Michigan marching band's Texas snub met with social media outcry
The Michigan athletic department made national headlines last week when it painted the social media hashtag "#GoBlue" on the field at Michigan Stadium for the team's annual spring game.
Days later, another Michigan-related hashtag has exploded throughout social media chasms. This time, it's not so warm and fuzzy.
The Michigan marching band performs before the Michigan-Ohio State game in November.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Hundreds of fans, former Michigan athletes and onlookers sent out tweets in support of the band, and firmly against the athletic department's decision to leave them home.
The movement continued Friday, when more than 300 tweets with the hashtag "#MMBtoDallas" were sent between midnight and 4 p.m.
"Favorite Umich memory was band playing for us at practice before first game," former Michigan tight end Bennie Joppru wrote Thursday via Twitter, "gave me chills & still does. Money b4 tradition? WOW."
Michigan spokesman Dave Ablauf said Thursday that the Alabama game is not technically a home game, nor a bowl game, and travel costs for the band will not be allotted in the program's budget for the game.
"We are treating the Cowboys Classic game against Alabama as any other road game," Ablauf wrote in an email. "We do not have a travel allowance for the band like we would for a bowl game.
"They traditionally travel to conference games and our rivalry game against Notre Dame. We have not taken our band on similar trips in the past."
In an interview with the Detroit News on Thursday, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said that the cost of bringing the marching band to Arlington, Texas, for the season opener would run at roughly $400,000.
Brandon told the News he was well aware of the social media outcry, but since the school couldn't swing the large travel cost -- even though the school's athletic department will receive $4.7 million for participation in the event.
That didn't stop the tweeting, though.
"I'm fresh outta 400k $ bills but no Victors in Dallas when we score?" wrote former Michigan kicker Garrett Rivas.
Several other former Michigan athletes voiced their support of the band on Twitter, as well.
Quarterback Drew Henson: "Sad, they'd sound great in the dome."
Basketball player Jalen Rose: "The school gets paid $5m just to participate? #MMBtoDallas."
Safety Cato June: "WHAAAATTT!! ... I am sure (The Victors) will be piped in but not the same feeling."
The Michigan marching band's official Twitter account also made its collective voice heard via social media, tweeting simply:
"'The next time I go into war, I want my band with me!' -- Bo Schembechler."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
BobbyB
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
@Tom Don't you have some lawns to mow? Its springtime, your money making season.....
BobbyB
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
@Tom the tool, 67-30-5, 100 years of DOMINATION, wheres the threat?
friend12
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
If they treating this like any other away game then no special accommodations are being made for university officials and the regents? Are they using the school's private aircraft for this game? Maybe the news reporters should do some digging and see how much is being spent on school personal that wouldn't normally happen at lets say an Iowa game?
Rizzle
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
I know what they can do with the profits from athletics and the endowment. Keep tuition increases in line with CPI instead of the 5-6% increases that get compounded year after year after year.
boo
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 3:56 a.m.
Just got word... The Band is going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
boo
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
It is a fact, the band is going! Dave was told to send them!
Tom
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
So much drama.... Far more than fans will see at the game as Bama has their way with the Walverines.
stevejd66
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
boo: Are you joking, or do you actually know this to be a fact?
boo
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
Michigan, Great University! Great Football program! Great Helmet! Great Band! You just can't separate the four, so why would we want to do this on the largest stage we have played on since the 2006 Ohio State game. The band is the sound that makes all of the great tradition of the University come to life. Someone with much more power and money needs to step in and make this happen! Are you listening Mary Sue????
Duncan Moore
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
This game is about national exposure. It will be a great recruiting tool! Since Michigan is a first rate institution, they need to act like it. This is more than the bottom line on how much it will cost the band to travel. How can you have the the greatest fight song in college football piped in over the PA system rather than having their own band preform it. I find it hard to believe that with Michigan's extensive budget and the roughly $5 million they are getting for preforming in this game they can't scrape up the added cost to have the band preform on a national stage like this game will be. I hope AD Brandon comes to his senses on this.
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Really need a better headline: The band did not snub Texas. Brandon snubbed Texas. Big difference.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Mark Hollis would send the MSU band to Dallas. Will Dave try to blame this on Hollis? Where's the threat?
