Monday, February 18, 2008
Dawgnet Article
Last Week I mentioned that I was writing an article for Dawgnet on an experiment that occurred last Thursday and again last Saturday. The athletic department started playing canned (recorded) music during 30 second timeouts. You can read my reaction to this experiment here. Please post your thoughts and reactions. Which is better, band or canned music?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
So, I read the article, and I definitely have some thoughts. First of all, that was a very long article that had a very long, round-about way of making a point about the band playing. I see your point, and I agree with most of it, but I have a few other thoughts:
I don't think the canned music was a bad thing, especially since those songs in particular which they play are quite upbeat. They could theoretically create in-house fan enthusiasm during games, but they need to be played FAR LOUDER in order to do so. I went to the away Valpo game not too long ago and they played the same songs, but about 5 times louder and were thus about 5 times more effective.
Second, I've said this before and I'll say it again: I do not think that the men's basketball team has any lack of fan base or excitement. Really, almost everyone I know knows when every single game is and they go to all of them. The Dawg Pound fills up without fail for almost every game. I will conceed, however, that there is a lack of intensity, at times, amongst the fans and the fan support. I've been saying since I've come to Butler, and I'll complain about it until I graduate: this school has very little fan tradition. And what I mean by that is that we have very few things we do within or outside of games that could constitute as traditions. I mean, we have what? "Dawg Pound - HOO!" and that's about it. I've been to Notre Dame football games before and seen quite a few Texas A&M basketball games on TV. Those fans have an ungodly large sum of traditions that the fans participate in. Why do we not have that? I am convinced that if you want better heart, soul, and passion put into fandom, you need tradition. Ever been to Wrigley Field? My point proven.
But, as you went back to the issue of the band, so shall I:
I appreciate the band, and I have friends in the band, so I love to hear you guys play. But I don't think it would hurt to play a little canned music here or there also. I want predominantly band, with a sprinkling of recorded stuff. We can't do away with the cheer or the advertisement; you know that is impossible. But we don't need to totally hate on the canned stuff; we just need to crank it up!
And my final thought before I wrap up this novel: it's sad that we need to lay down those white instruction sheets. I mean, really? If one doesn't know those basic cheers by now, and if one hasn't put effort into learning the War Song, then one really ought to not call oneself a fan of Butler basketball.
I concur with everything said here...I agree almost with the canned music because being in band, I appreciate a break once in awhile (sorry Tim). I also agree that the Dawg pound needs more enthusiasm at games, I've seen dead people much more lively than that. And that fact that they need to tell them how to cheer further proves my point. So I say yes to everything said above...oh and go Dawgs!
I think that the canned music could help people get excited. I agree that it needs to be played louder.
I don't think that they're trying to replace the band or tell the band that they're not important. I think that they are just trying to get people really excited.
I think that it's stupid that they have the white sheets but if it helps people learn the war song, that could be really exciting.
Thank you to the people who have posted comments!
Anonymous, you are exactly right that we need a solid set of cheers. I talked to a person who sat in the Dawgpound at a recent game. He cheered loudly which caused people to move away from him.
Kate and anonymous, I agree that the white sheets are not needed. I have been told that people ignore them.
All, if Saturday's game is like the Ohio State game, we should notice a difference.
Post a Comment