[BJWilliams]

As a student that is always in the front row of the student section every game. Take that for what its worth. We really cant expect students to show in massive amounts to a game, when at the time we were 0-4. Also when we are down 21-3, to Gardner Webb, arguably one of the worst teams in the big south, that people will leave. I stayed for the whole game but i looked at many friends that were leaving the game and I wished I was leaving with them but I would stay faithful to the team. Thankfully they pulled it out. It comes down to one thing. If the team is winning then there will be butts in the seats, if not, then we can forget it. Its like this everywhere.

No excuse for leaving. I suffered through a 1-10 season, and never left.

I had to suffer through the last game of that season AT Norfolk State...(the Spartan Legion was good at least)

[comet]

Admittedly, I haven't read every word of this thread. However, here are my thoughts:

We need the expansion to get to the FBS standards, as I understand it. Furthermore, I could safely assume in FBS our games and game matchups will be taken to higher level to help fill those extra seats.

I attended my first game in years on homecoming versus Gardner Webb. The big thing that struck me was the production. In my opinion, the media production in the third and fourth quarters did not match the circumstances of the game. Granted, each week's circumstances are different. As important as the band is, they should've taken a back seat in the fourth quarter to a more heart-pounding production. Event production can play a big role in ramping up a crowd to 1) get them to stay, and 2) create a home-crowd influence. I was hearing some music that just did not match the narrative of the game. This crossed my mind as I saw my section empty in the third and fourth quarters.

[jbock13]

What I don't get at all is them playing right before the entrance, "Ain't no mountain high enough." Hey it's a classic song, and you can play it. But right when you're trying to get the crowd pumped before a game? That's the absolute worst time for it.

[SuperJon]

It's because they're more interested in the pageantry.

[BJWilliams]

Which, coming from someone who was in the band, isnt too far off base. Is it a bad thing? Not necessarily, but you have to be able to combine not only pageantry, with firing up all your rowdy friends before the team comes out.

[jbock13]

And that song doesn't do that. It's so out of place.

It's a great halftime song. And that's fine! Play it then. Last year I think it was.

[BJWilliams]

I think youre right. The big thing that really is needed is that the pregame needs to do three things: 1) Establish tradition. Clemson has Howard's Rock, VT has Enter Sandman, Ohio State has...well heck their entire pregame is tradition... 2) Create pageantry and 3) Get the fans riled up and answer the question of "are you ready for some football?" with a resounding and ear splitting yes from about 16-25K rabid LU fans.

We have a lot of talented worship musicians who write music, sometimes I wonder why we havent tapped into the musical students in the OTHER side of the new School of Music and maybe come up with something that can, in time, serve that purpose (even if its arranging a song)

[Kolzilla41]

I had someone tell me they think our marching band is like the christian version of drum line. You have a director who wants to play music that has absolutely no relevance to college athletics.

[BJWilliams]

I think the on field product is improving (I wasnt too sure about the halftime show but having seen it twice, I am very impressed), but I would have to agree that the stands music could use some updating. I know that updating with songs that would be relevant to college football, can be played by the band and not offend some segments of the university population is a bit of a challenge (in addition to all the rights and whatever expenses that go with that).

[jbock13]

I had someone tell me they think our marching band is like the christian version of drum line. You have a director who wants to play music that has absolutely no relevance to college athletics.

My thoughts exactly.

[SuperJon]

I had someone tell me they think our marching band is like the christian version of drum line. You have a director who wants to play music that has absolutely no relevance to college athletics.

Wow. That's so true.

[jcrew4]

May I suggest red seats in the new expansion. Then people can leave when they want and the TV people won't mind.

[bluedevilflame]

I hope they put out some renderings of the new look for phase 2, can't wait to see it!

[BJWilliams]

I will say that Dr Kerr has done well with the band. He's been doing this for quite a few years (certainly before most of us young bucks had even found out there was a school named Liberty), The band has grown over the years and had opportunities that I'm not even sure were thought of outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1983, from playing halftime at the Meadowlands to playing at Walt Disney World. It certainly would be nice if they played more music that people would understand during the game itself, but all things considered, I am glad at least to have the band be more of a part of the pregame festivities than just marching in, playing the national anthem, playing a few tunes and then the fight song. With the pregame only being a couple years old in its current form, I dont mind being patient at this point.

