Band of Distinction

[appgrunt71]

Hi Guys, like in 2007 is the BOD going to perform in Ann Arbor? For me it was an amazing experience to watch our band perform in the Big House. The band was a big part of the magic that electrified a stadium of 109,000.

[AppDawg]

I do not think a decision has been made yet. I know as of last week the travel budgets had not been finalized as it was still questionable if &/or how many from the cheerleading team would make the trip.

[AUHornet]

I certainly understand the budget aspects but I would hope that we would show up in full force given the history and national significance this game has for us. I'd like to see the full cheer squad, the BOD and all 105 rostered players on the field!

[asu66]

I certainly understand the budget aspects but I would hope that we would show up in full force given the history and national significance this game has for us. I'd like to see the full cheer squad, the BOD and all 105 rostered players on the field!

I know resources are a big concern on campus these days, but this trip should be a priority for our full marching band and cheerleaders. If it was going to be a problem, I'm sure many of us would have contributed to the cause if it had been made known to us before the last minute. And, yes, this is the last minute for a game scheduled two plus years ago.

As for the team, the Big Ten Conference has a travel squad limit for football at 72 players in uniform. I'd bet the Sunbelt is at 70 or fewer. Some FBS conferences limit football travel squads to 60 players in uniform.

[AUHornet]

I certainly understand the budget aspects but I would hope that we would show up in full force given the history and national significance this game has for us. I'd like to see the full cheer squad, the BOD and all 105 rostered players on the field!

I know resources are a big concern on campus these days, but this trip should be a priority for our full marching band and cheerleaders. If it was going to be a problem, I'm sure many of us would have contributed to the cause if it had been made known to us before the last minute. And, yes, this is the last minute for a game scheduled two plus years ago.

As for the team, the Big Ten Conference has a travel squad limit for football at 72 players in uniform. I'd bet the Sunbelt is at 70 or fewer. Some FBS conferences limit football travel squads to 60 players in uniform.

Agreed ASU66! I wasn't sure what the player travel restrictions were since this was non-conference game so it will be interesting to see how many we bring.

[AppBandMan]

I'm almost completely positive that the band isn't going. I suggest writing to the administration and especially the band director. That's what I've been doing.

[appyirish]

Talked with a man on Saturday whose daughter is in the band. He said the band will not be traveling to UM. However, the band will be performing at a Carolina Panthers' game.

[bcoach]

This could have been and should have been negotiated with the original contract two years ago.

[WVAPPeer]

This could have been and should have been negotiated with the original contract two years ago.

Agree totally - the Band should be there, period!!!

[AppDawg]

Talked with a man on Saturday whose daughter is in the band. He said the band will not be traveling to UM. However, the band will be performing at a Carolina Panthers' game.

I sure hope the panthers approached us to play in Charlotte and are footing 100% of all travel and expenses incurred. I would be rather ticked if we have opted to foot any of that bill in place of going to an away football game.

[TheMoody1]

However, the band will be performing at a Carolina Panthers' game.

That should really fire up any App fan.

[Nugget49]

How big is that check Michigan is handing you, and how can App use money as an excuse for not sending the band when I am sure it is for more than $1 million.

[appgrunt71]

It's too late now. What a lost opportunity! I'm a little bit disappointed in our school for not having the farsightedness to realize the value of our band in promoting our university and state. Playing this kind of game is the opportunity you want to seize in order to take advantage of the exposure. I'm convinced that we would have profited big time.

[AppDawg]

How big is that check Michigan is handing you, and how can App use money as an excuse for not sending the band when I am sure it is for more than $1 million.

A buddy and I were discussing and at $75 a pop for each member, that would add up in a hurry. My understanding is each person in the band must also have a paid ticket.

Agree with another poster who mentioned this cost should have been negotiated on the front end.

[Rekdiver]

I hate it for the Band but if it means sending a few more football players to experience the Big House I'm okay with it. I would assume that the BOD knew there would be a challenge and should have been raising funds 2 years ago. Then there is the question of how many seats UM would allocate us. Tough all round but can't wait to see the Band return to 2007 form.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

It's too late now. What a lost opportunity! I'm a little bit disappointed in our school for not having the farsightedness to realize the value of our band in promoting our university and state. Playing this kind of game is the opportunity you want to seize in order to take advantage of the exposure. I'm convinced that we would have profited big time.

I would like the band there, and based on what I have read this may not be a sellout, meaning UM could find some seats for us. I know the band had some exposure on TV after the game (a few seconds) but I don't remember that much exposure that it would be a game changer in marketing our brand (and our band.) In an ideal world, then yes have them their and for every away game, but getting them there with a ticket and multiple buses would be at a great cost. I don't see it being worth it for marketing sakes. Now as a great trip for the band members, then sure it would be a great trip and a nice way to reward them, but again, raise the money. As someone mentioned, this game has been on the books for a few years.

[JTApps1]

It would be a good experience for our band members, but id rather seem them travel to one of our conference games instead. We need to show the Sun Belt fans that we're a top notch program and we're here's to win.

[Appstate88]

If an away game is televised on a national cable network like (ESPNU, ESPN2, ESPN) our band and cheerleaders must be there in full force. We must go all in with the move to the FBS and that should certainly include the band and cheerleaders. So far for this season our "Band of Distinction" should be playing at the Big House (ESPN2) 30 August and at the Stink (ESPNU) 25 September.

[NewApp]

This could have been and should have been negotiated with the original contract two years ago.

Agree totally - the Band should be there, period!!!

RP

[ASUMountaineer]

I hate it for the Band but if it means sending a few more football players to experience the Big House I'm okay with it. I would assume that the BOD knew there would be a challenge and should have been raising funds 2 years ago. Then there is the question of how many seats UM would allocate us. Tough all round but can't wait to see the Band return to 2007 form.

The band didn't sit in seats in 2007. I'm not sure if that would be different this time, as UM has done a lot of work on the Big House since then. I was on the front row in 2007, and the band was in front of us on the sideline standing on risers.