It sounds much better. Especially for the first game.

Also no dance team at Sproul, and rally comm is enormous.

it sounded like crap last year. as a student here from 04-08 at our recent heights, it looks much more like that now. fresh uniforms. crisp sound. much better. go bears!!!

they barely had enough for script cal last year. it's overflowing this year.

and a loud ass student section. go bears!!!!

Stadium still pretty empty, eh.

Empty EVERYWHERE.

Not liking the "best team he's ever had" quote from davis hc

Dgoldnbaer said:

---

Empty EVERYWHERE.

---

Time to give a reason to attend

"Wait and see" is mindset of majority of Cal fans w/good football knowledge, myself included.

How about the piped in music - what was that like?

Covid really effed things up for the CAL band. I'm glad to hear they're stronger and louder this year. Give it a year to recover and the CAL band will be back to the best damn band in the land. Now if only the marketing Dept will let them play during games instead of the idiotic piped in music

the piped in music wasn't as loud as last year, but it was still there.

I think they didn't play 2pac California Love at kickoff? sad.

for one of the touchdowns they piped in cal music because our band was lining up for the halftime show

anyway lots of posters on the premium board were complaining about the band but honestly the brand new uniforms and strong showing compared to the last three years are a big improvement, even if it's not nearly as strong as 2004

eabandit said:

---

the piped in music wasn't as loud as last year, but it was still there.

I think they didn't play 2pac California Love at kickoff? sad.

for one of the touchdowns they piped in cal music because our band was lining up for the halftime show

anyway lots of posters on the premium board were complaining about the band but honestly the brand new uniforms and strong showing compared to the last three years are a big improvement, even if it's not nearly as strong as 1992.

---

FIFY

GranadaHills.......... I need to correctyou on your use of the phrase 'The best damn band in the land". That phrase has been, and is associated with The Ohio State University Marching Band. They are widely known as "tbdbitl" and have been for many years. Trying to take that phrase from them would be like plagiarism.

Cal Band USED to be very much like tOSUmb. In some ways, they still resemble them. But in recent years, as Cal Band has relaxed some of their traditions and pride, they still resemble tOSUmb, but are not nearly as close to them in quality as they used to be.

Nonetheless, Cal Band is still the best band on the west coast. I surely wouldn't trade them for any of the bands in the conference. Only one ofher Pac band (UW) does a similar "high step" style of marching, and the rest (with the exception of $C and whatever that mess is called at stanford......the stanford banned?) look like high school bands both in uniform and "marching" (more like walking) style.

I'm told by some Cal Band alumni that over the years various members of the Cal Band Alumni attempted to meet with Cal Band (particularly the percussion section) and were "politely told there was no interest" in having them share the things that made Cal Band (the percussion section in particular) unique. So, predictably, Cal Band has lost some of it's sharpness and uniqueness that at one time made it not just the best in the conference, but the best by a BIG margin. They are still the best in the conference. But the margin has closed substantially.

I'd be happy to go into more detail if you want to PM me.

Anyone have pics of the new band unis?

The Cal Band seemed larger and there were around 15-20 new players sitting in the band section. You can still not hear them well during time outs except late in the game when the crowd noise decreases. The sound o.k.,. but they never sound great in the first game so I expect some improvement in the second game with better marching, musicianship and volume. Perhaps it is time to lightly amplify the band section during time outs.

TomBear said:

---

GranadaHills.......... I need to correctyou on your use of the phrase 'The best damn band in the land". That phrase has been, and is associated with The Ohio State University Marching Band. They are widely known as "tbdbitl" and have been for many years. Trying to take that phrase from them would be like plagiarism.

Cal Band USED to be very much like tOSUmb. In some ways, they still resemble them. But in recent years, as Cal Band has relaxed some of their traditions and pride, they still resemble tOSUmb, but are not nearly as close to them in quality as they used to be.

Nonetheless, Cal Band is still the best band on the west coast. I surely wouldn't trade them for any of the bands in the conference. Only one ofher Pac band (UW) does a similar "high step" style of marching, and the rest (with the exception of $C and whatever that mess is called at stanford......the stanford banned?) look like high school bands both in uniform and "marching" (more like walking) style.

I'm told by some Cal Band alumni that over the years various members of the Cal Band Alumni attempted to meet with Cal Band (particularly the percussion section) and were "politely told there was no interest" in having them share the things that made Cal Band (the percussion section in particular) unique. So, predictably, Cal Band has lost some of it's sharpness and uniqueness that at one time made it not just the best in the conference, but the best by a BIG margin. They are still the best in the conference. But the margin has closed substantially.

I'd be happy to go into more detail if you want to PM me.

---

Good honest take here. I have to say though, Cal Band wants to be like tOSUmb. They want to march like them, play like them and look like them. But - they are not them. Not even close. Though I can appreciate all difficulties the Cal Band has to endure - no funding, perhaps no leadership - they are not the best band in the conference. I wouldn't even rank them in the top 3. The first and most important test of any band is whether you can actually hear them. Then, can they march well. You can't really hear our band. And when they do play, its sparingly. Certainly its not their fault.

