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Tuk
09-29-2003, 08:02 AM
HEY SDSU FANS!!

I gotta say that you guys are a fine bunch. I can say I am proud to be your brother in the march up to better futures. But I have just one question:

Can we borrow your band? Ours sucks compared to the Pride.

I mean we play these tributes to the Beatles? The WHO? and every other rock-n-roll band out there, but the Pride played music meant for marching and pep bands. Whats next for the Goldstat Band: Brittany Spears' "Crazy" or Ricky Martin's "Living La Viva Loca"? Perhaps a tribute to the greatest boy bands of the 90's? I guess you never heard The Backstreet Boys until you heard it from a marching band. OOOH, another great idea: a tribute to the greatest gangsta rappers of the 90's featuring NWA, Coolio, Snoop Dogg, and an added bonus Notorious BIG song. GRRRREAT!!!!

What I am trying to say is although I love the Goldstar Band, the music they pick sucks. It was never intended to be played by a freaking marching band. SDSU's kept me going throughout the game and kept going throughout, while the only thing I really heard out of the Goldstar Band was the "Beer Song" (during game action).

Goldstar, pick some decent fight songs, marching songs, and music meant for horns and drums. Black Sabbath, Def Leopard, and AC/DC is meant for other formats of instruments. Nice try, but it just doesn't work for this fan.

wfduck
09-29-2003, 11:29 AM
While outnumbered I'd say the NDSU Gold Star could kick the crap out of SDSU Pride. In football that's what counts. I have to say again I was not proud to see NDSU and SDSU band playing hand in hand across the concourse during the 2nd half. Take'em outside and break'em down.

89rabbit
09-29-2003, 03:53 PM
While outnumbered I'd say the NDSU Gold Star could kick the crap out of SDSU Pride. In football that's what counts. I have to say again I was not proud to see NDSU and SDSU band playing hand in hand across the concourse during the 2nd half. Take'em outside and break'em down.

wfduck,

Let me see if I understand your post. You want to judge the bands on their ability to drop the horns and pick up the rock??? Or are you talking about a street fight? Just wondering where you are coming from on this one. ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

Go SDSU!

wfduck
09-29-2003, 06:08 PM
In a light heated manner what I'm saying is that I just can't see the bands of say Alabama and Auburn hangin' out and comparing flutes during their game.

I dont' really want to actually see the bands break it down. My point is that in a true rivalry, we probably won't be swapping mouth pieces either.

89rabbit
09-29-2003, 06:43 PM
Fair enough, and I hear what you are saying. I am proud of our band and how good they are, but it gives me no comfort when our team gets shut out. :( Enough band talk.

Go SDSU!

UND_Herd
09-29-2003, 07:37 PM
Don't mess with that Bunny Band - they played Johnny Cash before leaving. Can't go wrong with that - should have gone with A Boy Named Sue, though (instead of Ring of Fire).

KTF
10-01-2003, 10:31 PM
I was visiting with a few members of the Gold Star Band today. I asked them how SDSU's band had become so large. They told me that a few years ago the faculty at SDSU focused all of their time and $$$$ on building a better band. It has taken off since then... Guess if you guys want a better band it is going to take a bit of $$$$ and lots of convincing of faculty... Oh yah they also have an arranger that writes the music for them... They also thought that they weren't as impressive since they don't march when they are playing the songs. GSB does... With those types of numbers writing a feild show is very difficult at best. Just a bit of useless info...

goldstarforever
10-05-2003, 05:11 AM
SDSU did a good job during the game. but quit bad mouthing The Gold Star Marching Band. I think you should ask any other person around during the football games and ask them how the band sounds. so get your head out of your ass and figure out the quality is a lot better than quantity.

BisonFan
10-05-2003, 05:25 AM
I think it would help the Gold Star Band out a ton if new musical selections were picked. I know it takes a lot of money according to the grapevine to get new music, but seriously get music that is actually marching/pep band type music. Get on the directors to order marching music rather than concert music to play on the field. Do whatever it takes. It gets a little old listening to the popular hit that hardly anyone in attendance has heard of from the popular 1960's or '70's band nobody has heard of. Play upbeat marching/pep band music out on the field. Something that will pump the crowd up, not put them to sleep! How long has the gold star band been around? There's got to be music sitting somewhere gathering dust in storage in the music building that would be more appropriate for a marching band at a college football game. My highschool marching band played better music than NDSU's marching band plays. I've noticed the size of NDSU's Gold Star Band has shrunk since when I was at NDSU...obviously something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

BisonFan
10-05-2003, 05:31 AM
Even when I have heard of the band, they play songs from that band that I have never heard. After listening to the songs, I soon realize why i've never heard the song before. No disrespect to the Gold Star Band intended.

goldstarforever
10-06-2003, 07:20 PM
I appreciate the concern, I have a connection with the band, What music do you want to hear? give me names of songs or groups and i'll talk to some people about it.

Tatanka
10-07-2003, 02:44 AM
A little testy, aren't we? ;)

I'm pretty sure I don't have any anal-cranial proximity issues, and I agree with BisonFan. Music selection has a lot to do with the reaction of the crowd and the attitude about the band. I know that this takes $$$, and lots of it. It would be nice to see the NDSU Division of Fine Arts make a similar commitment to SDSU's.

I think the original point here is that SDSU has an awesome band (forget about who sucks compared to whom). Please don't take it personally.

Bisonguy
10-07-2003, 02:53 AM
I appreciate the concern, I have a connection with the band, What music do you want to hear? give me names of songs or groups and i'll talk to some people about it.

I vote for more marches and traditional marching band music. Preferrably songs that are more upbeat and the band can have some fun with. I'm sorry, but White Rabbit just doesn't sound right played by a marching band. The 85 year old woman behind me has stated at every game, "I hope they don't play that damn rabbit song again".

