To start off, I am not officially representing the band in any way, form, or fashion. I was not told to write this article by anyone affiliated with the Pride of the South, and my purpose is not to bash anyone for any past comments that may or may have not been made. It was fully my decision to write this article. The Pride of the South and all its entities works countless hours to give a good image to the university, its alumni, its students, and its fans. Their work seems to go unnoticed all too often, and that is something that simply cannot happen. Maybe after reading this article, people will respect the members of the band and everything they do just a little more.
The following gameday weekend schedule came directly from a member of Pride of the South. Under the current situation involving the band, he wishes to remain anonymous.
Friday:
4:00 PM- 4:15 PM
Start of rehearsal. All band members participate in a 15 minute warm-up.
4:15 PM- 6:00 PM
All band members report to the practice field. On-field conditions vary daily. This semester, the average temperature around this time every day has been about 90 degrees. Main objectives for this time period include: learning and memorizing new music, plotting of new marching moves, tedious repetition of these moves, multiple run-throughs of all moves learned that day, multiple run-throughs of a whole show (three songs), and multiple run-throughs of all shows (four shows). For just under two hours, all this must be done while carrying an instrument at a 10 degree angle that weighs about as much as a full backpack, in 90 degree heat with no breaks.
6:00 PM
Gameday itinerary is reviewed by all students. Typical itinerary includes specific times to be in designated places. (More on that in a second.)
6:30 PM
Band members leave the band hall and return to their homes.
Roughly 7:00 PM
Band members must prepare their accessories to be as presentable as possible for gameday. All instruments must be waxed to have a good shine in the stadium, shoes must be cleaned and polished (have you ever tried to polish white shoes?), and uniforms must look neatly pressed.
Roughly 8:00 PM
Band members finally have free time to do as they please. After four grueling hours of hard work, the urge to go out is almost nonexistent. Besides, they must be in the Grove at 9 AM for the Walk of Champions.
Saturday:
8:00 AM
Band members wake up and eat a good breakfast. Without a good breakfast with plenty of water, it is almost guaranteed that they will pass out later that day.
8:30 AM
Band members put their uniforms on and go to the Grove.
9:00 AM- 9:30 AM
Band members begin warm-up and play multiple songs as the football team walks by.
10:00 AM- 10:25 AM
Band plays their pregame concert in the Grove.
10:25 AM- 11:00 AM
Band members march from the Grove to the stadium. Wear a wool uniform for just 5 minutes, and your body feels like it is melting. Try doing it for 6 or 7 hours.
11:05 AM
Band marches into stadium and performs the pregame show.
11:21 AM
Kickoff of the game. Band rushes to their seats in the southeast corner of the stadium (where the sun is beaming down on members the entire length of the game; still wearing wool uniforms.) Band plays previously learned songs for the fans and players to feed off of.
Roughly 12:00 PM
Band goes back onto the field and performs a different show. (Still wearing wool uniforms.)
Roughly 12:30 PM
Band goes back into the bleachers and plays some more. (While wearing wool uniforms.)
Roughly 2:00 PM
Game ends, and the band stays in the stadium long after most fans and play three or four different songs.
Roughly 2:45 PM
Band members finally return home to take off the now soaked wool uniform. Uniform must be cleaned of any dirt or dust, and instruments and shoes must be wiped down.
Roughly 3:00 PM
Free from band activities for the day. However, the urge to go out is very minimal after strenuous physical activity for seven hours.
This rough estimate of a schedule is obviously not one that anyone would wish to partake; most people would rather be partying on the weekends. The Friday schedule is exactly how it is each and every day of the week. Granted, it is a band member’s choice whether or not to be in band. In fact, many band members do not receive any form of scholarship. They go through these incredibly long days just to earn respect for not only themselves and the band, but for the university. The least we could do is be a bit more respectful for their mission: “to be the center of school spirit at athletic and other University-related events, while giving the student an opportunity to participate in a large and important activity on campus… to enjoy our involvement with the U of M Band through striving for excellence with other fine people while representing the university.” We have a very talented band. Why not appreciate what they do? Chances are you know someone in the band. Show your appreciation to them. If you feel so inclined, donate to the band. If you do not want to do either of those things, the least you could do is give them the respect that they fully deserve.
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