Last in a Four Part Series
This team is by far the most mixed when it comes to abilities and traits. They've got tall people, short people, fast people, slow people, old people, and young people. The bottom line is that they have people, and that's exactly why they're going to surprise other people this year. Team D really has the potential to be the most complete team in the league--something the other three would kill for.
Making a return to quarterback this year is sophomore Chris Preston. He caught everyone off guard last year when he burst onto the scene throwing for distance and accuracy at the same time. He's the perfect guy to lead a receiving corps that truly is a mixed bag. They are loaded with a bunch more talented sophomores as Allissa Carter, Brendan Frank, and Katrina Willitz are all coming back for their second year. All three of them are quick off the line, and none are faster than the speed demon Carter.
This team is also loaded with rookies. Mary Blazier, Russ Chinn, and Anthony "Ninja" Gorczyca are all making their TFL debuts this year. They'll be learning from a complete set of veterans including Aaron D'Souza and F-- You Andy Gradl. There's no doubt that this team has the best mix of ages, but it could be a liability in the early going as they try to figure out their respective roles. As soon as the rookies become acclimated to the TFL style of play, Team D shouldn't have too much trouble getting off the ground.
The bottom line for them is simple: Preston must be accurate like last year, and the defense must be solid in the early part of the game. We saw Preston lead comebacks last season, but this team cannot afford to get into a hole during every game. Fast starts will be key for their success.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: Eclectic
Greatest Strength: Speedy wide receivers all across the board.
Biggest Weakness: Many rookies who still need to learn.
They'll Win Games if: Preston can deliver the ball and the defense can keep them in it.
They'll Lose Games if: The focus goes south in the early stages of the game. They can overcome it, but it won't be easy if they get in too big of a hole.
Number of Trumpettes: 3 (Mary Blazier, Allissa Carter, Katrina Willitz)
Number of Rookies: 3 (Blazier, Russ Chinn, Anthony Gorczyca)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
2007 TFL Preview: Team C
Third in a Four Part Series
When the rosters were announced on Monday morning, the one comment we received the most here at TFL Illustrated was something to the effect of "Team C is stacked! No fair!" Well hold your horses people, Team C is good but not invincible. Sure, they have a former high school linebacker who intercepts passes whenever he wants to along with the best line prospect of the rookie class, but they will have at least one major hurdle to overcome. More on that in a second.
Let's look at the good first. This team can score points on both sides of the ball. Calvin Braker is a beast on defense who knows where a quarterback is going to throw a ball before the quarterback does. Couple that with Andy Imig and Nathan Springer on the line and you've got yourself one tough defense to score on.
On offense, all this team has to do is find a way to get open. They're not the fastest team in the league, but they've got enough talent to make it happen. They'll be relying on Wade Seggerman, Zach Geller, and Glenn Eikenberry to put them on the board. And as always, never count out the trumpette factor. This team boasts the scrappy Hilary Antosh and the highly touted rookie Adrienne Bowman. Look for these two to give the other trumpettes fits all season long.
Now for the bad news. If Team C can't win the field position battle, then their lack of speed is guaranteed to hurt them. Establishing the passing game plus three and outs on defense is the best way for them to stay in games. The offensive isn't overly explosive, but it's good enough to score points. If they can play defense the way they're expected to, then their lack of speed will be negated. Anything less and they're in trouble.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: Grinders
Greatest Strength: Their defensive prowess. It's the best in the league.
Biggest Weakness: Their speed. They'll have to work hard to keep up with the sprinters.
They'll Win Games if: The defense comes through like it should. Also, if they hold opposing teams to three and out, they'll take the field position battle.
They'll Lose Games if: Their stamina doesn't hold up.
Number of Trumpettes: 2 (Hilary Antosh and Adrienne Bowman)
Number of Rookies: 2 (Bowman and Nate Springer)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
When the rosters were announced on Monday morning, the one comment we received the most here at TFL Illustrated was something to the effect of "Team C is stacked! No fair!" Well hold your horses people, Team C is good but not invincible. Sure, they have a former high school linebacker who intercepts passes whenever he wants to along with the best line prospect of the rookie class, but they will have at least one major hurdle to overcome. More on that in a second.
Let's look at the good first. This team can score points on both sides of the ball. Calvin Braker is a beast on defense who knows where a quarterback is going to throw a ball before the quarterback does. Couple that with Andy Imig and Nathan Springer on the line and you've got yourself one tough defense to score on.
On offense, all this team has to do is find a way to get open. They're not the fastest team in the league, but they've got enough talent to make it happen. They'll be relying on Wade Seggerman, Zach Geller, and Glenn Eikenberry to put them on the board. And as always, never count out the trumpette factor. This team boasts the scrappy Hilary Antosh and the highly touted rookie Adrienne Bowman. Look for these two to give the other trumpettes fits all season long.