Tatanka
10-07-2003, 03:54 AM
I've always thought that "Runaround Sue (http://www.blacktieproductions.com/Audio/All%20Music/Runaround%20Sue%20-%20Dion.mp3)" by Dion would be more than appropriate.


Here's my story, sad but true
It's about a girl that I once knew
She took my love then ran around
With every single guy in town
Ah, I should have known it from the very start
This girl will leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I'm telling you
Keep away from Runaround Sue!!

;D

BisonFan
10-07-2003, 03:55 AM
Some examples:

Iowa State Cyclones:
http://www.music.iastate.edu/org/marching/ss.html
I see music like "Born to Be Wild", "Sing, Sing, Sing" an upbeat jazzy song with lots of brass and rhythm,"Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas, "Russian Sailors Dance" another great brass song with some woodwind parts too but again an upbeat song that will not put the fans to sleep!

Minnesota Golden Gophers:
They make excellent use of their school song as well as their fight song. *
Also, check out this link to them playing "Battle Hymn of the Republic": http://www.music.umn.edu/marchingband/um_songs/Battle.mp3

Its got more of a flow to it and more power to it than the version the "Gold Star Band" plays. It will also strike a patriotic chord with all the proud Americans in the audience.



Brown University:
These files are kind of choppy, but below couple of more upbeat songs that would sound good...we played these in Pep Band in my highschool days and they were crowd favorites. They would make good marching tunes too:

Joshua *http://www.brown.edu/Students/Brown_Band/songs/75th_Joshua.mp3

Championship
http://www.brown.edu/Students/Brown_Band/songs/75th_Championship.mp3
(I think Brown was dragging their feet a little bit on this. It definitely can be played a little faster!)

Another upbeat song is "Winter Games". I think it was the theme to the 1988 Winter Olympics or somewhere around there. Anyways, its another perfect maching field show song!

Can-Can (a catchy tune any day it may even get fans off their hind ends to do the Can-Can)
http://www.brown.edu/Students/Brown_Band/songs/75th_Can-Can.mp3

Again, these are just examples of things being done by Big Time bands. *I know there are highschool bands that do this kind of stuff too. *

Samples of songs done by Yale's "Precision Marching Band":
http://www.cis.yale.edu/yaleband/ypmb/music/listen.htm

Songs played by Williams College Mucho Macho Moocow Marching Band (gotta like name like that!):
http://wso.williams.edu/~aramos/band/2000-pepband-dat/

BisonWarrior
10-07-2003, 04:21 AM
Rent the movie "Drumline"! Great music and very entertaining story about a southern marching band. Just because we are 99% white doesn't mean we can't groove. Actually the Gold Star Band sounds great!!! It is just that the style of marching is slow not "jump jivin". ;D I think in the football situation the more upbeat, up tempo music is really needed!

BisonFan
10-07-2003, 04:39 AM
"Carnival del Sol" is another upbeat catchy tune!

goldstarforever
10-09-2003, 07:13 PM
thanks for the input

tony
10-09-2003, 07:57 PM
Three words: German, drinking, and songs. You arrange them anyway you want.

Tuk
10-09-2003, 09:40 PM
Goldstarforever.....I want to make it clear that the Goldstar Marching Band as a group does not suck, its just the musical selections are not made/meant to be played by a marching band.

All of these selections are definitely a better choice for a football game and a marching band than what has been played at the games.

Please do us a favor and forward these suggestions on to the powers running the Fine Arts and Goldstar Band.

BisonFan
10-10-2003, 12:24 AM
How about Beer Barrell Polka? It is a polka, but a catchy one...

"Roll out the barrel, We'll have a barrel of fun
Roll out the barrel, we've got the blues on the run
Zing Boom Terrara
Join in a glass of good cheer
Now it's time to roll the barrel
For the gang's all here (Spoken: Take it away boys!)"

Or would this song violate some NDSU policy?

JBB
10-10-2003, 01:36 AM
My mom was in the Goldstar Band in the late 30's early 40's. *She is enjoying the reunion. *I am going to escort her to the celebration at the student union on Sat. *She was also one of the founders of the original student union and they are honoring all those folks. *Go BISON.

Tatanka
10-10-2003, 01:58 AM
How about Beer Barrell Polka? It is a polka, but a catchy one...

"Roll out the barrel, We'll have a barrel of fun
Roll out the barrel, we've got the blues on the run
Zing Boom Terrara
Join in a glass of good cheer
Now it's time to roll the barrel
For the gang's all here (Spoken: Take it away boys!)"

Or would this song violate some NDSU policy?




If the fun police come calling, just tell them to pretend that it's root beer. The confusion should last long enough to finish the song.

showyourbisonpride
10-10-2003, 02:50 PM
Alright everyone,

I am a member of the GSB, I have been for the last four year. Mind you, some of the music we have played is a little old and out-dated, but do you think that we actually have a say in the matter? We still have the same amount of pride, if not more and to see hear each of you praise a band that half the entire school has joined because it makes them seem better disapoints me greatly.

We do not get to choose the music we play. NDSU has 3 fight songs-On Bison, The Yellow and the Green, and Fight Song. We play them all during the pre-game show. As tradition, we play On Bison after each touchdown. We do not have a say in this either. Mind you, at times when we score a lot I can see that it gets rather old fast-but there are still a lot of fans that seem to like it. As for half-time, we play the music that we are given. The NDSU Fine Arts Dept. is one of the lowest paid depts. on campus. On top of that, what the fine arts do get, the band gets an even smaller chunk. This means to us as new euqipment right away....most of the time meaning that we don't have enough money to purchase the songs that hip/fresh/new. The director is also the one who has the final decision, and seeing as the student section leaves during half-time he wants to play to an audience that will stick around to watch us. So we play the Beatles, we will soon be playing the Eagles as well. There is nothing that the students can do anything about, it is so completely out of our hands.

