of everyone, and after that it was pretty much treated as a waste.

[Justin H.]

Yes tryouts should be a given for next year it would make it so much easier on all of us

[Leanne]

I really agree....but I doubt that it will actually work. I think it would be the best for the band...

[Jamie Narkun]

John, I understand your frustration but I think you need to take a step back and breathe before posting.

There are going to be stupid people that just don't care in the band every year, and Truman isn't going start having tryouts. I wanted to have them MY freshman year, it's just not going to happen.

I think if Cassell enforced the attendance policy more strictly, things could be different, but I really doubt any "cuts" are going to happen in the band.

Also, I think it's pretty ballsy/stupid of you to call staff members out on a band forum. You went to one pit rehearsal, so now you know what Honeycut did in every sectional? Honestly, if you want to be taken seriously don't act like a five year old. It just makes you look immature.

To the person who said that band seemed to start going downhill since freshman year, it's not true. The band hasn't gotten any worse, you've just gotten better and have started noticing flaws in your own group. Don't take it as a downhill slump, take it as an opportunity to recognize the problem and try and fix it.

All in all, I don't know what to tell you besides to settle down, and try and bring change by being positive, instead of just complaining about it on the forums. If you're really that frustrated, try out for a drum corps or something. You'll find that if all of the people are in it for the music, and actually want to be there instead of being forced by parents, etc, that it makes for a better sound and atmosphere. :]

[Andy]

i still think tryouts would help a lot. i mean , of course there will still be people who goof off. but a lot less.

and i dont think anyone should have to join a drum corps to be involved in a marching band that cared about music.

[John K.]

More then one pit rehearsel Jamie, and that is just not all im baseing it on.

And jamie, you act as if I'm the only one agreeing.. ME and ALOT of other people talked about these subjects all throughout the year... Its just not me sensing these things, or youd be the only one reply. theres 5 other people on the band website, and loads of others that i've talked to that agree.

I wish I had the money and the time to be involved in a drum corp, but sadly I can't.

5 years old jump around, thrash about, and scream and yell. I actualy talked with many people before I decieded to post... everything I wrote, I really truely think. I think we should have cuts, baseball/football teams cut people, we should be able to as well.

Jamie, go to a practice, and shout ENERGY.... and you havent been to most our practices as well, so your naturaly an expert on the subject of our band.

[Jamie Narkun]

Don't be such a jerk, John. You said you'd only been to one pit rehearsal, and since I haven't been there, as you've so kindly pointed out, I assumed that was true. "I went to one pit sectional and they honostly had no help from her."

I was addressing everyone who was calling for tryouts, etc, just because I use your name in a sentence doesn't mean the whole post is directed to you and only you.

Trashing people behind their backs on a band forum is immature, I don't care what you say about football teams?

You're right John, I haven't been to a rehearsal this year. And I'm so sure things are loads different from the, oh, four years I was in the band. Don't talk to me like I have no idea what you're talking about, because I had to deal with it myself.

[Huskyhawkcougar]

Yea, thats true Courtney. Im just ranting, No tryouts, but defiantly an evaulation peroid.

We need WAY better staff, and staff to be assigned to the right sections

I think the problem here is that you're trying to assign many flaws to the responsibility of one or a few parts of the band. The staff really only helps out on 5 days of band camp. For what Truman can get, I think the staff is more than capable of doing its job. Cassell wouldn't appoint them if he didn't feel that way. The staff should be there to refine things and bring each section to an upper echelon, not teach students parts (I have witnessed this in many sections), or even teach certain people how to play their instruments (witnessed on many accounts as well).

Pit, I blame you partionaly on me, and partionaly on cassell. On me, for not taking enough initative to try and help you, and same with cassell. And honostly, he could have appointed WAY better staff. WTF WAS UP WITH HONEYCUT (the older female one) AT BANDCAMP!?!? I went to one pit sectional and they honostly had no help from her. She just sat on her a-- and slept while they needed help...[i] And while were on the subject of honeycuts, whats with Honeycut (M.D.??) He sat on his arse the first day, and I didn't get vital thyroid medicene (in all of the hula-baloo, I forgot, normaly I take it in mornings)... And on the second day, I remember, and asked for it, and it took them an hour to find it. Talk about great orginazation. And on the third day, I got it hour and a half after dinner started... I need to take it at least, if not more 2 hours after I ate. I spent the whole dinner eating....its should be 2 hours after I finish, not start.
I love Mrs. Steeby, and Mrs. Peters, and Mr. Bragg!!
[/I]

If you're going to assess the pit, at least do so from both viewpoints. If I decide to join band and get assigned the duty of memorizing merely a few songs, whose responsibility is it to get those songs memorized? The director's? The section leader of a different section's? Please.

If you would, John, what did you do at the pit sectional(s) you went to? According to your rant, nobody else did anything productive. The thing though, is that the parts (especially the 'Riverdance' portions of the Opener and Closer) don't need stellar instruction from any staff to learn--it takes hard work and rigorous practice, something that was lacking this year.