As far as style - high step - I don't think this is something that we do particularly well. And if we don't - then why even brag that we are the only one that does it? Who cares? As far as high school band comparison - if few university bands do high step - then it follows that 90% of university bands look "high school-ish". So what? If I can hear them play the War Chant, Fight for LSU, the Victors, Across the Field or any other fight song - then first test passed.

Again, not blaming the kids. But our band is mid at best. Administration needs to put some funding to them and offer college credit for participation in the band.

TomBear said:

---

GranadaHills.......... I need to correctyou on your use of the phrase 'The best damn band in the land". That phrase has been, and is associated with The Ohio State University Marching Band. They are widely known as "tbdbitl" and have been for many years. Trying to take that phrase from them would be like plagiarism.

Cal Band USED to be very much like tOSUmb. In some ways, they still resemble them. But in recent years, as Cal Band has relaxed some of their traditions and pride, they still resemble tOSUmb, but are not nearly as close to them in quality as they used to be.

Nonetheless, Cal Band is still the best band on the west coast. I surely wouldn't trade them for any of the bands in the conference. Only one ofher Pac band (UW) does a similar "high step" style of marching, and the rest (with the exception of $C and whatever that mess is called at stanford......the stanford banned?) look like high school bands both in uniform and "marching" (more like walking) style.

I'm told by some Cal Band alumni that over the years various members of the Cal Band Alumni attempted to meet with Cal Band (particularly the percussion section) and were "politely told there was no interest" in having them share the things that made Cal Band (the percussion section in particular) unique. So, predictably, Cal Band has lost some of it's sharpness and uniqueness that at one time made it not just the best in the conference, but the best by a BIG margin. They are still the best in the conference. But the margin has closed substantially.

I'd be happy to go into more detail if you want to PM me.

---

The band no longer has it's "official unofficial" photographer and historian. Once Dan Cheatham had to step back and ultimately passed away Cal Band tradition died too.

Cheers!
Go Bears!!
Cal Band Great!!!

I understand your points, Philly. Here's where I'll take issue with you:

Watch the Oregon State band, Arizona Band or Oregon Band, or for that matter any of the other bands besides $C and UW. They generate absolutely NO excitement in the stadium. They get polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because they're slow, show no energy, and are generally boring. SC gets by with it just like Texas A&M does because they're REALLY good at what they do (whether you like 'em or not), and they impress with how they execute their shows) In the Big 10, the Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan (less and less) and Purdue bands get the fans excited. The rest? Again, polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because high step is fast, when done well it's impressive, and it's energetic. The walking dead bands (that's what they look like to me) just don't generate any excitement or enthusiasm.

Another factor is Cal's uniform is by far the class of the Pac. I mean, it's not even close. Again, it's closer to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue than anyone else in the Pac. Class is class.

And Cal takes second place to NO other school in number of songs. So what's the difference?

It's size. It's not the fact that Cal is not all brass because if they had numbers, there would be no problem with volume. It's just that Cal Band is small compared to other bands. But, they are also one of only two bands that are student run, and they just don't have funds or support like other bands. They do (almost) the best they can with what they have. (I say "almost") because they could be better if they wanted. But I don't believe they have the same drive that previous versions of Cal Band had. Again anyone can PM me if they'd like to go into more detail.)

But as I said, I wouldn't trade them for any bands on the west coast. They're simply the class of the Pac. They need numbers, they need brass, and they need to return to some of the things that gave them flash and pizazz not all that long ago (and I'm referring particularly to the percussion section, which was responsible for a lot of the flash and showmanship that the earlier Cal Bands had).

With more numbers the volume will come. But the one thing that has to be remembered is that high step is demanding. And it's hard enouigh to get 150 people to execute it well. Even harder to get greater numbers to do it. My next paragraph will be important regarding this point:

There is a magnificent video on YouTube called (I think) "TBDBITL141:The Movie" It is the story of Ohio State Band's 141st year from start to finish. Anyone interested in seeing how Ohio State creates and maintains their excellence should see this. It's no wonder they're "The Best Damn Band in the Land". But watch this remembering that Ohio State supports their band, and participants get academic credit for being in the band as well. Cal Band does all they do on their own, and that's a hell of a challenge, not to mention they get no academic credit for all they do. So while I am sorry to see Cal Band descending, they do have that reality to deal with.

I'm w/you 100% in everything you say re; the Cal band. Totally 100% agree. I've been watching them since 1963, when I was merely 8 years old & I love 'em! So much so that sometimes - when someone would ask me who my favorite band is my reply is, The Beatles, of course but 2nd fav/best is the Cal band!!

A bit of a story re; OSU's band, the dotting of the i, etc... I attended a game at Horseshoe stadium 20 years ago & bought a postcard of their band to send to my dad. On it, where it said "The best damn band in the land" I lined that out and wrote " The second best damn band in the land"!!! I of course was alluding to Cal's band being the Best Damn Band in the Land! My dad loved it!

the band had a fund raiser to buy new instruments which I understand are sorely needed.