Now I'm not saying that I am pissed you guys are bashing us....please just realize that some areas of NDSU are still so old school that even when we go D-1 completely we still might be one of the last places anyone goes to help out.

Please at least cheer us on rather then boo when we walk by. It's our 100th year this year and all we really want is a little respect when we are out on the field.

JBB
10-10-2003, 03:31 PM
Hey ShowYourBisonPride,

I just want to say thank you. *I for one like the band and look forward to it every week. *Your music is fine, the band is well rehearsed both musically and marching. *I cant imagine a football game without you. *

I thought your march across campus before the SDSU game was great. *It makes the whole atmosphere. *You were marching in front of the east lobby at the main entrance when we saw you.

I didnt really understand the criticism that did surface here, but I can attest, at least from around our seats, that everybody appreciates what you do and enjoys your show. *I hope your not discouraged and I hope the great Gold Star Marching Band continues the fine 100-year tradition of excellence. *Thanks again.

JBB
10-10-2003, 03:33 PM
I wish they would put a high camera on you guys when your marching at half time. It would be fun to have the high shots of the routine on the moniters.

Bisonfan1
10-10-2003, 03:58 PM
I think the band does fine for what they are given to work with, I would love to see the band march to the east and west side and play a tune prior to entering the dome to get us tailgators pumped up prior to the game. I remember the band use to come to the west side playing, but have not seen this in awhile, it really added to the overall atmosphere, we always used to go over to the Boulevard and applaud the band as it came by on the west side.

tony
10-10-2003, 04:25 PM
Is anybody badmouthing the band? One of the first things I wrote on this site was a complaint about
"too much canned music, not enough band" or something to that affect.

Bisonguy
10-10-2003, 07:24 PM
The Goldstar Band does a great job. I just wish the halftime music choices were better. This is not the fault of the band members at all, and as I said earlier in this post, they do a great job!!!

It would be nice if they could play a song or two for the tailgate crowd.

I also like the idea of a sky cam for the halftime performance. My seats aren't high enough to see everything that is going on.

showyourbisonpride
10-10-2003, 09:02 PM
We start our marches at the south end of campus-down by the library and march like we do at the dome all the way up. The last couple of times we actually had students walking up with us and partaking in the fun.

The band really enjoyed playing the west side of the FargoDome back in the day, we absolutely loved the crowd. The reason it all changed was the fact that the FargoDome flooded and they ended up tearing down the road that used to be there to build a dike. Since then, the only time that we have played for the west side tailgators was the 2nd football game. The band liked that as well, we got to go through the parking lot where more people were. The reason we haven't played for them more was that our director thought it was pointless because no one ever gave him a response.
If you want to hear more of us or think we should play different music, you should contact the director-if he hears feedback from people other then the band members, he might be more open to the change. His email is: Warren.Olfert@ndsu.nodak.edu.

rockbison
10-10-2003, 09:26 PM
Hey TUK and any other non believers--

If you don't think that the Gold Star Band has as much pride as the SDSU band, think about this:

--they seem to be the only ones that stand the whole game and are still energetic

--they play much better as a whole, it's quality-not quantity that counts

--they even have injured players marching because they love it so much
--Ex: I asked one of the trumpet players what happened to her foot (because she had a foot boot on it) and she said that she broke it on one of the march-overs. She still marches, even with the boot on!!!!

I hope that you think before you speak about NDSU pride next time.

BisonFan
10-11-2003, 12:56 AM
I think it would help the Gold Star Band out in putting together a more complete show if their half-time performances weren't crunched into such a short period of time due to promotions like the hot-tub toss thing. *I wouldn't mind seeing the pointless hot-tub thing go. I don't think anyone has ever thrown those mini foam? footballs in on the fly in the 5??? years I've watched that promotion. *If they brought back the field goal promotion in which that guy won a pickup that one time, maybe I'd be up for those half-time games. But the spa thing just doesn't cut it. On to the band...The band isn't bad, like we all know. *It could use *a little fine tuning though...not to be too much of a critic, but there are some brass (mainly trombones and a trumpet or two) that are blasting (just playing loud rather than under control) and it seriously distorts the sound quality of the band (especially as it echos in the Dome). *That said, i've always been a fan of pre-game and half-time field shows. I would just like to see Chapman make the same commitment to the fine arts program as he has made to research and athletics. *If Chapman makes that committment, I would like to see the Band Directors make it worth that committment. *I want the Gold Star Bands numbers to grow and I want to see it get a budget that will allow it to compete with and be comparable to the bands of other DI AA schools like Montana. * *Montana had more than just numbers on the Gold Star Band. * Those that were in attendance know what I mean. *That said, we all know how much better the Gold Star Band is than the Susans Band that has come down from up North for games. *The Gold Star Band is obviously a step above them, but I can't wait to see it join the ranks of the fine 1A and IAA bands out there a few rungs up the ladder. * * *

BisonFan
10-11-2003, 01:10 AM
Hey TUK and any other non believers--

If you don't think that the Gold Star Band has as much pride as the SDSU band, think about this:

--they seem to be the only ones that stand the whole game and are still energetic

--they play much better as a whole, it's quality-not quantity that counts

--they even have injured players marching because they love it so much
* * --Ex: I asked one of the trumpet players what happened to her foot (because she had a foot boot on it) and she said that she broke it on one of the march-overs. She still marches, even with the boot on!!!!

I hope that you think before you speak about NDSU pride next time.