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
"Michigan football celebrates itself as being the best," BINGO...Brandon isn't delusional. Michigan was CRUSHED in East Lansing with its band....look to the left of my post to see where the Paul Bunyan Trophy has been residing for 4+ years. Terry - Where did you go to school? Did you play in the band there? Where's the threat?
Tom
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
I don't see Michigan's defense as "ever improving". At best they will be the #4 defense in the BIG in 2012 (behind MSU, OSU and UW). It is much better to catch Bama early in the season than late in the season. You guys are in love with "recruiting ranking"...if it really matters the game will be a BLOWOUT!
stevejd66
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
Hey Tommy Troll. You are so confident that this game will be a "Bama Blowout." What leads you to think that the "high school" offense that Bama runs will be able to score on Michigan's ever improving D?
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
Mr. Dominos ALWAYS DELIVERS!
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Mr. Pizzaman makes decisions based on money. He is a pizza empire executive. He made the decision to fire RR based on money. Alumni were very unhappy with RR and consequently donations were in jeopardy, and less money was coming into the program from the losing seasons and lack of bowl games. RR gets the ax. He hires Hoke to improve the program to bring in more money. So far, Hoke has performed well and more money is flowing back to the program. The Alabama game is a good example of an improved Michigan team playing the national champions for $4.7 mil. Now, Mr. Pizzaman makes another business decision based on money. He can sell the band's seats in Dallas for a lot of money. This is like a deluxe pizza without the cheese. If he holds the cheese, he can charge the same amount for an inferior product and make more profit, and call it a "healthy" deluxe. UM gets to play in a premier game, the AD rakes in the big bucks, and the "cheese" stays home. And Mr. Pizzaman brings in even more bucks because he sells the band's seats too!
allergictobs
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
Get with the program Brandon! ND is taking their band to Ireland for a game in September against Navy without giving it a second thought!!! McFly?? We can't take ours to a game 800 miles away against the defending National Champs?
jpud
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
The athletic department is not an autonomous private business. Decisions need to be explained, and subordinates need to be held accountable for their decisions by the Regents and President. Plain and simple, what are you doing with the 4.7 million dollars revenue from the trip to Dallas, and what won't get done if you spend 400,000 of it on the band travel? The University of Michigan remains a public University at this time, and the ELECTED Regents can hold the athletic director accountable for his decisions. If you do not like the behavior of the atheltic director, do not believe there are adequate explanations for decisions like repositioning season ticket holders in crisler for money or not taking the band to save money, then VOTE. If you disagree with his vision to build another stadium for lacrosse and raising salaries for the athletic director and his staff at the expense of increased student, alumni, and donor ticket prices, then VOTE. VOTE. VOTE.
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
"Brandon told the News he was well aware of the social media outcry, but since the school couldn't swing the large travel cost -- even though the school's athletic department will receive $4.7 million for participation in the event." Send Mr. Brandon back to his pizza empire. This is not how things are done at a world class university with a top football program.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
This is not a top football program. Haven't had a sniff of a B10 football championship since Mike Hart was a freshman.
Billi Gordon
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Michigan has one of the best AD in the country. Help him not make a serious mistake by signing the petition below, and share it with 5 friends! Do it for the Michigan band! Do it for Team 133! Do it for the Great Tradition that is Michigan, than includes the Team, The Cheerleaders, The Band, The Crowd, and most of all the legacy that is Michigan, and that we alumni must preserve at all cost! GO BLUE!!!! http://www.change.org/petitions/athletic-director-university-of-michigan-send-the-michigan-band-to-the-alabama-game
Bruce Spears
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
M Go Blue Fans, By the way who will play the MICHIGAN Fight Song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheap Cheap Cheap..this is the first Blunder by the uber Director Brandon..He did not see this coming..Strike One for Brandon....What's next to cut in the budget? It's the Fans - who pay for everything..@ $125.00 per ticket for the Alabama Game? Really? Fans: When The Executives stop listening to the Fans-That's how we ended up Rich rod.. Let's go Blue...over turn this dumb move - work it out and have MICHIGAN represented in Dallas..They should be playing at the big house and not at Jerry Jones House? For the Bone Heads @ the Athletic Dept: Speak Up - Question Authority !!! Bruce
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
You won't have to worry about playing the UM fight song after kickoff. This game could be a shutout...Nick did it to Miles. Les was not more!