[comet]

What gets played pre-game is the easy fix. My bigger concern was the music that was being played when we're two touchdowns behind late in the game. That's not when you want your music to go soft. Be relevent. If our team is on a comeback, the band should have the forethought to kick in with the A-Team or Rocky tune. If they are not able to pull stuff like that off, take a break and send it to the booth for a good, upbeat, inspiring track. I have no doubt the band is full of great musicians; I just didn't think they were relevant late in the game.

But... LU still got the W.

[Kolzilla41]

I will say that Dr Kerr has done well with the band. He's been doing this for quite a few years (certainly before most of us young bucks had even found out there was a school named Liberty), The band has grown over the years and had opportunities that I'm not even sure were thought of outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1983, from playing halftime at the Meadowlands to playing at Walt Disney World. It certainly would be nice if they played more music that people would understand during the game itself, but all things considered, I am glad at least to have the band be more of a part of the pregame festivities than just marching in, playing the national anthem, playing a few tunes and then the fight song. With the pregame only being a couple years old in its current form, I dont mind being patient at this point.

I've been waiting patiently for them to update for 6 years. Done waiting. Let's stop doing superman and hey baby. Update it.

[NotAJerry]

I will say that Dr Kerr has done well with the band. He's been doing this for quite a few years (certainly before most of us young bucks had even found out there was a school named Liberty), The band has grown over the years and had opportunities that I'm not even sure were thought of outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1983, from playing halftime at the Meadowlands to playing at Walt Disney World. It certainly would be nice if they played more music that people would understand during the game itself, but all things considered, I am glad at least to have the band be more of a part of the pregame festivities than just marching in, playing the national anthem, playing a few tunes and then the fight song. With the pregame only being a couple years old in its current form, I dont mind being patient at this point.

I've been waiting patiently for them to update for 6 years. Done waiting. Let's stop doing superman and hey baby. Update it.

Hold on. They're STILL doing Hey, Hey Baby? We were tired of that in 93.

[Purple Haize]

I will say that Dr Kerr has done well with the band. He's been doing this for quite a few years (certainly before most of us young bucks had even found out there was a school named Liberty), The band has grown over the years and had opportunities that I'm not even sure were thought of outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1983, from playing halftime at the Meadowlands to playing at Walt Disney World. It certainly would be nice if they played more music that people would understand during the game itself, but all things considered, I am glad at least to have the band be more of a part of the pregame festivities than just marching in, playing the national anthem, playing a few tunes and then the fight song. With the pregame only being a couple years old in its current form, I dont mind being patient at this point.

I've been waiting patiently for them to update for 6 years. Done waiting. Let's stop doing superman and hey baby. Update it.

Hold on. They're STILL doing Hey, Hey Baby? We were tired of that in 53.

FIFY

[jbock13]

I'd have to say the sweet sixteen band does a good job. Even though it's the same songs over and over I really never seem to mind.

[Purple Haize]

I'd have to say the sweet sixteen band does a good job. Even though it's the same songs over and over I really never seem to mind.

There are a lot of great 'football' bands out there. I can't wait until we are one. If we are going FBS shouldn't we go all in?

[BJWilliams]

you got the money to pay for new music and whatever else may be required? I mean we can talk about updating the music and what not til we are blue (or red since we are big on that color) in the face, but it still costs money and since the band is under the School of Music (not the athletic department), the money has to come from there

[Kolzilla41]

you got the money to pay for new music and whatever else may be required? I mean we can talk about updating the music and what not til we are blue (or red since we are big on that color) in the face, but it still costs money and since the band is under the School of Music (not the athletic department), the money has to come from there

BJ, you really think they wouldn't fund any improvements for game day atmosphere? Have you seen the speaker stacks?

[Purple Haize]

you got the money to pay for new music and whatever else may be required? I mean we can talk about updating the music and what not til we are blue (or red since we are big on that color) in the face, but it still costs money and since the band is under the School of Music (not the athletic department), the money has to come from there

Apparently we have more money coming in then we can spend. There should be a few grand laying around for the band. Plus with all of their alum, I'm sure they could scrape together some funds

[BJWilliams]

Thatll depend on the executive leadership with the new School of Music really.

[Hold My Own]

you got the money to pay for new music and whatever else may be required? I mean we can talk about updating the music and what not til we are blue (or red since we are big on that color) in the face, but it still costs money and since the band is under the School of Music (not the athletic department), the money has to come from there

Apparently we have more money coming in then we can spend. There should be a few grand laying around for the band. Plus with all of their alum, I'm sure they could scrape together some funds

As always I come on here with the solution to save the day.

Sell the teal colored LU Band shirts on ebay and I'm sure it'll be more than enough.


BAM....carry on