I'd stand the whole game if I wasn't threatened with a lynching every time I tried to by all the lazy bums that come to the game and sit behind me. Its the same way at the basketball games. Last year, the student section started standing the whole time like Big Time School student sections such as DUKE do. But guess what? The old-timers behind the student section complained to the old timer ushers and they yelled at us all to sit down or he would be kicking us out of the game. Things need to change if NDSU wants to go big time. I think the students are getting shafted in more ways than one. The students should get better sections to sit in at the football games then being shoved into the South West Corner. Its amazing how many open seats are in the Teammakers (prime sideline seats down the majority of both sidelines) sections each week The students at basketball games should be allowed to stand up and cheer the whole time if they want to too. Maybe more of the students would stick around for the whole game if they were allowed to support the Bison in ways student sections have traditionally been allowed to do so. Just my thoughts for what they are worth!

Tuk
10-11-2003, 05:26 AM
Hey TUK and any other non believers--

If you don't think that the Gold Star Band has as much pride as the SDSU band, think about this:

--they seem to be the only ones that stand the whole game and are still energetic

--they play much better as a whole, it's quality-not quantity that counts

--they even have injured players marching because they love it so much
* * --Ex: I asked one of the trumpet players what happened to her foot (because she had a foot boot on it) and she said that she broke it on one of the march-overs. She still marches, even with the boot on!!!!

I hope that you think before you speak about NDSU pride next time.

WHOOAAA LADDIE, LETS WATCH WHAT WE SAY ON THIS BOARD....

First off, I am not knocking the band on the individual layer. There are a lot of fine musicians on the band and I am sure they all love to play in the band. I love the fact that the band is always in the Prozac happy mood inspite of what condition the game may be in. Last year while the rest of the fans were continually disappointed with the progress of the game, the band kept on playing tunes to get the fans charged. I do not discount the FACT the band is a prime cheering section for the game.

Second off, I have since learned of why the band is not as good as the Bunny Pride (no offense to SDSU fans), but nevertheless you must admit the SDSU Pride is a lot louder and the MUSIC....yes the MUSIC is suited for marching bands or brass bands than the Beatles or Eagles. The music we have sucks (in my opinion), and I hope in the future the band is able to get more funding to buy new songs, equipment, and expand. THIS IS WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY.

When you compare the Goldstar Band with the Pride, to be honest I would choose the Pride over the Goldstar band if I had a choice. If that bothers you, then I suggest you either give me a good reason why I should change my mind or accept my "non-believer" (whatever that is supposed to mean) opinion as different from yours and agree to disagree.

>:(BUT UNDERSTAND THIS: >:(
DO NOT EVER MAKE THE ASSERTION THAT I AM NOT A ENERGETIC SPECTATOR DURING NDSU BISON FOOTBALL AND SUPPORTER OF THE BISON. YOU HAVE NO FACTS OR BASIS TO MAKE THAT CLAIM AND AS SUCH YOU HAVE NO FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CLAIMS.

TO USE YOUR OWN QUOTE: I hope that you think before you speak about NDSU pride next time. Seems you need to heed your own words.

2GenBISON
10-11-2003, 06:29 AM
I am in the band. SDSU was an awesome sight, but so was the UC-Davis pep band. What do both of those programs have the our Goldstar band lacks? MONEY! Yup, we are a soon to be D-1 band that has a D-III budget. The band seriously needs percussion equipment, uniforms, and of course music. EVERY GAME we have to fight to play because the cheerleaders, can music (i.e. the guy at the sound board somewhere in the dome) the advertisers, or athletics needs time for this or that. We take pride in our performances, and to have people talk smak about us is discouraging. It is hard work to be in the band, and most of us sacrifice a lot to make it. That is why our numbers ebb and flow over the years. This year we are marching with a band that is a majority of rookies...... Most of which had not marched before setting foot on campus in August. SO PLEASE, Stand and applaud when we play....even when you don't like the music. AND IF YOU HATE THE MUSIC THAT MUCH, GET OUT YOUR CHECKBOOK AND GIVE US MONEY TO BUY SOME NEW STUFF.

Oh, and our next show is an Eagles show arranged by a band member.

BisonWarrior
10-11-2003, 11:39 AM
I am a music department grad and I have been complaining about the band BUT not that they are not technically good and not that they don't have pride in what they do!! *The problem is exactly what you said 2GenBison...MONEY!! *I have spoken with the power that be...ie Gene Taylor and he understands the problem and I believe they will address the issues. Band Members please do not misunderstand where the band comments are coming from. *They are not personal attacks on the band. *They are messages to our administration that we DO notice and in the quest to improve every aspect of NDSU we want them to address the Gold Star Band with the same intensity that they have been addressing the other departments on campus.

89rabbit
10-11-2003, 03:18 PM
Hey TUK and any other non believers--

If you don't think that the Gold Star Band has as much pride as the SDSU band, think about this:

--they seem to be the only ones that stand the whole game and are still energetic

--they play much better as a whole, it's quality-not quantity that counts

--they even have injured players marching because they love it so much
* * --Ex: I asked one of the trumpet players what happened to her foot (because she had a foot boot on it) and she said that she broke it on one of the march-overs. She still marches, even with the boot on!!!!

I hope that you think before you speak about NDSU pride next time.

Hey guys,

I know this is a touchy subject, and mostly for NDSU consumption. *However I must stand and defend the Pride of the Dakotas band. *There seems to be this myth being promulgated that the "Pride" SDSU's offical name, is concerned with size over ability. *This is not the case. *I have seen and would stack the SDSU band up against Minnesota, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State, etc. They ARE that good. *SDSU's band is BIG and GOOD! *You are not invited to play in the Rose Bowl parade, and for Several US Presidents just because you are big.