Mick52
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Just another snub to Michigan tradition. Pretty soon we will have ads in the stadium pasted all over the wall. Hard to believe Dave Brandon ever played for Michigan.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
He didn't play. He was on the team. His former head coach was anything but "politically correct"... Where's the threat?
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
No doubt these will be ads for pizza.....
tywebb
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
OK so I need to present the actual facts, by ESPN 3/22/12. CMON DAVE REVERSE DECISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are where the Big Ten programs ranked NATIONALLY in profits: 2. Penn State -- $31,619,687.00 3. Michigan -- $26,649,499.00 7. Ohio State -- $18,630,964.00 10. Michigan State -- $13,512,269.00 REVENUES 2. Ohio State -- $131,815,819.00 5. Michigan -- $122,486,490.00 6. Penn State -- $116,118,026.00 12. Wisconsin -- $93,594,766.00 13. Iowa -- $92,903,555.00 EXPENSES 2. Ohio State -- $113,184,855.00 8. Michigan -- $95,836,991.00 9. Wisconsin -- $92,939,345.00 11. Iowa -- $87,607,487.00 13. Penn State -- $84,498,339.00
observer
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
Let the many and I say many rich alumni foot the bill.....also quit your crying and whining.....wait till MSU puts another butt whipping on you too......right after BAMA destroys you, oh is that game not going to end well.....
boo
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 3:53 a.m.
observe, of course sparty knows all too well how a beat down from BAMA feels. We will not know this feeling. Michigan 21- Bama 16. Put it down!
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Don't forget about the impending loss in South Bend! Like Michigan, ND doesn't have a QB either. Where's the threat?
tywebb
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
I think Brandon is an excellent AD, great hires in Hoke and the new womens BBall coach but this is a clear mistake and should be viewed as an exception to the usual away game rule. First game of the year, HUGE national audience against the defendng national champs and you cant justify sending the band??? Millions to UM for playing the game and there was a report recently that UM has one of the most profitable football programs in the country and he is pinching dollars? Didnt they earn something like a 45 million PROFIT last year???? The public outrage MUST SWAY A REVERSAL IN THIS DECISION!!!! Dave, you are good but need to come forth and admit this decision was a mistake and needs to be changed!!!!!!!! Dave, I know you have staff that reads these things so have them respond to me and Ill be at your office in 60 minutes to discuss further!!!!!!!!
Stan Watson
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Tradition ... That is Michigan The band that did the first (and my niece hates this as an OSU grad) script Ohio ... In Ohio Stadium (go ahead look it up!) The band famous for Temptation " and "Hawaiian War Chant" The band known for " Victors" class of 1899 This same dynamic band will not go to Texas to play under the dome. Class - less! David sent the band! Do it for Glenn "Bo" Schembecler Do it for Bob Ufer Do it for Meeechigan Hell, just do it. The band could create a script Alabama and start a new tradition. Maybe do Alabami so coach Carr or even coach Tressel cold dot an "i" ... Start a new tradition!
Stan Watson
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Sorry about the typos ... I was too excited and hit send while editing Errata "send not sent" "could not cold"
jusayin
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
"those who stay will be Champions" -Bo Schembechler "those who stay home will be THE BAND" -David Brandon
jusayin
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
The University of Michigan One of the country"s GREAT Universities One of the country's PROUDEST athletic traditions Home of the BIG HOUSE National attendance RECORDS NOW known for : One of the CRAPPIEST STUPIDEST CHEAPEST most SELFISH decisions EVER MADE!! Go BLUE? ???????????????????????????
A2Momx2
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
Is the Cheerleading Team attending the game?
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.
AnnArbor.com: Very odd- that you didn't create a poll for this article!! That makes one nonsensical decision form U of M and one from you. (LOL!)