And regarding tryouts, or any other grand schemes you might have that will magically give you a stellar band, things must progress from the bottom up. There are many more things that need improvement before cuts will even make a difference. I don't know if you noticed or not, but a lot of good players in the band are the ones that goof off the most, or if not, the most noticeably. I will not point out names, but at camp, it was apparent that there was a lack of initiative and leadership from MOST of the upperclassmen, including those in leadership positions, and you're trying to tell me that a cut merely based on attendance or skill is the easy solution that no one ever thought of?

Many people need to realize that marching band is not just a class, or an after school activity, but it's something that should be for everyone. There are those who never picked up an instrument before and want to be part of the band program, and you think they shouldn't be allowed because that will get in the way of breaking 60 points? What needs to happen before any extreme motions like cuts is for a simple kick in the butt to the mindset of the band members. And this starts with the upperclassmen showing that they are role models in every minute of band, and even at times outside of band. It's time people are held accountable for their actions. Responsibility starts from the most talented brass player, or even the most lazy woodwind.

Vote Obama '08.
Oh wait, you're in high school and can't vote.
Re-elect Obama '12.

[John K.]

Jamie, I'm sorry, i did come of a bit mean... But even Ike noticed a difference everyone...

Ike, im not talking about a just "Oh you suck, your cut".. There was plenty of people who didn't practice, didn't show up to practice, and didn't care... If you saw that on ANY other sports team, that would almost be an instant cut.

I honostly don't blame the pit for their flaws... If you noticed, we had 2 clarinets, a saxophone, a trumpet, and a person who is new to band in there. Its our (as in percussionists) to help them, and we honostly just like them sink or swim on their own.

Im just SICK and TIRED off people taking spots on the field, when they don't wanna be here, don't wanna work, don't wanna practice, but say there in the Marching Band...

I do notice that the extremely strong players act out a bit more. But one reason why we see them act out is because there at almost every practice.

My favorite person from last year was Alex M.... He worked his arse out last year practicing and trying to be part of this band (Very sucessfully) Hes a perfect example of what you can do when you work hard.

[Jamie Narkun]

Thanks for apologizing.

The problem is, if you decided to have tryouts, what would you base it on? You can't try out for dedication and drive, it just doesn't work that way. People prove their dedication throughout the whole season, and that's what sets them apart from the more apathetic in the band. And someone can also be just the most dedicated person in the world and love band, and still suck it up when it comes to marching and playing. What do you do about those people? Yeah, practice makes perfect, but do you cut them before they have the chance to perfect their technique?

I don't know how it works, but maybe once you find out who is in pit for next year, take a month or so (however long it takes) before the season starts to teach them the basics of what they need to know to be in pit. Like Ike said, it's up to them to practice and make their parts sound good.

Start stepping up and speaking out about people having the right mindset, the right kind of dedication to their craft, and maybe you could change some minds.

[Cassell]

This seems to be a very heated and important topic.
I do appreciate everyone's opinion as many posts are very well thoughout..and some are emotional - which is ok too.
Every year I struggle with certain decisions...one is how to addrerss the lack of focus and effort (and attendance).

Providing a threat to MB members by stating "Your grade will be lowered or you will fail if you don't attend rehearsals/performancesf" does not work. This is my 8th year as director and I am sure of my conclusion.
I do however feel that if the strongest personalities, most talented musicians, and most dedicated people step-up and lead by example - the group WILL be better in all aspects. When leaders (with the aforementioned traits) display leadership qualities - people will follow their lead...thus leaders.
Talking about it does not matter. Actions speak louder than words. Do it, then talk about it.

People who have expressed views on here are all generally frustrated and in many cases right on with their assessment. There solution, in many cases, is flawed.
I feel comfortable using John as an example as I respect his drive, ability, and efforts to make this band better. HOWEVER, John does not handle everything correctly. If he would live by his own philosophy all the time we would be a better band for it...but you can not just say things should improve and then get busted screwing around in class when the teacher is not around. What does screwing around in SB have to do with this discussion...perception. People see you acting like a fool and then the respect you less. Many people told me Ike screwed around too much in band...but Ike has an exceptional amount of respect for his talent and abilities from his peers- so he got away with it. This formula does not work with most people.

I believe when the general attitude and culture of the band is to listen and follow directions - we will get where we all want. As long as people cut out of practices for drivers ed, doctors appts, no ride, and because they feel like it we will NEVER get much better than a band that scores 60 and has internal conflict.

The best groups have little conflict and the right attitude.
To achieve that I need leaders....real leaders who are willing to lead by example, practice their tale off and display dedication - not just talk about it (and screw around when I am not looking).

I am going to do my best to help the situation next season in MB, but I can not do it alone. I need leaders as I described...hopefully I will have many!

We will have a few music rehearsals before school gets out (with junior high kids) but the basic schedule will remain the same. If we prepare better we will not require more summer rehearsals. In season rehearsals...we may have more expecially early on.