Gold Star members don't be haters. *It is true we are well funded and well respected. *It should give you guys something to shoot for and model yourselves after. *

We give the Bison their due when it comes to football, you have a great program! *You handed it to us again this year. *You have to give the Pride of the Dakotas their due, they are a great program (I know most of you did). *It does not help the Gold Stars position to try and pull the Pride down. *

Lastly Gold Star members most of the posts (from an outsiders prospective) seem to be about helping the band not slamming them. *It is constructive in nature. *They just want to see the band improve. *No need to be so thin skinned. *It would be worse if no one cared. *NDSU is a GREAT school and I am sure this matter will get worked out. *Please no more talk of SDSU being just a big band. *We are BIG and Outstanding! * ;D

Go SDSU!

Bison49
10-13-2003, 04:12 AM
Minnesota uses SDSU videotape to show their band how it should be done. I have watched "The Pride" all my life and have enjoyed them since I can remember.

I would rather have a better football team than band though! Go Bison!!

sdsupride
10-13-2003, 06:50 PM
As a member of the Pride of the Dakotas, I was excited when I found this subject.

The Gold Star band does a great job for what they have to work with. One of the reasons that the Pride is bigger is that here in South Dakota and southern Minnesota high school marching band is a major competitive activity (field show not so much parade). All the Sioux Falls schools have them and so do most of the larger schools in this area. Marshall (MN) high school, where I am from, 1/4 of the school is in the marching band, and they still have to cut people because they don’t have enough uniforms, they only have 225 of them. I have never seen or heard of a competitive field marching band from North Dakota.

As for the Pride, yes we do have money. President Miller understands that the Pride is an excellent recruiting tool for the university. Only one million people saw us live in Pasadena, plus the estimated 400 million watching on TV around the world. Last year when we had 300 uniforms and needed 100 more, we got them. Also the money from parking around Coughlin Alumni Stadium for football games goes to the Pride, not the athletic department. We have three assistant directors. One of which arranges most of our music, so we don’t have to go and buy it. One works with the drumline and another works with the brassline.

I would love to see the Gold Star band grow. Now they are similar to the other NCC marching bands. I have seen USD, UNO, and NDSU. I have not seen UND, but I have heard they are just as bad as USD. UNO has a good band that’s comparable to the Gold Star band. In the move up to I-AA the Gold Star will need more funding and maybe more incentive for students to join the band. It would be nice in five to ten years, when the two bands meet, to see them battle in the stands, with music, not to see who could kick the crap out of each other.

Thanks to all our fans in both Dakotas!

GO SDSU

trumpetgirl
10-13-2003, 08:38 PM
I have been a member of the Gold Star Band for 4 years now. Not everyone realizes that it takes massive amounts of work and dedication to be in the band. I do agree that some of the music we play is not the greatest, but again we don't have much of a say in what we play. If our band director knew from other people instead of just us on what the audience wants to hear, I am sure he would strive to give you what you want. We are at the games to entertain the audience and to keep the crowd going, no matter how good or bad the team is doing at the moment.

And yes, we desperatly need money, and soon. We need to get new uniforms within the next year or two. The problem is that each uniform is about $500 each, and we will probably need 200 uniforms. We also need new drumline equiptment, and other things. If anyone can help us with this, we would greatly appreciate it. But please support us in anyway instead of criticizing us. We try our best to please you guys...

tbchristopher
10-15-2003, 05:42 AM
If you don't mind me asking, Tuk, how do you know about the Eagles show in the first place? I can now assume that you are a member of the Gold Star Band since we haven't even put that show on the football field at this point. If you are in fact a member of the GSMB, then why don't you talk to the people in charge? Dr. Olfert? The arranger of all of the music for the Eagles show, or anyone one else for that matter? The band president? A drum major? Someone, at least.

Right at this very moment, we're trying to put a student show on the field. The music is arranged by students. The drill is written by students. Where were the suggestions back then when this show was planned? Who came and told the staff and section leaders what they wanted to hear? The Eagles music was picked because it was assumed that plenty of people would know the tunes. For a band that has sold millions and millions of records and continues to record today and sell out stadiums of people, the Eagles show seemed pretty appropriate. We want to play music that people know. Have all of our shows been that way? No, I will admit. But, it takes feedback from the crowd to change things. The Gold Star Band members regularly don't have a choice in the music, it's picked out during the summer. Only the director of the band usually chooses the shows.

Yes, SDSU is a huge band. Yes, they did play well. Yes, they have more money. I will freely say that I think they did a fine job overall. They have over twice as many people as us, and they looked pretty good and sounded wonderful. But, if you had questions or concerns in the first place about the music that we play, why haven't you said anything to anyone in the band? You write a lot on this posting board and rant and rave, which is fine- you're most certainly entitled to do so (just as I'm doing right now), but why not contact someone in the loop of the band. I had no idea this posting board had anything about the the band on it in the first place. I think it's all getting a little out of hand, and if there are concerns, we should probably address it...soon.

I respect what you say, whoever you are, Tuk, and your opinions as well, but I think this could've been addressed a little differantly. Just my thoughts...

BisonWarrior
10-24-2003, 11:17 PM
I nearly fainted at the UND game when the band did the "Beatles" medley again. Was that the 3rd or 4th time?

wfduck
10-24-2003, 11:58 PM
i'd love to hear "wipeout" drum solo during the game breaks

mebison
10-25-2003, 11:18 PM
Just a couple things to point out:

UND was the third time the band played the beatles...typically we perform shows twice, but when we go to another school (particularly the archrivals up north) we want to put on the best show possible, so we use one we're already comfortable with.

Also, about wipeout...we play that after every bison kickoff.

