o All the parties you have outside of band end up being band parties anyway. Who else would you invite?

o You can walk up to anyone in band and fix any part of their uniform without saying anything other than giving them your instrument and saying, "Hold this."

o You never question the unwritten rule that nobody other than percussionists can go inside the drum closet.

o You don't have to wonder what a guy in band looks like in his boxers, because you've probably already seen him change.

o You hear a story of some random band idiot and automatically assume it was a drummer.

o Icy winds and sub-freezing temperatures at football games don't bother you. Who needs to feel their toes?

o You hate American Pie because you¹ve heard ³One time at band campŠ² to many times to count.

o Your favorite memories and stories are from band trips.

o You have nightmares about dropping your slide (or foot joint!!) on the field.

o When you're kicked out of the band room for lunch you have absolutely no idea where you're going to go.

o All you have to do to con a new freshman/sophmore into doing something is say "Come on, its trumpet tradition."

o Forget fingernails on a chalkboard: out-of-tune flutes/piccolos make you cringe.

o You've ever tried to play two instruments at once.

o You have ever used cork grease for chapstick on accident.

o You're walking behind someone and you're in step with them.

o All your close friends are in band.

o Being mauled by a drum is a normal part of life.

o Everyone wants to kill the other football team...and you want to kill the other band.

o You have dreams about selling band fruit.

o You hear a song on the radio and think: "Hey, this'd make a good pep band song."

o Someone yells out "Hey Tuba boy!" and you respond.

o You go to parades, that you are not in, and can¹t help but checking to see in the other bands lines are straight, horn angles are parallel, and everyone is in step.

o You know how to play at least 10 popular pep tunes, but know the words to none of them (i.e. 25 or 6 to 4 OR watermelon man OR the horse...).

o You've never had to pay to get into a football/basketball game.

o You've never ever sat in your class section at a pep rally because you're playing.

I'm pretty sure that DCBucky and MarinerDuckBoy can confirm this...

gj

That rocks!! I love it!! I was in the Pride of the Dakotas throughout college. That was so much fun! I played the clarinet and I went to President Clinton's inaugural parade and marched AND played at Lambeau Field as well. Oh! God, did we DRINK too!! LOL

Thanks for posting that!!

Great list! I would add:

You have nightmares about your band being placed behind the horse unit in the parade.

I'm awful that way!

Everyone is, esp. ex-bandie/fussy corps queens at Gay Pride. That's why I give a big "Everyone is a Band Judge" speech right before parades. As you have seen with DCDD, it gets mixed results...

Gator "Use That Sky Hook, Trombones!" Jamie

Ohh my gosh that was hilarious!!! I am printing these out and showing them to all my friends who are in band! All the jokes fit them perfectly...except for the drum closet one...people got dragged in there and "raped" (in other words, they got locked in there for 20 minutes with the lead drummer who liked to make "strange" sounds...)

Dreams about selling band fruit--too, too funny. Remember it so well. And we sold Krispy Kreme donuts. Then in chorus, we sold candy--heaven.

How about, You know You're a Band Geek when you fear the back of the bus.

My freshman and sophomore years of College consisted of me a tuba and a kilt in central Michigan! Talk about cold! The best part though was the guys never wore underwear...I always got a cheap thrill!

High School was me with the trombone! I always said, "one time at band camp!"

your name is Gator Jamie

Thanks for the laughs! Priceless. I'm guilty on 90% of those listed...ok 99.9% of said listed Geek items.

Up here in the Northwest we have to add \"monsoon like rain\" to the list.

You're talking about on the lips, right?


I still do this! (sigh) I am such a geek :confused:


Hell, I don't even know the melody. I do know the counter melody. Hey, I'm a trombone player. Only trumpet players & sax players got the good notes.

Add: When you hear an awesome song, you think of hand/instrument/flag choreography that would make the song "really cool".

When you hear the name "Santa Clara", the first thought that pops into your mind is "Vanguard".

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to play with my bone.

[ August 07, 2003, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: Mariner Duck Boy ]

Great. Now I have this fantasy of seing cutie Jason in a kilt, with no underwear, with a stiff breeze blowing, carrying a tuba wink Oh my.