I'm sure if someone donated to the band now, it could be used to buy a new instrument, which will help increase the size of the band

I really appreciate your background knowledge on this. I wanted to add there was also a YouTube video a few years ago on TOSU band drum major competition, not tryouts, but competition to win that position for the coming year that was fascinating and eye-opening.
The 5 or 6 competitors were all amazingly talented in the "high-strut" (whatever it's called?) AND baton twirling and tossing. I was blown away at the level of ability on display and what a huge deal it is to win this position. It was clear to me right then that it's an entirely different world there than here, their full support and our limited or no support to a great extent would explain the difference.
I'll add one more observation; occasionally I'll rewatch the YouTube video of the band when OSU came to Berkeley in 2013. I thought this was the high-water mark for the band in terms of numbers, marching, volume, drum major, program, and they had the motivation of being on the same field as the OSU band. Since then seems as if it's been a gradual decline, my view anyway.

TomBear said:

---

I understand your points, Philly. Here's where I'll take issue with you:

Watch the Oregon State band, Arizona Band or Oregon Band, or for that matter any of the other bands besides $C and UW. They generate absolutely NO excitement in the stadium. They get polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because they're slow, show no energy, and are generally boring. SC gets by with it just like Texas A&M does because they're REALLY good at what they do (whether you like 'em or not), and they impress with how they execute their shows) In the Big 10, the Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan (less and less) and Purdue bands get the fans excited. The rest? Again, polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because high step is fast, when done well it's impressive, and it's energetic. The walking dead bands (that's what they look like to me) just don't generate any excitement or enthusiasm.

Another factor is Cal's uniform is by far the class of the Pac. I mean, it's not even close. Again, it's closer to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue than anyone else in the Pac. Class is class.

And Cal takes second place to NO other school in number of songs. So what's the difference?

It's size. It's not the fact that Cal is not all brass because if they had numbers, there would be no problem with volume. It's just that Cal Band is small compared to other bands. But, they are also one of only two bands that are student run, and they just don't have funds or support like other bands. They do (almost) the best they can with what they have. (I say "almost") because they could be better if they wanted. But I don't believe they have the same drive that previous versions of Cal Band had. Again anyone can PM me if they'd like to go into more detail.)

But as I said, I wouldn't trade them for any bands on the west coast. They're simply the class of the Pac. They need numbers, they need brass, and they need to return to some of the things that gave them flash and pizazz not all that long ago (and I'm referring particularly to the percussion section, which was responsible for a lot of the flash and showmanship that the earlier Cal Bands had).

With more numbers the volume will come. But the one thing that has to be remembered is that high step is demanding. And it's hard enouigh to get 150 people to execute it well. Even harder to get greater numbers to do it. My next paragraph will be important regarding this point:

There is a magnificent video on YouTube called (I think) "TBDBITL141:The Movie" It is the story of Ohio State Band's 141st year from start to finish. Anyone interested in seeing how Ohio State creates and maintains their excellence should see this. It's no wonder they're "The Best Damn Band in the Land". But watch this remembering that Ohio State supports their band, and participants get academic credit for being in the band as well. Cal Band does all they do on their own, and that's a hell of a challenge, not to mention they get no academic credit for all they do. So while I am sorry to see Cal Band descending, they do have that reality to deal with.

---

My take....about your take. lol

Uniforms. Class of the Pac and probably tied with tOSUmb.

TBDBITL: The Movie. Watched it. Its great. There are also many videos on them practicing which are quite fun to watch.

I will offer my standard offering that this is in no way about the kids. They do what they do with what they have. It ain't much. I totally get that.

So - Utah, CU, OSU, Oregon, Wazzo, ASU, UA and the god awful Stanfurd Band. Totally agree. They don't inspire much. But seriously, just because they are our "rivals" doesn't mean we can't let the truth have its day and say that UW, USC and UCLA have a better sound or that they don't inspire their fans. They do.

Simply saying that the kids do it all on their own and are thereby better than the 3 bands listed above doesn't mean they are better. As for inspiring - well, the hard look at that shows that our Band, because of corporate interests, can't seem to get the opportunity TO inspire. Because they don't play when they should.

Are they the class of the PAC12? they're top 4 to be sure. But UCLA, SC and UW are much better in terms of sound, keeping their form and inspiring. I mean, are you saying that Tribute to Troy doesn't inspire you to hate them more? Or Sons of Westwood doesn't inspire more hatred for the UCLA Band for stealing our song? I think we should just call it like it is. I love our band. They do their best. But doing their best doesn't mean their top of the league.

Fun first game week for the Cal BAnD bASSES! @CalBand #CalBand #GoBears pic.twitter.com/f9Et4hSJBd

— CAL BAnD bASSES (@calbandbasses) September 6, 2022

philly1121 said:

---

TomBear said:

---

I understand your points, Philly. Here's where I'll take issue with you:

Watch the Oregon State band, Arizona Band or Oregon Band, or for that matter any of the other bands besides $C and UW. They generate absolutely NO excitement in the stadium. They get polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because they're slow, show no energy, and are generally boring. SC gets by with it just like Texas A&M does because they're REALLY good at what they do (whether you like 'em or not), and they impress with how they execute their shows) In the Big 10, the Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan (less and less) and Purdue bands get the fans excited. The rest? Again, polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because high step is fast, when done well it's impressive, and it's energetic. The walking dead bands (that's what they look like to me) just don't generate any excitement or enthusiasm.