TbonZach
04-11-2004, 06:18 PM
I know nothing has been said about this topic since this past October, but I have to say my peace. What the hell is wrong with you guys?! >:( This just pisses me off. This is my freshman year in the band, and this just pisses me off. I joined the GSMB because I love music, and I love Bison football. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you don't love Bison football, it's just that I respect it and everyone out down on the field - be it football team, or band. Did anyone notice durring the SDSU game, how some of their band members came over and played with us? Probably not. Where else would you find people like that? I also didn't see anyone from either team go to the other side and start chatting. And another thing, how dare you ask SDSU if we could borrow their band! "I'm just critisizing the band..." Bull. That's like saying, "Hey UND! Can we borrow your team?" Because, as shown in this past year (and prevous), they have a better team than we do. No one wants to hear that, because people like football. So do I. But frankly, when I'm at the games with the band, I couldn't care less about what's going on outside of the band - including who's whipping who's butt.

It's one thing to critisize and disrespect the football team, but a band...? That's just low. I'd like to see you go out on the field durring a game and do what we do. You want better music that you will enjoy? Find it, arrange it for the band, write the drill, show up to rehearsal every day - hell, we might even let you play something. Also, talk to Dr. Chapman, along with the rest of the school board, and tell them to give us more money. We do multiple showings of the same show becuase it takes time and effort. Sure, it may not be the greatest, even to the band members, but we do it how we can. Now I'm not saying that you don't have respect for the band (I know a lot do, and a lot don't), I'm saying that you would have a lot more if you knew what it was like.

Yes, I've seen, and I own, Drumline, but this is North Dakota - we don't do that here, so get used to it.

Bisonfan1
04-11-2004, 11:52 PM
TbonZach, see my post October 10th, No problem with the band in my point of view. As you can see on my post of Oct. 10th, part of my wish list would be to have the band march and play on the west side again, will this happen again now that the designated tailgating area will be there ? Also whats your take on the band being moved to the endzone ? My take on that was we really enjoyed it because the entire Dome could hear the band better, my seats are located way north of the student section on the west side and was difficult to hear and see the band, Maybe the band doesnt care for it, but everyone can now hear and SEE the band. Thank You or whoever for that. Is the band allowed to conduct private fundraisers? Is it allowed on campus ? what if we had our own private little raffle before the games in the parking lot ? We all know it takes money $$$ how can we all help you ?

roadwarrior
04-12-2004, 04:01 AM
I think that the overall intent of this thread is for constructive criticism of the Goldstar Band. I would guess that the high majority of football fans really enjoy having the band as part of the game.

I agree with Bisonfan, that the move to the end zone allows the sound from the band to be heard better in most seating areas.

Bison football would not be the same without the Goldstar Band.

tbchristopher
04-12-2004, 05:17 AM
As a long time member of the band, I want to toss thank you's out to those of you who enjoy having the band around during those games. I don't know if you guys notice it or not, but those cats are some very, very loyal Bison football fans, myself included. We're not just there for the credit, the fullfillment of our degrees, or for the marching, but we're there to support the team. Anyhow, I myself and a good number of the GSMB members do enjoy playing out of the end zone. I liked being able to play to the student section, and I had no problems with my view of the game. I do hope that we can make a stop by the tailgators again, as it seemed like the people out there enjoyed us "stopping by". As for fundraising, I'm not completely sure about that. The band and the organization has some by-laws and rules, and I guess I would probably ask the director of bands (Dr. Warren Olfert) if that's a possibility. The GSMB is quite busy once the football season starts, but fund raising is always a good thought. Anyhow, last but not least, don't be afraid to post some of your ideas for shows and music from the stands. I enjoy arranging for large groups such as the GSMB (I wrote the Eagles show- the music- last year, FYI) and I'd be more than happy to do up some stuff at your request if I have the enough advance notice. Anyhow, thanks to our supporters and the band members themselves...

TbonZach
04-12-2004, 05:29 AM
Bisonfan1 and roadwarrior,

I know that a morjority of the fans really appreciate that band and what it does. I guess there will always be those select few who don't... Personally, I love where the band was for the final two games. It gives us a chance to be better seen and heard (musically and otherwise ;D) Regarding the tailgating details, you (and multiple others, if possible) would have to contact our director, Dr. Warren Olfert, for that. As for the fundraising part, I'm not sure about that. You should contact either our director, or someone in Tau Beta Sigma (the national band sorority). We have a local chapter here. Their web address is http://tbs.ndsu.nodak.edu/

rockbison
08-31-2004, 06:06 AM
august 28th, 2004.....ndsu makes north dakota history as they play their first D-1 game..........

did anyone notice that the band played A LOT more then they ever did last year during the game? they took out a lot of the canned music and placed the band where they could be their loudest--in the endzone. it sounds as though someone somewhere has made some progress with band PR. :o

they have some new tunes (super mario brothers--the regular version and i think i heard an underwater version somewhere, ironman, james bond, another one bites the dust are examples) that i think have helped gain the support of students at least.

i noticed that students in my section were cheering more for the band....and i think it's cuz we could see them and then tried to imitate their energy.

none the less, i think they took what's been said here to heart and i want to thank them for that. it take a big person to show they can handle all the critizism (mostly constructive mind you) they've kinda been dished out.

did anyone ele notice the changes they've made, or was it just me???

Bisonguy
08-31-2004, 12:40 PM
Good stuff by the GSMB!

Was it just me, or are numbers down this year??

roadwarrior
08-31-2004, 01:46 PM
My first thoughts were that the number of members in the band is up this year.

tbchristopher
08-31-2004, 06:54 PM
A few answers to your questions...

As a member of the GSMB, I can tell you that the numbers for the band are up some this year. They are a pretty talented band and they sound great. I know because I'm one of their drum majors. I'm in front of them quite a bit.