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
However you slice it, this decision makes "ZERO SENSE." I wonder if Brandon & Co. are thinking Michigan might get shut out or be humiliated at the hands of Nick Satan and his defending national champions team - that would make the band look ridiculous rather than an icon of Michigan Spirit. But if that were true: then Michigan would never have agreed to play this game in the first place. Run like a business?? Not even close: businesses budget & spend tons of money on advertising. The Michigan Marching Band IS an advertisement!! The MMB is one of the best "advertisements" U of M has!! Fund Raiser: sure, only there must be a deadline for hitting the target amount. What is the deadline? What does AD Brandon say about that? Hail to the Victors - this time, WE can be the Victors if we make getting OUR Michigan Marching Band to Dallas a reality. There are people out there who know how to organize such a fund drive - certainly, some of them are Michigan fans and/or alumni. Lets do this!
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:48 p.m.
I'll pay $20 for a band member to wash my car as a contribution for the trip to Dallas! Would be great to see them put their education to good use! The football game will be a mismatch!
cactus charlie
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
This is a good example of Brandon's arrogance. He schedules this game but does not put one of our wonderful attributes out there for all to see. Amazing that Coleman does not correct this. Also the UM lets Brandon give Borges a $300,000 raise yet the faculty gets2 to 3 per cent. Guess where Coleman puts her emphasis.
Donn Engelhardt
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
The Michigan Band is part of the Michigan family and a big part of tradition. To be snubed for this footballl classic WOW ! The fact that were talking about not taking the Michigan Band to Texas is incredible.
81wolverine
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
I'll echo others sentiments that this is a very bad business decision (aside from the other intangible pluses of having the band there) by someone who was supposed to be a successful CEO at a major corporation. I will argue that U-M would get a much higher economic return with their $400K investment in sending the band to Dallas. Immediate and long term benefits are: 1. Positive effect on recruiting 2. Improved fan experience - not just for the 100K+ people in attendance, but all the millions watching on TV. 3. Enhanced reputation for U-M leading to more and better student applicants. 4. Greater chance of winning the game due to boosting the team's morale. 5. Potentially more donations from alumni from increased pride in the school. 6. Ability to attract talented music students. 7. Stronger affinity to school of students and alums watching the game. Sounds like it would be $400K well spent. Wake up Mr. Brandon and make this happen.
RunsWithScissors
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Sigh. Tempest in a tweet.
David Briegel
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to present The University of Michigan Marching Band. Band, Take The Field!
rideon2112
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
The athletic department, and in particular Brandon, are looking at this strictly as a business decision. The cost of bringing the band vs the cost of selling those tickets. As was reported by local Detroit news outlets the stadium set aside approximately 300 tickets/seats for the U of M marching band for the game. The face value of those tickets is $125. They can sell them for even more if they so choose. Now as a department, you not only have an allotment of tickets that you get as a Universty but you now have an additional 300 tickets to sell at an inflated price and put back into your Athletic department budget. It is all about simple economics to Brandon. Money over tradition. An away game, really? That is your best argument? I can see not taking a full band to say a Northwestern or Minnesota away game but to a national tv opening game against the defending national champ? Wow. A very sad commentary on what he is truly all about. Bottom line $$ leader. I am sure the entourage associated with the athletic department in addition to all Trustees will be making the trip.
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
Exactly. Sell those band seats at the stadium in Texas and make money rather than spend a small portion of the profit from the game to bring the band. This is what happens when a university hires a corporate executive to run an athletic department. MONEY triumphs over tradition in the worst way. Maybe it's time for Mr. Pizzaman to return to his pizza empire where he can continue to use cheaper and cheaper ingredients to make cardboard pizza and charge more money.
Jeff M
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : noon
More social media. http://www.facebook.com/BringUmBandToDallas Like this page. Let's get all Maize N Blue on board!
annarbor28
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:52 a.m.
annarbor.com: why did you remove the comment where the writer said he would donate "five bucks"? I thought it was a nice gesture, although the university can well-afford to pay for the band to go to this game!
Michael DeSimone
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:51 a.m.
Dave, It's like giving the customer a pizza and toppings but leaving off the cheese because it's too expensive. Sure people will buy it, but they won't be happy and it's not really a pizza.
JustfortheRecord
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
these guys will do it for 400 bucks and a bar tab... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NzedfpaNIc&t=0m32s
annarbor28
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
Obviously these guys playing the fight song understand UM better than whatever clowns made the decision to keep the band home to watch the game on TV!