Accident? We used it on purpose. I had two sisters who played clarinet.

How about those delicious McDonald's hamburgers at 10 am on a Saturday going to a band competition?

...you still own your band hat (which, OK, you stole as a memento) and it's been, well, a *really* long time since you were in high school. (No, I don't wear it, thanks. But it is visible in my apartment.)

I still have my marching band tees, uniform and both the Aussie and Cotton Swab type hat.

It was such a great learning experience and I became more open with people. I will never trade any of those moments for the rest of my life.



GO STATE! GO STATE!

My kids were in band and I sat in the rain and snow at a lot of games...so I know- the band kids are the nicest most accepting kids, and that ain't bad! GO BAND PEOPLE! I hate the term "geek".

Nah! We're geeks. I admit it.

I was hoping this thread was about "two guitars, bass and drums."

That crap at halftime shows? Music? :cool:

.....if you ever had to spend your lunch money on a new reed (sax).

The band years were fun but I was never very good, I guess you actually had to practice.

I loved the trips and still have that oral fixation, putting something hard into my mouth and blowing.

GO BAND FAGS!

Copman.

We're geeks. We admit it.

I was actually in Junior and Senior band at the same time.

Voluntarily.

But the worst.

I joined a pipe band.

And YES, I mean bagpipes.

The upside of that?

Suction from built up lip muscles are still good enough to pull your balls out through the end of your dick.

So I guess it wasn't all bad.

I know that you call yourself "geeks" as a loving put-down but in my opinion why are you any less than any football player or drama queen or whatever. You are happy doin what you want- so I don't think that band is any less worthwhile of an activity. Unless you want to start sayin "football geeks" -why are they any better than band people? (And no I didn't play football.) I know - LIGHTEN UP Copman!

Copman:

I am actually quite proud to be a geek. no put down here.

I grew up in a small town, and most of the football "heroes" never left.

I admit that time has taken it's toll, but hell, when I go back to the town to visit my parents graves, if I see one of my high school compatriots who excelled in sports, I feel abso-freakin-lutely great.

I enjoyed band. It took me to Europe and Western
Canada, as well as many parts of the states.

I was never in a marching band. They're very rare up here. That would have been fun I think.

Not to confuse Bands and Drum Corps but on a related subject are any of us Drum Corps fans? I help organize our local show here in Phoenix and am also helping with the launch of a new Corps that will compete in Div. II/III next summer on a limited tour.

Go Phantom Regiment!!! (My favorite Corps)

I'm a MAJOR band geek then. I still do all if not most of these things. My best friends and I always used to say, "Band is GAY", because all of the straight guys that were in the band with us we had been to bed with. I LOVE the band and I miss all the college halftime shows we did. But GJ, you left out one:

You know you're a band geek if you feel the band works harder than the football team.

That one is my personal favorite.

Da Kid.
Still in hibernation until the start of fantasy football.

Great topic for me!

I played tenor sax and trumpet in HS and in the college pep band. Never performed (well......) on the field, per se, BUT I do enjoy the marching bands. Hell, I watch college football games every week in the fall JUST to hear the bands or catch a glimpse of them on the field. I got to football games at Cal and Stanford to hear the bands and go to the local Bowl Game in SF and San Jose JUST to watch here the bands. And I sit as close as possible so I can hear all that BRASS! Woo-hoo!

What's worse, I downloaded a slew of college fight songs onto my computer so I can listen to them every day.......gawd, how sick is that AND I have about 20 CDs from various universities whose bands are doing their best to impress.

My favorites? Wiscosin; both the Rose Bowl 1993 video and the Badger Bandstand CD, followed by the MSU Spartan Marching Band "Experience", the first 7 tunes and then #10. Love the Fight song.

Guess I am lucky too that I love college hockey so I get to hear the pep bands each winter, as well.

I go to the DCI competitions in Concord, CA and Fresno (one time only, so far). My favorite is ALWAYS the Madison Scouts. Great uniforms and all male, too, I think.... wink

Favorite Pac-10 Band to watch/hear? USC, of course......