Anyhow, thanks for the compliments about the band, they're working hard, and they'll keep working hard to be a Division I band.

Oh, and about the new tunes in the stands, I'm arranging some for the season. What do you want to hear in the stands? Get your requests in now, and you may hear them on September 11th...

met1990
08-31-2004, 07:40 PM
Can we get the theme song to Top Gun?

Bisonguy
09-01-2004, 04:29 AM
How about "Le Regiment"? A tradition of dotting the 'I' on a 'BISON' formation could be started.

"Don't Stop" or "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac make for some good band tunes.

"The Bitch is Back" is also a good one- USC has a good version.

"Carry on Wayward Son" can be good.

"Welcome to the Jungle" isn't bad, but the Fargodome and every other arena has nearly played that out.

"Another one bites the dust" would have been appropriate last saturday (extreme caution must be used for this song- the game has to be completely out of hand).

Of course, the ultimate would be a version of "Safety Dance". Seriously. I don't think I have ever heard a marching band do a version of it. It could become a trademark.

That's all I can think of.... for now. ;D

rockbison
09-21-2004, 04:56 PM
hey, does anyone know what the Gold Star Band is playing at SDSU on the 9th?

Tuk
09-21-2004, 08:30 PM
The band is definitely better and louder than previous years. Hats off to the GSMB for that!

I know of one song I would like to see the GSMB play, but it is a song called Neocon off of The Offspring's newest album Splinter.

Here is a link to it:
http://app2.sonymusic.com/sme/master/otr/winmediafile/0,0,1367_0_21503565,00.asx

Take a listen! I think it would be a great football song!

89rabbit
09-21-2004, 08:48 PM
hey, does anyone know what the Gold Star Band is playing at SDSU on the 9th?

Glad to hear that the Gold Star is coming to Brookings. I hope we both continue to send our bands to the SDSU vs NDSU football games. I think it really adds to the "feel" of the game. I am looking forward to the 9th!

Go SDSU! ;D

tbchristopher
09-22-2004, 06:47 AM
We're looking forward to the trip out to SDSU, it's our next chance to play, and it's always nice to get out on the road. As for what we plan on playing, I'm not totally sure yet. From what I understand, we'll probably only be playing a small portion on the field, then I can assume that we'll switch off with SDSU in the stands. For music on the field, expect some Latin Jazz tunes, probably Caravan, Tico Tico, and/or Maleguenia- all high energy tunes.

As for the Offspring tune, I'll see what I can do. It takes time to arrange those tunes, and it takes even more time to try to figure out how to make a hard rock tune sound good in a marching band.

Thanks for the support this year, we're having a really good time out there, and I'm having a blast on the sidelines as a drum major.

;D

Tuk
09-23-2004, 05:52 AM
As for the Offspring tune, I'll see what I can do. *It takes time to arrange those tunes, and it takes even more time to try to figure out how to make a hard rock tune sound good in a marching band.



Here is my idea:

the band is pretty vocal. *Just do the drumming with everyone getting into the vocals, *leave out the rest. *Hopefully we will see if it spreads....wouldn't it be great to hear that tune across the FargoDome during the game?

You guys are doing great tho. *I wish I had more ideas for songs, but it is so hard to think of songs for a marching band to perform. *I am thinking tho....

Diischwalla
10-06-2004, 02:32 AM
Hello all band peeps, and others.......
I am actually a member of the SDSU Pride of the Dakotas Marching band, (Drumline) and we actually found out about this message baord through our director's wife who found it while looking up info on the "GoldStar" Marching Band.

I'm really looking foward to having you guys come down for the October 9th game. My bro, and a buddy of mine are SDSU grads that now work at NDSU for the Res Life department.

I'm also a music education major, and would like a second to comment on this topic.

I'm suprised at the number of emotions and comments that people have on this subject. But first off, I gotta say that you have to have pride for your band, and support your football team. I know frankly that no one in the Pride would trade the Pride experience for anything. There's nothing like playing your heart out in front of all those people, which leads me to the next subject: THE PEOPLE

You are playing partly for yourselves, but realize that halftime show is exactly that. A SHOW that you play for your audience! I know far too many bands that only play music that they like, that no one likes, with lots of crazy forms that only a small few truly understand. (I don't think that NDSU is one of those bands, and I think that correctly arranged, a Beatles or Eagles show would be great!) In marching band though, the first key is to impact your audience. One of the great things about the Pride of the Dakota's is the "wall of sound." We always start with what we call "the Pride Fanfare" because it always gets the crowds attention. Always. Maybe that would something to consider in making your next show.
We do have two arrangers that write things specifically for the band, which is great, because we don't have to spend money on music, and we can easily change anything we want. Have someone from the music department do that, like a theory teacher.
But, the most important part of the Pride's philosophy is this: POWER TO MOVE THE CROWD. Usually great Marching Bands that play at football games are bigger (U of M's is almost as big..... until 2002 the Pride was the same number as the U of M) so they can really project sound, which is really what the crowd wants. Dynamic contrasts also play into this, which is something we really work for. When the crowd and community is moved by you, support comes rolling in.

Next, money. We really tap into our alumni and "donors" for help, and because many people know and respect the Pride, or have been members, we usually get alot of help. You band can be a HUGE recruiting tool and I think that President Peggy Miller of SDSU really understands that. Bandmembers, I would say thats a great place to start. Next, raffles and things to sell are very important. In 2002, to raise funds for the Tournament of Roses parade, the band was donated two cars which were then raffled of at our Indoor Marching concert.

Diischwalla
10-06-2004, 03:07 AM
Continuing......
All the Pride Members were to sell 100 tickets at $10 a piece, so the members of the band did a great deal of fundraising and still does. Try and find something you can market that lots of people will buy, like hats with the Goldstar label on it or stickers. Make sure people want to buy it. I don't know if you do this already, but it's somethings to think about.