Theo's Brother
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
"Ode to Frankel" Frankel, Frankel, How do you do??? The M-M-B Is part of the team too. Frankel, Frankel, What do you say? Get off your high horse And let the band play! - Dear and Proud Brother of Theodore '12 Just because the band plays popular music doesn't make them a disgrace. It's always been that way. No matter what you think of their special musical selections, the one thing that is always the same and NATIONALLY special from generation to generation....THE VICTORS! Hail.
aarox
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
Hopefully we come to our senses on this. This is a marquis opponent and we need to treat it as such. My guess is that the budgeting folks forgot that we had a serious away non-conference game. So, make it up somewhere else.
Jim Frankel
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
I'm sorry but our band has lost its way. They rely too much on cute skits, dancing girls, recorded music and video to quality as a significant band. I love our football team but, really the band sucks. They are an embarrassment. I'm glad their antics won't be shown on national TV. Torture our local fans with You-Tube video. They should fire the band director and find someone who actually knows about precision marching. Relying on gimmicks and the like are a Rick Rod hangover.
Blue Marker
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
Said by someone that has no idea how much work these kids put in on top of all the schoolwork they have. Keeping it fresh and original is not always easy and perhaps some of the ideas they come up with don't appeal to you Jim. But let me assure you this band doesn't "suck". They are and have been one of the top marching bands in the country. I'll bet you dollars to donuts you couldn't make it through one of their practices. So think a little before you spout off.
aarox
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:16 a.m.
We have the 3rd largest marching band in the state and a powerful sound. I don't think the band 'sucks'. Frankly, we could have the worst band in the big ten and we should still be at this game.
Brandon Angelini
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:56 a.m.
To remain one of the top bands in the nation they cannot keep doing what they've done for years to entertain. They innovate, and try to appeal to today's audience, and if a few of the shows have been flubs who cares, I applaud them for their effort, and look forward to seeing their next show. As for criticism of the marching technique and gimmicks, it brings to light how little you know about modern marching band. Do some research on "Drum Corps International" and you'll find what marching band has evolved into as a sport, involving dance, acrobatics, and otherwise performance of a story, much more than what you call "gimmicks." #MMBtodallas
Theo's Brother
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
Ode to you below, Mr. Frankel.
osubetterthanu
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
Even as a Buckeye alum, this has to happen! The Michigan Marching Band has to be there to make a Big Ten a Victory sound good over the hated SEC. Is Alabamas band going to be there?
Scott Laux
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:17 a.m.
Wow it's pretty bad when even an OSU alum cares more about our tradition and esprit de corp than our AD.
David Dallasite
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
Jerry World is too big of a stage for the country's best marching band not to be included. Alabama fans deserve a full taste of what it means to play the Michigan Wolverines, and it's not the same without the band. I'm paying big money to be at that game and a lot of my friends are as well. I want the band to be there, too - gosh darn it!
TheWay
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
"'The next time I go into war, I want my band with me!' -- Bo Schembechler."
Scott Laux
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.
Great quote. Bo was a true Michigan man. Brandon is proving to be a corporate #@&%^.
TheWay
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Apparently Dave Brandon doesn't "get it". The marching band is as big a part of the Michigan mystique as the winged helmets. If there was EVER an away game you were going to take the band to, THIS is the one.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Apparently UM fans don't get it.... BAMA IS GOING TO CRUSH YOUR FAVORITE TEAM...BAND OR NO BAND!
jusayin
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
C'mon Dave - You're outvoted by a landslide on this. Show some integrity and admit you "allowed" an error in judgement to take place within your dept. and move on ... You can blissfully recite the overwhelming reaction to this as an example of the passion and pride of the M family and it's tradition.