Went to an Auburn-Florida game years, ago at Florida Field. Great atmopshere.....yelled myself hoarse by halftime, the Gators pounded AU. Auburn....great looking uniforms, and sounds. The Gator band is very good, too. Awful uniforms (IMO) at the time, though. Oh, well!

*sigh...Can hockey season be sooooo far away, still?

Young man, talk like that will get you a friend for life! UF has definitely come a long way, but there are political/structural impediments that will prevent it from ever becoming great. Back in the early 80's when I was in band, Auburn brought Bo Jackson and 65 trumpets. At least we won the football game (I think).

But check this out - George Steinbrenner just gave UF a major gift to build a new band hall, including an indoor marching band rehearsal facility. There's a huge campaign going on now (Raise the Roof), to which Stephen Stills has added $100,000 (note to self: buy old CSN CD's).

Take THAT, F$U Marching Quiffs!

gj

I've never been in any band or played an instrument, but....

Every time I hear Sheryl Crow sing "IIIIIIIII wanna soak up the sunnnnnnnn...." I hear this horn section in my head playing along during the "IIIIIIIIII" and the "sunnnnnnnnnn" parts. Sort of like the scene in the movie where Ferris Bueller's lip-syncing to the Beatles' "Twist and Shout" at the parade and the band joins in.

eek! :confused:

I'll also add...you know you're a band geek when you use Kazaa to download marching band and wind ensemble music rather than porn. eek! I am such a geek...I'm always on Kazaa trying to find music of Philip Sparke, David Holsinger and David Gillingham. This in addition to any DCI recordings I can add to my collection.

Is it marching band season yet?

OK, this is taking it too far. I can live with my beloved Ducks new football uniforms, but this...I just don't know. I have to email my friend who was at the game to get an honest birds eye review of this this this unspeakable act!!! And the close ties with Nike is getting disturbing.

Here's the story from the Eugene Register Guard. Brace yourselves.

Marching Ducks show a new look..

[ September 21, 2003, 11:11 PM: Message edited by: Mariner Duck Boy ]

eek! eek! eek!

Quelle horreur!

GJ, I am total agreement with you on this one. OK, my buddy emailed me back. This is what he had to say and by the way, he's straight:

Bad idea. Baaaaaad idea.

Yikes -- those are awful!

from the article:
"The new Nike band uniforms have been 'top secret' for months, said Todd Van Horne, creative director of apparel for Nike."

I think they should have remained 'top secret!'

This one time...at band camp....

You know you're a band geek when you enjoy looking at pictures of band practice -- these all from Wisconsin (where when I was a student, the band practiced harder than the football team!):

Poor kid doesn't feel so welcome at \"Welcome Week\"

Getting that step just right ...

Tubas! ... and a cute drum major ...

Gainesville ain't the only place with \"The Swamp\"

Cute band boys ...

Another cute band boy

Practicing UW's signature finale

... and then nailing it when it counts!

Oh. My. Gawd. They grow 'em cute up there, don't they?!

gj

p.s.
Dear Wisconsin Band Director,
As drum major for DC's Different Drummers, I've noticed that my step needs extra attention. Could you send some specialists? I've seen photos, and I'll take both.
Love, GatorJamie
P.S. My friend DCBucky places his order for the drum major.

[ September 30, 2003, 02:13 PM: Message edited by: GatorJamie ]

Dang it, I knew I should have played the trumpet instead of the Viola in high school. I'd follow that drum major anywhere!

...when your girlfriend makes you a "special" MP3
workout mix that contains all of your favorite marching band tunes (starting with "In the Stone");

...when running to said MP3 mix, you fight the temptation to conduct "In the Stone" so that other runners don't look at you like you're a complete idiot; and

...this happens every time. eek!

Happy New Year, MDB and fellow band geeks!