Another factor is Cal's uniform is by far the class of the Pac. I mean, it's not even close. Again, it's closer to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue than anyone else in the Pac. Class is class.

And Cal takes second place to NO other school in number of songs. So what's the difference?

It's size. It's not the fact that Cal is not all brass because if they had numbers, there would be no problem with volume. It's just that Cal Band is small compared to other bands. But, they are also one of only two bands that are student run, and they just don't have funds or support like other bands. They do (almost) the best they can with what they have. (I say "almost") because they could be better if they wanted. But I don't believe they have the same drive that previous versions of Cal Band had. Again anyone can PM me if they'd like to go into more detail.)

But as I said, I wouldn't trade them for any bands on the west coast. They're simply the class of the Pac. They need numbers, they need brass, and they need to return to some of the things that gave them flash and pizazz not all that long ago (and I'm referring particularly to the percussion section, which was responsible for a lot of the flash and showmanship that the earlier Cal Bands had).

With more numbers the volume will come. But the one thing that has to be remembered is that high step is demanding. And it's hard enouigh to get 150 people to execute it well. Even harder to get greater numbers to do it. My next paragraph will be important regarding this point:

There is a magnificent video on YouTube called (I think) "TBDBITL141:The Movie" It is the story of Ohio State Band's 141st year from start to finish. Anyone interested in seeing how Ohio State creates and maintains their excellence should see this. It's no wonder they're "The Best Damn Band in the Land". But watch this remembering that Ohio State supports their band, and participants get academic credit for being in the band as well. Cal Band does all they do on their own, and that's a hell of a challenge, not to mention they get no academic credit for all they do. So while I am sorry to see Cal Band descending, they do have that reality to deal with.

---

My take....about your take. lol

Uniforms. Class of the Pac and probably tied with tOSUmb.

TBDBITL: The Movie. Watched it. Its great. There are also many videos on them practicing which are quite fun to watch.

I will offer my standard offering that this is in no way about the kids. They do what they do with what they have. It ain't much. I totally get that.

So - Utah, CU, OSU, Oregon, Wazzo, ASU, UA and the god awful Stanfurd Band. Totally agree. They don't inspire much. But seriously, just because they are our "rivals" doesn't mean we can't let the truth have its day and say that UW, USC and UCLA have a better sound or that they don't inspire their fans. They do.

Simply saying that the kids do it all on their own and are thereby better than the 3 bands listed above doesn't mean they are better. As for inspiring - well, the hard look at that shows that our Band, because of corporate interests, can't seem to get the opportunity TO inspire. Because they don't play when they should.

Are they the class of the PAC12? they're top 4 to be sure. But UCLA, SC and UW are much better in terms of sound, keeping their form and inspiring. I mean, are you saying that Tribute to Troy doesn't inspire you to hate them more? Or Sons of Westwood doesn't inspire more hatred for the UCLA Band for stealing our song? I think we should just call it like it is. I love our band. They do their best. But doing their best doesn't mean their top of the league.

---

I suppose that depends in part on what you define as great. There's the quality of the sound and then there's entertainment value. While I cannot speak to the current entertainment value of the SC and UCLA bands, I can say that it wasn't too long ago that the SC and UCLA bands would put their own fans to sleep. Sure, they sounded great doing it, but no one cared. The Cal Band would elicit louder cheers in LA than their own bands would. Given the lack of enthusiasm from their own fans, it's hard for me to believe that the SC and UCLA bands are more "inspiring" unless you're talking about yawns.

berserkeley said:

---

philly1121 said:

---

TomBear said:

---

I understand your points, Philly. Here's where I'll take issue with you:

Watch the Oregon State band, Arizona Band or Oregon Band, or for that matter any of the other bands besides $C and UW. They generate absolutely NO excitement in the stadium. They get polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because they're slow, show no energy, and are generally boring. SC gets by with it just like Texas A&M does because they're REALLY good at what they do (whether you like 'em or not), and they impress with how they execute their shows) In the Big 10, the Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan (less and less) and Purdue bands get the fans excited. The rest? Again, polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because high step is fast, when done well it's impressive, and it's energetic. The walking dead bands (that's what they look like to me) just don't generate any excitement or enthusiasm.

Another factor is Cal's uniform is by far the class of the Pac. I mean, it's not even close. Again, it's closer to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue than anyone else in the Pac. Class is class.

And Cal takes second place to NO other school in number of songs. So what's the difference?

It's size. It's not the fact that Cal is not all brass because if they had numbers, there would be no problem with volume. It's just that Cal Band is small compared to other bands. But, they are also one of only two bands that are student run, and they just don't have funds or support like other bands. They do (almost) the best they can with what they have. (I say "almost") because they could be better if they wanted. But I don't believe they have the same drive that previous versions of Cal Band had. Again anyone can PM me if they'd like to go into more detail.)

But as I said, I wouldn't trade them for any bands on the west coast. They're simply the class of the Pac. They need numbers, they need brass, and they need to return to some of the things that gave them flash and pizazz not all that long ago (and I'm referring particularly to the percussion section, which was responsible for a lot of the flash and showmanship that the earlier Cal Bands had).