JRW
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
Pizzaman doesn't care about voting. He makes his own decisions, just like he did when he was running his pizza empire. He just doesn't care that universities are different than big corporations in significant ways. Money rules for Mr. Pizzaman!
a2roots
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
It is absolutely ridiculous that the band is not going. Finding the money to send the band should not be a problem. The problem is Brandon who has been on a mission to suck as much money as possible out of the fans. Ticket prices rise every year and are getting to the point where it is impossible for a family to afford season tickets let a lone a game. Our concession prices are outrageous and the food is basically junk all because the University sucks every ounce of blood possible from the concession operators. This is a huge stage and not having the band there is shameful. There is absolutely no valid excuse. Find the money Brandon and MSC. How about using some of that discretionary money that you both use for other bs?
clmish
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
Dave Brandon - As a business decision, leaving the band behind is a poor choice. Is the good will of the Michigan alumni base worth less than or more than $400,000? Let me think..Okay, it's worth More than $400,000. Even now, you can admit you made a mistake, and recover some of the reputation that is being squandered. Do right by the Michigan family. Booking 'Bama in Dallas was brilliant (and lucky), so show some smarts and get on the bandwagon. As an alum with two U of M degrees, make me proud, hundreds of bandmembers happy, and the crazed crowds ecstatic as we strut our stuff in front of a huge audience, not just those paying huge sums to support the team and our university personally at the game. Rewarding your customers never goes unrewarded. You can't buy loyalty, you earn it by doing the right thing by our deserving and hard-working band. You know, come to think of it, they are undefeated whenever they play, except when you take the wind out of their sails. I know, I should get a grip, but I want to feel pride, not shame in my alma mater's treatment of our team and fan bases biggest and most constant acoustic encouragers. Go Blue!
heartbreakM
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
Very eloquently put. Unfortunately, for David Brandon, EVERYTHING is for sale and while it is true that you can't buy loyalty, he is sure trying to not waste money on it. His decision in conjunction with President coleman is shameful and disrespectful to all Michigan alumni and players.
GoBlueGoWing
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
"treating this like a road game" This is going to feel like when UM plays @ Northwestern?
just a voice
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:01 a.m.
those who really want the band there simply need set up a kick starter campaign and pony up the money, i'm sure brandon would bring them if the expense was zero
just a voice
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
wow, what I though would be a easy novel solution by crowd sourcing the funds has gotten all the hate
Arborcomment
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
Then make it truly neutral, no Bama band either. And for what they are charging for tickets there should be bands, coins, mind readers, and clowns.
stevejd66
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
@ranger007: My reaction exactly. How many times do you think the pre-game commentators and the game announcers will discuss this small-minded decision by Brandon. I would suggest that Brandon MUST include the MMB at the game or he is going to look like a complete idiot to one of the "most watched" FB game audiences of the 2012 regular season. We all know that Dave is sitting on $30 million in profits from the last 2 seasons, and the $4.7 million "appearance fee". Don't insult us by saying the Athletic Department can't afford the $400,000 to send the MMB. Admit you made a mistake and do the right thing.
ranger007
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
There will be a clown...dave brandon
a2citizen
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
The bottom line is the bottom line: college sports is a business. Plain and simple. Always has been but unfortunately, now, the business aspect is front and center.
1bit
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
Right and part of making a good business decision is promoting your brand. The MMB promotes the brand in a big way and this is a national stage. Hiring locals to be our band (i.e. the cheap option) will make U of M look like a second class university. As they say, you've got to spend money to make money.
Daniel Medrano
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
This does not sound like the "Leaders and Best" philosophy Mr. Brandon has ascribed to since taking over as AD. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Brandon and what he has brought to the program. I trust he will find a way to make this right and to send the band. We should not let money, especially as the Athletic Department is financially sound, keep the program from doing the right thing here. As a Michigan Alumni, I am planning to make another donation to the Victor's Club before the April 30 deadline. Mr. Brandon, I would be more inclined to donate that amount to a fund to send the Band. I will be in Dallas for the Game. I hope to see the Band in Person. Hail, Hail, Michigan...
Goober
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
BooHoo! "I cannot go out of town on the 'company'! If this is what they want, they should join the General Services Administration.
msula95
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
Not a UM fan in the slightest, but COME ON, some booster organization won't pay for the band to make the trip? I'll be the first to inform the band that they WILL be making the trip to Dallas.
thecompound
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
But really a booster organization shouldn't have to pay....the University should, or whoever is getting the payday off of this game.
dmac
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
Brandon, his staff and other athletic department members should not be allowed to go either (they are non-value added) if the band can't go, unless they pay their way. At least the band adds to the game day experience!! What an embarrassment crying about the money, He ought to be ashamed of himself for saying he can't find it in the budget. Ray-dick-u-less!!!!!!