Thoughts?

[Andy]

couldn't have been said any better. i guess we need to emphasize leadership eh?

also its
especially
not expecially

.....you know. Just saying.

[Cassell]

Andy,
are you really going to correct my spelling?
It took you 2 days to learn how to play a dotted quarter note...actually I'm still not sure you can do it!!! Be careful pointing out other people's mistakes.
have a nice day

[Andy]

hahahaha
dotted quarter note?
i practically invented the dotted quarter note! you kidding me?

i got the credentials to correct spelling.
2004 taylor school district spelling bee runner-up

=D

[GoLions07]

Wow its been a long time since I've been on here...that being said, John and everyone else begging for tryouts. That is already starting to happen via natural selection. When I started almost six years ago now, we had nearly 140 members. And due to different reasons you guys are a much smaller band now. You guys are so much farther than where you were when I started and are definitely on the right path. I know for some of you (John in particular it seems) that marching band is a frustrating thing. Just remember there were many of us who were frustrated before you, and life will go on after band. Mr. Cassell has you guys on the right track. It is amazing for me to see where you are compared to my years in band.

P.S. I am the original, real and true Novak and always will be

[Cassell]

Yep...these alumni know what they are talking about.
Except...we were about 135, but that was with a pom team. Now we are about 115 without a pom team. The pom team always had 20 members, so actually we are right where we have always been. Its nice to see Jamie, Ike & Novak on here again....we need more participation on the message board.

[Huskyhawkcougar]

Careful what you wish for

[John K.]

Jamie, if you checked my second post, It said "Yea, thats true Courtney. Im just ranting, No tryouts, but defiantly an evaulation peroid" (quoted by Ike as well) But I think problem people from last year shouldn't return.

Mr. Cassell, I know people think less of me right now for fooling around in SB that one day. Everybody makes mistakes, and has a lapse of judgement. But at least nearly everyone in SB knows me, its not as bad as If i would have done something like that in Varsity band.

But I agree with you on leadership, which we showed a lack of leadership this year.

(Chris, i'm sorry to inform you we have changed your name. Your brother, andrew, is now Novak.)

[Huskyhawkcougar]

I don't see what being in Varsity Band would change. That's like saying the president's actions don't matter if he is at Camp David rather than a banquet.

And the other Novak is a sham.

[ingridw]

Check your ego before stepping into the ring. We have a natural tendency to want to win every argument that comes our way, no matter how trivial it might be. This is because we often allow our egos to enter the ring with us. Remember that your ego makes decisions based upon emotion—not reason or logic. The other side knows this subconsciously, so they attack the ego, causing it to react emotionally and counterattack. When you step into a confrontation, make sure that you leave your ego outside the ring and respond with your rational mind rather than react with your emotional one.

Focus on a solution. We have the propensity to attach blame for past mistakes. No one person wants to be blamed and criticized for a mistake and even if it was their fault, they don’t want to be criticized for their mistakes because that only breeds hostility and resistance to the objective of reaching an agreement. Blaming your counterpart locks the both of you in the past, where nothing new can be accomplished. Instead, reframe that blame into an educational lesson on what can be done in the future. Living in the past will hinder any real growth from happening.

[Andy]

ok?

[John K.]

Well, if I would have done it in varsity band, it would be worse... Some freshman would see and upperclass man and say, "Hey, if hes in the better band and acts like that, maybe were alloud to act like that too!"

[nlf575]

John,

Do you think it is right to do it if you are not caught? Or try to justify it by saying things like, "well, I didn't do it in Varsity Band"? Do you think that Freshman don't read these posts?

I think you have the right attitude about what it takes to have a good marching band, now how about working on what it takes to be a good example to the Freshman??

I am not trying to call you out on this, just trying to make you practice what you preach.

[John K.]

In WHAT way am I imply-ing that what I did is ok, but its wrong that I got caught? And honostly, I don't think freshman read these posts (seeing as I aprove or deny regestrations to get rid of spam.... BTW, you need to edit your signature and put your name in it.)

In what way am I not a decent example... I show up to practices, work hard, don't f-around for the most part. I work to make my section better.


If you weren't trying to call me out on this, you would have talked to me in person. Your trying to make me "practice what I preach" by calling me out.

I could be just like almost every other member and just b---h b---h b---h but at least I took initative to get people talking, fix the problem, and APOLIGIZE FOR MY MISTAKES FOR THE UMPT-TEENTH TIME... I'm actualy tired of this double standered to where other people in hirer power then me, and more looked up to, can F-around all they want, but when I do something I'm the devil, and I've been a miscreant all year.

[nlf575]

John,

I thought this was a place to share thoughts and opinions, as most message boards are, however, I am sorry and will keep them to myself. Good luck in your band!

Really though you need to read your posts and you will see where I am coming from.

As far as saying you are sorry, no one needs to keep saying they are sorry, say it once, mean it and then move on. If people can't move on then that is their problem. Subject closed on my part! CHILL!!!!!!!