With more numbers the volume will come. But the one thing that has to be remembered is that high step is demanding. And it's hard enouigh to get 150 people to execute it well. Even harder to get greater numbers to do it. My next paragraph will be important regarding this point:

There is a magnificent video on YouTube called (I think) "TBDBITL141:The Movie" It is the story of Ohio State Band's 141st year from start to finish. Anyone interested in seeing how Ohio State creates and maintains their excellence should see this. It's no wonder they're "The Best Damn Band in the Land". But watch this remembering that Ohio State supports their band, and participants get academic credit for being in the band as well. Cal Band does all they do on their own, and that's a hell of a challenge, not to mention they get no academic credit for all they do. So while I am sorry to see Cal Band descending, they do have that reality to deal with.

---

My take....about your take. lol

Uniforms. Class of the Pac and probably tied with tOSUmb.

TBDBITL: The Movie. Watched it. Its great. There are also many videos on them practicing which are quite fun to watch.

I will offer my standard offering that this is in no way about the kids. They do what they do with what they have. It ain't much. I totally get that.

So - Utah, CU, OSU, Oregon, Wazzo, ASU, UA and the god awful Stanfurd Band. Totally agree. They don't inspire much. But seriously, just because they are our "rivals" doesn't mean we can't let the truth have its day and say that UW, USC and UCLA have a better sound or that they don't inspire their fans. They do.

Simply saying that the kids do it all on their own and are thereby better than the 3 bands listed above doesn't mean they are better. As for inspiring - well, the hard look at that shows that our Band, because of corporate interests, can't seem to get the opportunity TO inspire. Because they don't play when they should.

Are they the class of the PAC12? they're top 4 to be sure. But UCLA, SC and UW are much better in terms of sound, keeping their form and inspiring. I mean, are you saying that Tribute to Troy doesn't inspire you to hate them more? Or Sons of Westwood doesn't inspire more hatred for the UCLA Band for stealing our song? I think we should just call it like it is. I love our band. They do their best. But doing their best doesn't mean their top of the league.

---

I suppose that depends in part on what you define as great. There's the quality of the sound and then there's entertainment value. While I cannot speak to the current entertainment value of the SC and UCLA bands, I can say that it wasn't too long ago that the SC and UCLA bands would put their own fans to sleep. Sure, they sounded great doing it, but no one cared. The Cal Band would elicit louder cheers in LA than their own bands would. Given the lack of enthusiasm from their own fans, it's hard for me to believe that the SC and UCLA bands are more "inspiring" unless you're talking about yawns.

---

I really don't know what that means "no one cared". Are you saying you know what the LA or UW fans care about with regard to their own band more than their own fans do? Also, its quite obvious that no one at the Admin level cares about our band otherwise it would be better run.

philly1121 said:

---

berserkeley said:

---

philly1121 said:

---

TomBear said:

---

I understand your points, Philly. Here's where I'll take issue with you:

Watch the Oregon State band, Arizona Band or Oregon Band, or for that matter any of the other bands besides $C and UW. They generate absolutely NO excitement in the stadium. They get polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because they're slow, show no energy, and are generally boring. SC gets by with it just like Texas A&M does because they're REALLY good at what they do (whether you like 'em or not), and they impress with how they execute their shows) In the Big 10, the Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan (less and less) and Purdue bands get the fans excited. The rest? Again, polite applause, and that's it. Why? Because high step is fast, when done well it's impressive, and it's energetic. The walking dead bands (that's what they look like to me) just don't generate any excitement or enthusiasm.

Another factor is Cal's uniform is by far the class of the Pac. I mean, it's not even close. Again, it's closer to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue than anyone else in the Pac. Class is class.

And Cal takes second place to NO other school in number of songs. So what's the difference?

It's size. It's not the fact that Cal is not all brass because if they had numbers, there would be no problem with volume. It's just that Cal Band is small compared to other bands. But, they are also one of only two bands that are student run, and they just don't have funds or support like other bands. They do (almost) the best they can with what they have. (I say "almost") because they could be better if they wanted. But I don't believe they have the same drive that previous versions of Cal Band had. Again anyone can PM me if they'd like to go into more detail.)

But as I said, I wouldn't trade them for any bands on the west coast. They're simply the class of the Pac. They need numbers, they need brass, and they need to return to some of the things that gave them flash and pizazz not all that long ago (and I'm referring particularly to the percussion section, which was responsible for a lot of the flash and showmanship that the earlier Cal Bands had).

With more numbers the volume will come. But the one thing that has to be remembered is that high step is demanding. And it's hard enouigh to get 150 people to execute it well. Even harder to get greater numbers to do it. My next paragraph will be important regarding this point:

There is a magnificent video on YouTube called (I think) "TBDBITL141:The Movie" It is the story of Ohio State Band's 141st year from start to finish. Anyone interested in seeing how Ohio State creates and maintains their excellence should see this. It's no wonder they're "The Best Damn Band in the Land". But watch this remembering that Ohio State supports their band, and participants get academic credit for being in the band as well. Cal Band does all they do on their own, and that's a hell of a challenge, not to mention they get no academic credit for all they do. So while I am sorry to see Cal Band descending, they do have that reality to deal with.

---

My take....about your take. lol

Uniforms. Class of the Pac and probably tied with tOSUmb.