Dog Guy
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
Hum a few bars and let the Crimson Tide band fake it.
a2girl
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Isn't there a "friends of the band" fund that the athletic department could donate the money to?
Terry Star21
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
With all respect to David Brandon, he needs to spend more time watching the band practice and the hours, extra hours spent perfecting their craft. These games to them are as important as any one of the football players and coaches - this is their reward, a time to shine and show there hard work. The band in turn celebrates the team and fires-up the fans - which n turn fires up the team. Michigan football celebrates itself as be ing the best, the highest standards and best opportunities. The Athletic Department has failed. Do we need the band to spank bama - don't think so. Do we need the band to make Michigan football fans and team happy and to smoke bama - Hail Yes... MgoBlueForTim....please change your mind Mr. Brandon
JDed
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
wonder if he still watches game film with the coaches . . .
Scott Laux
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10 p.m.
For those who don't twitter is there a site or way to protest? maybe alumni should withhold 400K in donations to make a point. Call it the "Brandon tax".
vi4mi4
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
..Bring The Band. Go Blue! v
Scott Laux
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
Mr. Brandon: 1. This is not just any away game. We are playing the national champions in a neutral arena. 2. You are getting 4.7 million to do it. 3. You don't have to bring all 200+ band members. Take fifty and cut the expenses to $100k 4. Alabama has their band. It helps them cheer up the crowd. 5. Without "Hail to the Victors", the crowd will sway to "Bama". 6. You just gave Borges a $300,000 dollar raise. A rude disrespectful, arrogant, valueless, classless decision if their ever was one.
ted
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:38 a.m.
Fire Borges and bring the band with !
TheWay
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Ok, you can't take some of the band and not take all of the band.
Tom
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
Good choice by Brandon...the band most certainly wouldn't have much to cheer about. M is going to get smoked by Coach Satan.
gr82bamichwlvrine
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Tom the troll - If you're looking for historical perspective....when is the last time Alabama beat Michigan? I was there when we beat the Tide at the Orange Bowl the last time they played. I guess you'd have to go back to 1997 to find a Bama win.......and this has WHAT to do with 2012? Nothing. Nor does your stat dump of last year's teams. Much of "Coach Saban's" team will be elsewhere next season. Now crawl back to your Tide, Spartan, or Buckeye board and have a great day.
Nathan Parke
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
Yeah Tom, If Michigan was playing Bama from last year then all those statistics you throwing out may be relevant. Since they are not maybe you should try moving on and giving us reasons it will be ugly. Alabama lost 7 starters on defense, meaning that they will have 7 players starting for the first time against one of the best offenses in the country. Your 28 point prediction is laughable. If your so intrested in the past your little 4 year streak is weak in comparison to the 6 year streak Michigan pryor to the best thing to ever happen to east lansing (RR Hired).
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
Terry - Where did you go to school? Were you a "band jock"? I hope that M fans find Dallas a nice place to visit...but the game is going to be U-G-L-Y! After 184 yards of total offense vs. VaTech, what do you think that the over/under is for yards from scrimmage vs. the defending national champions and best defense in the land? MSU had 8 sacks in the October 15th beat down in East Lansing. The Spartans have a great defense...but it pales in comparison to the Bama defense! This game will be a gross mismatch. Bama is a 14 point favorite and will likely win by 28 points. Dream on! Where's the threat?
Terry Star21
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
Needed a laugh today, funny...lol
MRunner73
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
Great to know that the people are speaking. There is some confusion about who pays the Michigan Marching Band's expenses to such away games. It may not be fair to lay blame on Dave Brandon if the Athletic Department does not include the band expense as part of it's budget. At this point, I do not know. I do know that the Athletic Department is out in front of this news as they made their offical statement on it Thursday afternoon. They own this firestorm and they must resolve it. Power to the people, good luck and the chances of the Michigan Marching Band attending the Alabama game is Dallas is now looking much better.
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:54 p.m.
I dunno....seems like between the $26 million in Athletic Dept. profit from last year and the 7 BILLION dollar endowment, this poor cash-strapped university would be able to scratch up the dough to send their band to play in Texas Stadium against the current #1 team in the nation.