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RCS07 Junior

Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Posts: 359
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Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 2:03 pm Post subject: |
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| meff wrote: | | The members were strongly encouraged by the band leadership to not do so. |
This was the impression I was under. I spoke with some band members while I was working for UMass as to why there wasn't a Hockey Band. One cited this reason. The others had no idea that there was even a desire to have a Hockey Band but would have loved the opportunity to play in it if it ever formed. |
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Jeff93 Junior
Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 742 Location: Auburn, MA
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Jackman wrote: | | What's the deal with Thom Hannum? Did he not want to be the band director? |
That is what I had heard from some folks closer to the inner workings of the band than I am these days. |
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Berkman Hall of Fame
Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 3730 Location: The Berkshires
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 9:10 am Post subject: |
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^
I spoke to a good source at the luncheon last Wed. and was told that initially he did not think that he wanted the position but he had reconsidered after filling in for the rest of the FB season. He did have an interview and was not picked. Also I asked about the director at Delaware and also interviewed but not selected. I thought for sure that this person would be the leading candidate. |
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RCS07 Junior

Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Posts: 359
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 10:50 am Post subject: |
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The band alumni are really riled up over the new director. There was quite a lot of anger on their facebook page after the selection was announced. I think I made a gift to the new Band Building and got on their email list because I just received this in my inbox.
| Quote: | Dear Alumni & Friends,
Over the past couple of weeks, the UMass Marching Band program experienced changes that have resulted in a major leadership transition, and the possibility of an unsure future for the band. In response, earlier this week, an Ad-Hoc Committee of the Minuteman Band Alumni Association met to discuss how our extended family could most effectively support the Band.
We decided that it is imperative to focus our collective passion. While Facebook is an amazing communication tool that allows individuals to post, it does not offer any one avenue for gathering information from a large group. You will soon receive an email from me, and this Ad-Hoc Committee, asking you to complete an important survey. We seek to gather vital, objective data and feedback to support the continued mission and life of our beloved band. This data needs to be understood outside the context of the collective experiences that we share as alumni and friends of the Power and Class.
This is a critical time for the band program at UMass and we need now more than ever to join ranks and give a unified voice to our thoughts, opinions and suggestions. We seek only to ensure the band’s continued success. The results of this survey will be presented not only to the UMass administration in Amherst, but also to the Board of Trustees in Boston. As band alumni, we represent a very strong and powerful group within the greater alumni association and our unified voice needs to be heard and considered when shaping the future of the UMass Minuteman Band.
I hope you’ll help to continue the strong legacy of band alumni around the world by completing the survey and completing it as soon as you possibly can. Without a doubt, at this moment, one of the most important things we can do to honor our shared legacy is to “step-off together.”
With Pride,
Keith Paul
Minuteman Band Alumni Association |
From what I could gather from the facebook page, Keith Paul has taken a hardline stance against this hire. A lot of other band alumni seem much more open to it.
I'm not sure what to make of this email. I hope it is just a chance to gauge the community's reaction.
Can anyone offer insight? |
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Jackman Senior

Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1974
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 10:59 am Post subject: |
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I have no connection with the band whatsoever, but from what I've read it sounds like there's a lot of suspicion and distrust between the marching band and the music department, and the bandos are interpreting this hire from outside the UMMB family as an attempt by the music department to seize greater control over the band and the new building.
For what it is worth, the Fresno State message board is quite fond of their band director and they're disappointed he is leaving for UMass. Very positive about him on a personal level, and he was also involved in fundraising and increasing the size of their band. |
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Old Cage Hall of Fame

Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 5071 Location: The Eastern Provinces
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SignMan Hall of Fame

Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 3188
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:40 am Post subject: |
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I just spoke with my driveway plow guy...his son is in the Marching Band and the Hoops Band and is their equipment guy...does all the set ups @ hoops...
said that the kids all like the new director...good news...
enjoy the Band Game tomorrow nite all...
I'm dropping my tix off with above to give to a band family tomorrow...
reovering here re: medical issue which needs time; but, surgeon "ordered" me to attend game @ Gillette...so, it is an agenda item on the personal calendar. _________________ I'd tell you about my trip to the dentist, but you know the drill. |
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Chris20 Hall of Fame

Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 7357 Location: Springfield
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:19 am Post subject: |
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| Get well and stay well, SignMan. |
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SignMan Hall of Fame

Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 3188
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:32 am Post subject: |
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Thanks...
A handful+ posters can probably figure out what I had done (previous personal chats)...
this is not the forum for that...
Let's say it would sound a bit radical, but long-term necessary caused by a genetic condition which Mayo recently ID'd to the specific gene, and something they had never seen before (time for the Sign Man jokes?)...
The good news is that I am 24 days post-op and the recovery rate even astounds me...albeit limited activities exercise-wise will continue for at least 2 more months...
If near Club section 9 at Gillette, that's where we'll be...
and re: band...
The student's dad said his son also helped them acquire an additional van...found one used/cheap with another State agency, went to the Chancellor and got it...
excellent initiative, IMHO... _________________ I'd tell you about my trip to the dentist, but you know the drill. |
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InnervisionsUMASS Hall of Fame

Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 16394 Location: Milford, MA
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:48 pm Post subject: |
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Get better SignMan!!! _________________ Stop waiting for UMass to do something big and help UMass do something big. - Shades |
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Old Cage Hall of Fame

Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 5071 Location: The Eastern Provinces
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:30 pm Post subject: |
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Ed - No excuses! We NEED the bugle!  _________________ "Jack didn’t have any envy in him," Calipari said. "He was the greatest coach to ever coach here." |
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SignMan Hall of Fame

Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 3188
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 11:39 am Post subject: |
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We need an entire section of bugles!
Thanks for the well-wishes...
The recovery is going amazingly well, likely beyond the best expectations of anything medically imaginable...
My major concern was what I'd be able to eat; and the answer is: EVERYTHING!
We went to Tu Y Yo in Somerville for din last nite and it was awesome as always...a highly recommended venue re: authentic Mexican food...no tacos, no burritos...real Mex food, reasonably priced in a small cafe atmosphere...their homemade Sangria recommended by SM...
May the footballs bounce your way!  _________________ I'd tell you about my trip to the dentist, but you know the drill. |
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69MG Senior
Joined: 06 Feb 2011 Posts: 1638 Location: Western Mass
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 11:53 am Post subject: Sign Man |
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| Ed, glad to hear that your recovery is going well. Looking forward to your enthusiasm and spirit at the games. |
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Old Cage Hall of Fame

Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 5071 Location: The Eastern Provinces
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:13 pm Post subject: |
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Back to the band: the post-game show was loaded with enthusiasm and and a lot of fast movement. The high school bands - who had moved to the home side to watch - loved it.
Someone else is needed to comment on the quality of the music. _________________ "Jack didn’t have any envy in him," Calipari said. "He was the greatest coach to ever coach here." |
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RCS07 Junior

Joined: 18 Oct 2010 Posts: 359
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Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 12:58 pm Post subject: |
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The UMass Facebook page just posted this http://youtu.be/d6hyCOLr8eI
New band director speaks glowingly about George Parks and touches on the future of the program. |
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