TBDBITL: The Movie. Watched it. Its great. There are also many videos on them practicing which are quite fun to watch.

I will offer my standard offering that this is in no way about the kids. They do what they do with what they have. It ain't much. I totally get that.

So - Utah, CU, OSU, Oregon, Wazzo, ASU, UA and the god awful Stanfurd Band. Totally agree. They don't inspire much. But seriously, just because they are our "rivals" doesn't mean we can't let the truth have its day and say that UW, USC and UCLA have a better sound or that they don't inspire their fans. They do.

Simply saying that the kids do it all on their own and are thereby better than the 3 bands listed above doesn't mean they are better. As for inspiring - well, the hard look at that shows that our Band, because of corporate interests, can't seem to get the opportunity TO inspire. Because they don't play when they should.

Are they the class of the PAC12? they're top 4 to be sure. But UCLA, SC and UW are much better in terms of sound, keeping their form and inspiring. I mean, are you saying that Tribute to Troy doesn't inspire you to hate them more? Or Sons of Westwood doesn't inspire more hatred for the UCLA Band for stealing our song? I think we should just call it like it is. I love our band. They do their best. But doing their best doesn't mean their top of the league.

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I suppose that depends in part on what you define as great. There's the quality of the sound and then there's entertainment value. While I cannot speak to the current entertainment value of the SC and UCLA bands, I can say that it wasn't too long ago that the SC and UCLA bands would put their own fans to sleep. Sure, they sounded great doing it, but no one cared. The Cal Band would elicit louder cheers in LA than their own bands would. Given the lack of enthusiasm from their own fans, it's hard for me to believe that the SC and UCLA bands are more "inspiring" unless you're talking about yawns.

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I really don't know what that means "no one cared". Are you saying you know what the LA or UW fans care about with regard to their own band more than their own fans do? Also, its quite obvious that no one at the Admin level cares about our band otherwise it would be better run.

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I made no mention of UW. I said the LA schools' fans do not particularly seem to be entertained by their respective bands.

Warning, this is long, because I feel very passionately about Cal Band:

Philly, Cal Band is totally student run. That's part of the problem now. I suspect few current members have much knowledge about what Cal Band was like when it was really great. Some may not even have been born yet.

But student run means all the credit for whatever excellence they provide goes to the students themselves, and in that way I think it's very cool. When school's try to control bands, then the freedom to do what they want is stifled. (Hmmmm, please note that D.C.) But I am very unhappy with the reception some former bandsmen got when trying to help the (then) current band members understand what made Cal Band (particularly percussion) so great and different from the other bands before their time. Apparently, they just didn't want to be told anything about past Cal Bands (at least those who were approached). This goes to what some former members think is their becoming internally "self-centric" rather than becoming externally "crowd centric".

I can fully backup those who claim some of the bigger and louder bands put their team's fans "to sleep" during their pregame and/or halftime shows. With the exception of the UW Band, the other bands are slow (like watching zombies) and just aren't stimulating in their shows. Ironically, a band I hate, but respect (the $C Band) does some pretty good things. And like the Texas A&M band, they do what they do well, so they do get some enthusiasm from their fans. UW Band gets some enthusiasm too. But UW Band patterns itself after Cal Band, so even though their uniforms look like pajamas, they perform well. As for the rest of the Pac bands? Meh.

Cal Band's pregame is maybe the best in the nation. tOSUmb (tbdbitl) is different but really dramatic and really well received by the Buckeye Faithful. It's way different than Cal, but is unique and just done to such precision and perfection, you can't help but admire them. Penn State has an awesome entrance that actually incorporates the student section. Texas A&M is just awesome, even though they are slow. But the A&M band is simply the best at drum and bugle corp style and they have totally won over the crowds by being so precise and detailed. The "Fighting' Aggie Band" is just full of pride and it shows in all they do. I've been to a few A&M viewing parties, and when that band is shown, everyone goes crazy with traditional A&M "woots".And we all know the reputation the HBCU bands have. You certainly can't say they are boring!

Cal Band has, recently, gotten into a rut of just doing "tribute to pop culture" halftime shows, and I don't think the student section even does the "Cal Band Great!" yell as they come off the field at halftime anymore. Someone else can correct me on that if I'm wrong, but I don't recall hearing it for a few years now, and I think it's because Cal Band's halftime shows have become mostly predictable, where (as an example) Ohio State's halftime shows are incredible and far less predictable. In fairness, tOSUmb does a fair amount of tributes too. But man, their on field marching and imaginative ideas are fun, not just for the band members, and not just for the student section, but for EVERYONE in the stadium. Former Cal Bandsmen I've talked with think it's because Cal Band has become self centric in what they want to do, rather than crowd-centric, as former bands had been. I can't say for sure because I have pretty much lost all contact I had with Cal Band in recent years. To be honest, I kind of gave up after people I know told me about the reception they got when trying to help the band get back to it's past excellence.