The Pride also has a great staff that is very connected to the community. They go out and really support the band by word of mouth and fliers, posters. If it wasn't for our directors, The Pride would not be a quality band.

Ultimately, it comes down to philosophy and your resources. Because of the way we do things down here, we get lots of student support and community support, and therefore good resources. We of course are not rich, but we really do things that will help raise money and support. We make the band pretty flexible so that we don't have to turn anyone away from the band. Instead of having Symphonic Band in the fall, we just have marching band everyday, which also helps enrollment. We do this, again, so that we can have a large, good, band that moves the crowd, and then they will support the Music Department for the rest of the year.
Our philosophy is to have a large band, but we are not low quality. We have strived to have great marching technique although we don't have a whole lot of "sets."
We are by no means a DCI corps, but even DCI corps know the importance of playing loud and knocking the socks off the crowd. Just listen to the Blue Devils, Madison Scouts, or Cavaliers. We play loud, dynamic music that the crowd loves, and that's whats important.

To respond to a few posts, the SDSU Pride actually did play a "Wipeout" drum solo, and thanks to our drum instructor Stephen Tobin, we had music that sounded great, and also energized the crowd.
I know that the directors here have actually been thinking about a Beatles show for a few years, or at least playing "Ticket to Ride." I hear you guys are playing Caravan which is a great tune, that we did in 2001. Actually we are playing some rap tunes, but you have to be careful to pick tunes that will sound great and energized to the audience. We just started playing some stuff from Outkast and it's good stuff. Backstreet Boys.......um....HELL NO. That music should have died before it hit the shelves in 1994 or 95. >:(
The drumline is playing "Sing, Sing, Sing" which is a great upbeat piece, but we are also playing songs that people might not know, like a Bela Fleck tune, and an SDSU original tune. We pull it off because the arrangements have alot of power and contrast that keeps people interested.
A year ago we played a version of "Danger ZOne" (the Top Gun theme) and when played right, it rocks. This should be a great arrangement. Madison Scout's version of Malaguena, Magna, or Blue Devil's "Legend of a One - Eyed Sailor" are also great ideas for pieces.
Just make sure that whenever you play pieces for your fieldshow that you blow the crowd away.

While we sort of compete, it's that mentality of "I'm better than you," that ultimately brings down whatever activity you're pursuing. I've many times gone and talked to other band members because we have something in common. You can make great friends in other groups like that. Worthless bickering, rivalry, and bantering is useless, stupid, and pointless. We have a college somewhere in SD that we will not go to and perform because they treated us like crap. You don't treat people that way, and that mindset shows in how well their band does. No one talks about their band because everyone's too busy bringing it down. Support your band no matter what.

I'm really looking forward to seeing you guys this week, and also hope that maybe I've given you a little insight on what the Pride does so that maybe that will give you a few ideas. Best of luck and have a great trip down here!!!

WYOBISONMAN
10-06-2004, 04:17 AM
Thanks for that great post! It is good information about the SDSU band.

TbonZach
10-09-2004, 05:13 AM
While we sort of compete, it's that mentality of "I'm better than you," that ultimately brings down whatever activity you're pursuing. I've many times gone and talked to other band members because we have something in common. You can make great friends in other groups like that. Worthless bickering, rivalry, and bantering is useless, stupid, and pointless. We have a college somewhere in SD that we will not go to and perform because they treated us like crap. You don't treat people that way, and that mindset shows in how well their band does. No one talks about their band because everyone's too busy bringing it down. Support your band no matter what.



Thank you ever so much for backing up one of my biggest beliefs! :) If you get a chance to, you should stop by the GSB and say hi to me, if you want (I'm in the bone section), and the rest of the band.

...Where else would you hear an offer like that, besides between bands?

P.S. In sort of responce to your talking about dynamics and such (which I completely agree with), be prepaired to be blown away by our performance. ;)

TbonZach
10-10-2004, 08:35 PM
Diischwalla -

GREAT performance last night! You guys rocked - drumline and band! 8) Too bad I couldn't watch you guys from the front (and vice versa), but you take what you get.

It didn't really hit me of how many people you have in your band until I saw you guys still getting into your seats about 7 minutes into the 3rd quarter. :o

roadwarrior
10-31-2004, 01:47 AM
Great halftime show by the Gold Star Band at today's game!

Tatanka
10-31-2004, 02:00 AM
Agreed!!! Some of the blue hairs may not have recognized the tunes, but I promise you anyone under age 40 appreciated the show!

El_Chapitan
11-05-2004, 03:58 PM
As a memeber of the GSB, I must say thank you very much.

tony
11-05-2004, 04:24 PM
I though I recognized IRON MAN by Black Sabbath during the first half.

TbonZach
11-20-2004, 09:07 PM
If anyone out there is looking for something to do tomorow, look no further than your NDSU Gold Star Marching Band. The "Sounds of the Gridiron" concert is tomorow at 2:00 in Festival Concert Hall. We'll be playing all of the hits from the season (a.k.a. the music from every halftime show), plus some favorites of the band. :)

P.S. Wearing earplugs is suggested. 8)

SOUNDS OF THE GRIDIRON
NDSU GOLD STAR MARCHING BAND
SUNDAY, NOV. 21 - 2:00 P.M.
FESTIVAL CONCERT HALL
TICKETS: $5 FOR ADULTS, $2 FOR STUDENTS AND SENIORS

sambini
04-13-2005, 03:43 AM
goldstar bandis great,but the pride is one of the greatest bands i've ever heard. bar none, been to big house lincoln, etc... they are awesome. take notes gold star the group down south is for real...