Question
for Stan Morrison:
Hi Stan,
I know I have submitted you questions
about this particular subject over the past couple of years,
but I wanted to bring it up once again due to a recent experience
I had at UC Berkeley.
Keep in mind that I am a staunch supporter
of Highlander Athletics. I was attending a conference at Cal
and they were scheduled for a football game that same day
(Saturday, September 9th v. Minnesota). Although my conference
started in the morning, it went well into the afternoon. And
while I was outside of Sather Gate, I noticed that a crowd
was beginning to form around lunch time. People were on campus:
students, alumni, staff, community members...and The University
of California Band. The Cal Band is incredible! They bring
a sense of pride to that campus, on a Saturday no less, that
can only be found at Cal. Now, I'm not saying that if we have
a band like theirs, all of the athletics spirit problems will
be solved, but I will say that I felt like more of a participant
in that game, of which I did not attend, than just a spectator
or passer by. The band is what draws you in.
I read your most recent posting about
the energy that's being generated this year from the campus
and athletes, and I feel it, too. But, I think that if we
really want to put our athletics over the top, we really need
to consider starting a more formal band similar to the Cal
Band or the Aggie Band. I know we don't have football, but
who says you can't have a great band indoors for a basketball
game?
Sincerely,
Robert Penman
Stan's
Response:
"Dear Robert,
Thanks a million for your email and the
emotion and excitement it generated at this end. As a CAL
graduate, I immediately relate to the energy you talk about
in hearing the CAL Band firing up as they moved towards Strawberry
Canyon and the Football game against Minnesota last Saturday.
I experienced the exact same emotions when I coached at USC
and was around the Trojan Marching Band. Both are exceptional
organizations and an integral part of the Athletics programs
at their institutions!
As you know, I am not in charge of bands,
orchestras or even string quartets. I love lots of brass because
it makes the greatest sound. I like strong, committed tunes
that exude strength, power, and uplifting excitement. I absolutely
agree that a band can envelope a team, crowd and venue if
it is big enough and the sound is big enough too. There is
something to clap to . . . to tap your toe to . . . to sway
to and to sing to. The strong sound of a band that "gets
it" seems to draw everyone into a sense of purpose and
direction. I would love to hear that kind of band here and
I believe everyone else would too. I think that the obvious
issues are about funding. I am confident that UCR is capable
of attracting enough musicians to build a large band. I am
not confident that the funds are there for uniforms, all of
the assistant band directors, managers, and personnel that
are essential for running a first rate organization. I would
certainly welcome them to any Athletics event we conduct to
play their hearts out and turn on everyone there just like
you experienced this past weekend in Berkeley. I know that
our alumni and various campus organizations would welcome
such a band with open arms as well.
Whether the band can put UCR sports teams
"over the top" is another issue. I do know that
they can help sustain us through tough times on our courts
and fields. I will copy the appropriate folks here at UCR
so they too can enjoy your perspective and great enthusiasm.
Thanks for taking time to contact me
this way and sharing your thoughts.
All the best.
"Take Pride in R'Side!"
Stan
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