But there's no question most of the bands in the Pac get a rather "ho hum" reception during their halftime performances, and some get a slightly enthusiastic applause as they take the field for pregame. As was pointed out, other bands may be louder, but they're also boring. Part of the reason for a band is not just for sound (and playing school songs), it's for entertainment value. Cal Band's been squashed from doing things in the stands by the marketing department, and for all I know that may have been what led to the decline in their formerly imaginative halftime shows. Maybe they just gave up.The history of Cal Band is full of memorable shows, and every once in a while (these days) they get one or two that show some creativity. But nothing like what they used to do, where every week you wondered "what are they going to come up with this time"? There is a history book about Cal Band and in it are pics of some of the most imaginative shows they have done. One of my favorites (and one of the last imaginative ones) was actually done by the Cal Alumni Band. When Bruce Snyder left Cal for ASU, the Cal Alumni Band took the field and in honor of Bruce's leaving Cal, but "B.S." on the field, Then changed the "S" to $, thereby making what you saw on the field say "B.$.". The crowd loved it! These days it's more like "who are they going to salute (tribute to) this time", followed by "I'm gonna make a beer run, you want one?"

Cal Band does a really nice post-game presentation on field, but sadly, very few people stay for it anymore. To me, their pregame and postgame march in (and out) of the stadium are the highlight of their performances now. But I recommend staying after the game for a half hour or so to see and hear their postgame presentation. By doing that, you let most of the traffic get out of the way, and you'll hear some great Cal songs, and hear them really well because by then the crowd is mostly out of the stadium and the volume is no longer an issue. And there's just something special about watching them exit the field playing "Lights Out". Give me chills every time.

I don't know how you can fix this. I'd like to think they care enough to hear the criticism. But maybe they don't even hear it. And these days, seems like many kids can't take criticism without taking it personally or defensively. (Remember, it was criticism of the old Cal Band of the early '50s (Rose Bowl) that led to the band deciding to take on the Ohio State model and try to be as good as they are. Even the local press criticized the (then) Cal Band because they were like the majority of bands in the Pac now. When the Ohio State Band took the field, they completely showed up the Cal Band. They were spirited, precise, had great uniforms, and they marched faster than Cal's backfield. The students, the faculty, the press, everyone there saw the gap between the bands, and that's when the criticism started. So, Cal Band listened, learned, and changed into pretty much the band you see today. They were modeled after the Ohio State Band and tried to be "as good as" tbdbitl". For man years they were pretty close. They're still sort of close, but fading more and more as the gap becomes more noticeable.)

Like I've said before, Cal Band is the best in the Pac, in my opinion. In fact, I think they're the best in the west. I wouldn't trade them for any band, in any conference west of the B1G. But if you gave some of the B1G (notably Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, or Wisconsin bands) Cal's traditions and songs, they'd do it better than Cal Band because it means more to them, I think. Or at least that's how it appears to me.

Well, I certainly take what you're saying to heart. Alot I agree with. Some I do not. I think when I was there in the early 90's, the Band was more dynamic. They were certainly more appreciated than they are today.

But I see what I see. All the points you raised about fan support, lack of institutional support, and their willingness to listen to criticism are all valid. I would argue that these are reasons why the Band is less impressive today than 10-15 years ago.

Good post. We shall agree to disagree.

CAL has a so-so band. They haven't done much since the seventies. As opposed to the usc and ucla bands, when the CAL band is facing away from you you can't hear them. They need to grow the band. It's quite small compared to other bands.

HateRed said:

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CAL has a so-so band. They haven't done much since the seventies. As opposed to the usc and ucla bands, when the CAL band is facing away from you you can't hear them. They need to grow the band. It's quite small compared to other bands.

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You need a new pair of blue and gold glasses.

Apparently, you haven't been reading the previous posts. Regarding the band, that's my opinion. And, an opinion is neither right or wrong, it's just an opinion.

You are 100% correct re; the Cal band & it's history. And their creative halftime shows were awesome. In 1968 they did a phenomenal halftime show - having 4 band members be the Beatles & playing 5-6 Beatles songs. Nearly the entire stadium crowd was singing along. Was really awesome - very creative. Has been along time since they've done anything comparable.

Dgoldnbaer said:

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You are 100% correct re; the Cal band & it's history. And their creative halftime shows were awesome. In 1968 they did a phenomenal halftime show - having 4 band members be the Beatles & playing 5-6 Beatles songs. Nearly the entire stadium crowd was singing along. Was really awesome - very creative. Has been along time since they've done anything comparable.

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They did a random boy band tribute a couple of years ago and left the field to a very creative silent affirmation of the wonderfulacousness of the program.

Pretty close.

TomBear said:

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Warning, this is long, because I feel very passionately about Cal Band:

Philly, Cal Band is totally student run. That's part of the problem now. I suspect few current members have much knowledge about what Cal Band was like when it was really great. Some may not even have been born yet.

But student run means all the credit for whatever excellence they provide goes to the students themselves, and in that way I think it's very cool. When school's try to control bands, then the freedom to do what they want is stifled. (Hmmmm, please note that D.C.) But I am very unhappy with the reception some former bandsmen got when trying to help the (then) current band members understand what made Cal Band (particularly percussion) so great and different from the other bands before their time. Apparently, they just didn't want to be told anything about past Cal Bands (at least those who were approached). This goes to what some former members think is their becoming internally "self-centric" rather than becoming externally "crowd centric".