[ January 06, 2004, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: GatorJamie ]

Wow I'm so glad I found this thread. GJ you were in the Gator Band in the 80's I bet we knew some of the same people. I marched in the GHS band. Director was Martha Stark and she was very close with the Gator Band. Gary Langford did almost all our arrangements. And we always had 4 or 5 college interns helping us each year. I loved his arrangement of "In The Stone" I hope you saw the movie Drumline. There is a great scene in that movie when they play it.
Email me if you'd like to rehash see if you knew any of our instructors!

I'll email later - hella bizzee at work - but some FYI's that might already know about:

- Martha passed away about 10 years ago. Cervical cancer, I think. I never knew her totally well, but I did have a big crush on her. Blew me away when I heard that she had died. She was in her mid-40's, I think.

- Gary is preparing to retire. Saw him at Alumni Band last year.

- Voice of the Gator Band, Gerre R., is a close friend (pics of him at my wedding on my web site), and is commissioner of the Tampa Gay Softball League.

Gay Goters!

Oh my god... I have died and gone to heaven! People who love sports and the marching arts!!! It doesn't get any better.

I would have to add "You know you're a band geek when you ask your partner for a sabre for Christmas" "You know you're a band geek when your DCI collection is bigger than your porn collection" and "You know you're a band geek when you chase a car with a Cadet's sticker, just to give a big thumbs up"

I have to say joining band was the greatest thing I ever did. It gave to me the discipline and the courage to actually participate in sports in college. Actually, I think band camp was more strenuous than crew practice. OK, it's a tie. You get my point.

Best Marching Band - Woonsocket High School, RI
Best Drum Corp, technical - Cavaliers
Best Drum Corp, sentimental - The Crossmen
Best Color Guard - Blessed Sacrament

God I miss band!

GJ Yeah I heard after the fact that MS had passed away. She was one of the best teacher's I ever had. I went to some killer Gator Band party's at her house when I was in high school. She was close to a select few of us. Probably would never happen in these times. I'm pretty sure a couple of Gator band people lived at her house.

I grew up in a small town in East Texas where military-style marching was/is king...6 steps every 5 yds, each 30 in apart. I think it's sad that I still remember that. Like many gay boys in the band, I was also a 'boner...

But anyway, I wasn't a part of any band in college, although I would have been a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band...but I had no interest in being a member of the Corps of Cadets. Oh well, it's still the best college band I know, but I'm just a tad biased. I love the straight lines, the diagonals, the sharp turns you get from military-style marching...playing a good ol' Sousa march was the best.

I hear ya, brotha Gata.

One was the current assistant director of bands at LSU. Doesn't play on our team, as far as I know, but it's awesome that she's doing so well in her career.

The current band director at Santa Fe HS (I'm leaving names out for obvious reasons) was also close to a MS.

God rest her soul. frown

What is, "What is dfw getting when he thinks about straight lines and Sousa?"

lol and welcome to Outsports!

I do that to Gator cars to do the Chomp. Come to think of it, I also do it to f$u cars, too. My poor wife is used to it by now.

Everyone knows you are a band geek when at half time you have to play in the band in your basketball uniform

It was a really small school and I liked my pretty, shiny trumpet.

Gator Jamie, The one at LSU is it LM? I have no idea about the one at Santa Fe but would love to know. Unfortnately I haven't kept in much contact with any of my old gang from those days. Although I went to high school and college in Gainesville. My parents moved to South Carolina shortly after I graduated.
Was Frank Wickes involved with Gator Band while you were there? I was in same grade as his middle son Tommy.

Yep, it's LM. She and Frank Wickes are doing an awesome job at LSU. The band director at SFHS is KL. Unfortunately Wickes was gone when I joined marching band my junior year. We had Gerald Poe (inspired FDL drinking game called "Poe's a Penis"), who had gotten booted from Oregon. Just ask Mariner Duck Boy. He played at UO and got a Poe-job himself.

Thank gawd for Langford. Them were some not-fun years.

GJ, Do you or any others ever follow the DCI events. I can never interest anyone I know to go. Could be a fun trip?

Check out the DCI web site. There's usually something in central Fla. every year. I'm in DC, so I can't really help you on local stuff.

But I can share a flask with you at a Gator game next year! :cool:

Hey GJ, sent you a private message!