I can fully backup those who claim some of the bigger and louder bands put their team's fans "to sleep" during their pregame and/or halftime shows. With the exception of the UW Band, the other bands are slow (like watching zombies) and just aren't stimulating in their shows. Ironically, a band I hate, but respect (the $C Band) does some pretty good things. And like the Texas A&M band, they do what they do well, so they do get some enthusiasm from their fans. UW Band gets some enthusiasm too. But UW Band patterns itself after Cal Band, so even though their uniforms look like pajamas, they perform well. As for the rest of the Pac bands? Meh.

Cal Band's pregame is maybe the best in the nation. tOSUmb (tbdbitl) is different but really dramatic and really well received by the Buckeye Faithful. It's way different than Cal, but is unique and just done to such precision and perfection, you can't help but admire them. Penn State has an awesome entrance that actually incorporates the student section. Texas A&M is just awesome, even though they are slow. But the A&M band is simply the best at drum and bugle corp style and they have totally won over the crowds by being so precise and detailed. The "Fighting' Aggie Band" is just full of pride and it shows in all they do. I've been to a few A&M viewing parties, and when that band is shown, everyone goes crazy with traditional A&M "woots".And we all know the reputation the HBCU bands have. You certainly can't say they are boring!

Cal Band has, recently, gotten into a rut of just doing "tribute to pop culture" halftime shows, and I don't think the student section even does the "Cal Band Great!" yell as they come off the field at halftime anymore. Someone else can correct me on that if I'm wrong, but I don't recall hearing it for a few years now, and I think it's because Cal Band's halftime shows have become mostly predictable, where (as an example) Ohio State's halftime shows are incredible and far less predictable. In fairness, tOSUmb does a fair amount of tributes too. But man, their on field marching and imaginative ideas are fun, not just for the band members, and not just for the student section, but for EVERYONE in the stadium. Former Cal Bandsmen I've talked with think it's because Cal Band has become self centric in what they want to do, rather than crowd-centric, as former bands had been. I can't say for sure because I have pretty much lost all contact I had with Cal Band in recent years. To be honest, I kind of gave up after people I know told me about the reception they got when trying to help the band get back to it's past excellence.

But there's no question most of the bands in the Pac get a rather "ho hum" reception during their halftime performances, and some get a slightly enthusiastic applause as they take the field for pregame. As was pointed out, other bands may be louder, but they're also boring. Part of the reason for a band is not just for sound (and playing school songs), it's for entertainment value. Cal Band's been squashed from doing things in the stands by the marketing department, and for all I know that may have been what led to the decline in their formerly imaginative halftime shows. Maybe they just gave up.The history of Cal Band is full of memorable shows, and every once in a while (these days) they get one or two that show some creativity. But nothing like what they used to do, where every week you wondered "what are they going to come up with this time"? There is a history book about Cal Band and in it are pics of some of the most imaginative shows they have done. One of my favorites (and one of the last imaginative ones) was actually done by the Cal Alumni Band. When Bruce Snyder left Cal for ASU, the Cal Alumni Band took the field and in honor of Bruce's leaving Cal, but "B.S." on the field, Then changed the "S" to $, thereby making what you saw on the field say "B.$.". The crowd loved it! These days it's more like "who are they going to salute (tribute to) this time", followed by "I'm gonna make a beer run, you want one?"

Cal Band does a really nice post-game presentation on field, but sadly, very few people stay for it anymore. To me, their pregame and postgame march in (and out) of the stadium are the highlight of their performances now. But I recommend staying after the game for a half hour or so to see and hear their postgame presentation. By doing that, you let most of the traffic get out of the way, and you'll hear some great Cal songs, and hear them really well because by then the crowd is mostly out of the stadium and the volume is no longer an issue. And there's just something special about watching them exit the field playing "Lights Out". Give me chills every time.

I don't know how you can fix this. I'd like to think they care enough to hear the criticism. But maybe they don't even hear it. And these days, seems like many kids can't take criticism without taking it personally or defensively. (Remember, it was criticism of the old Cal Band of the early '50s (Rose Bowl) that led to the band deciding to take on the Ohio State model and try to be as good as they are. Even the local press criticized the (then) Cal Band because they were like the majority of bands in the Pac now. When the Ohio State Band took the field, they completely showed up the Cal Band. They were spirited, precise, had great uniforms, and they marched faster than Cal's backfield. The students, the faculty, the press, everyone there saw the gap between the bands, and that's when the criticism started. So, Cal Band listened, learned, and changed into pretty much the band you see today. They were modeled after the Ohio State Band and tried to be "as good as" tbdbitl". For man years they were pretty close. They're still sort of close, but fading more and more as the gap becomes more noticeable.)

Like I've said before, Cal Band is the best in the Pac, in my opinion. In fact, I think they're the best in the west. I wouldn't trade them for any band, in any conference west of the B1G. But if you gave some of the B1G (notably Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, or Wisconsin bands) Cal's traditions and songs, they'd do it better than Cal Band because it means more to them, I think. Or at least that's how it appears to me.

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Thanks for the great post.

Agree about the post game performances. Same is true with the Strawhat Band (and Dance team) after basketball games.

I also love the march up to Memorial after the Sproul Rally. Highly recommended for anyone who haven't walked up with the band