Now for the bad news. If Team C can't win the field position battle, then their lack of speed is guaranteed to hurt them. Establishing the passing game plus three and outs on defense is the best way for them to stay in games. The offensive isn't overly explosive, but it's good enough to score points. If they can play defense the way they're expected to, then their lack of speed will be negated. Anything less and they're in trouble.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: Grinders
Greatest Strength: Their defensive prowess. It's the best in the league.
Biggest Weakness: Their speed. They'll have to work hard to keep up with the sprinters.
They'll Win Games if: The defense comes through like it should. Also, if they hold opposing teams to three and out, they'll take the field position battle.
They'll Lose Games if: Their stamina doesn't hold up.
Number of Trumpettes: 2 (Hilary Antosh and Adrienne Bowman)
Number of Rookies: 2 (Bowman and Nate Springer)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
2007 TFL Preview: Team B
Second in a Four Part Series
Team B is hardly the most experienced team in the league, but don't think they'll be using that as an excuse this season. They have a solid mix of rookies and veterans that should allow them to turn a few heads early on. Anybody that underestimates them could find themselves regretting that decision in a hurry.
What Team B has going for them is that they have some obvious choices for positions unlike some other teams. One of these is quarterback. Look for rookie Ben Randecker to start feeling his way around the defenses of the league as he gets used to playing touch football at the college level. While he may take some lumps at the start of the season, his potential suggests that he could be one of the best quarterbacks in the league by the end of the year. If he can raise his accuracy, this team can win. He's got plenty of weapons to throw to as well. Team B has anywhere from 5-6 players that can catch the ball.
The veterans are going to be key this year. They have to make sure that the younger players don't get flustered late in the game. It's going to take this team time to get used to playing in the second half, but the veterans of this team (Kevin Bassett, Jon Huffman, Matt Danalewich, and Ted Yelton) can make that transition easier through their leadership. If they can keep the team composed, it'll yield success. If they can't, then this team is going to make more rookie mistakes than it should.
This team is all about potential. If the rookies and second year players (Tim Schwaegler and Mike West) live up to the hype, then there's no reason why Team B can't challenge for the title. There's no doubt that they're talented, but they need to be composed. Anything less than complete focus for this team will spell disaster. Luckily, their talent should be able to overcome a few minor lapses.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: Balanced
Greatest Strength: Their potential for offense is very high. Sort of like some other team that plays in Champaign.
Biggest Weakness: They're young. Until they prove themselves, their youth is a major factor.
They'll Win Games if: Randecker is accurate and his receivers don't drop the easy passes.
They'll Lose Games if: They allow themselves to make too many rookie mistakes. The rookies need to trust the veterans in the last two minutes of every game.
Number of Trumpettes: 1 (Terra Kern)
Number of Rookies: 3 (Sean Cartner, Kern, Randecker)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
Team B is hardly the most experienced team in the league, but don't think they'll be using that as an excuse this season. They have a solid mix of rookies and veterans that should allow them to turn a few heads early on. Anybody that underestimates them could find themselves regretting that decision in a hurry.
What Team B has going for them is that they have some obvious choices for positions unlike some other teams. One of these is quarterback. Look for rookie Ben Randecker to start feeling his way around the defenses of the league as he gets used to playing touch football at the college level. While he may take some lumps at the start of the season, his potential suggests that he could be one of the best quarterbacks in the league by the end of the year. If he can raise his accuracy, this team can win. He's got plenty of weapons to throw to as well. Team B has anywhere from 5-6 players that can catch the ball.
The veterans are going to be key this year. They have to make sure that the younger players don't get flustered late in the game. It's going to take this team time to get used to playing in the second half, but the veterans of this team (Kevin Bassett, Jon Huffman, Matt Danalewich, and Ted Yelton) can make that transition easier through their leadership. If they can keep the team composed, it'll yield success. If they can't, then this team is going to make more rookie mistakes than it should.
This team is all about potential. If the rookies and second year players (Tim Schwaegler and Mike West) live up to the hype, then there's no reason why Team B can't challenge for the title. There's no doubt that they're talented, but they need to be composed. Anything less than complete focus for this team will spell disaster. Luckily, their talent should be able to overcome a few minor lapses.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: Balanced
Greatest Strength: Their potential for offense is very high. Sort of like some other team that plays in Champaign.
Biggest Weakness: They're young. Until they prove themselves, their youth is a major factor.
They'll Win Games if: Randecker is accurate and his receivers don't drop the easy passes.
They'll Lose Games if: They allow themselves to make too many rookie mistakes. The rookies need to trust the veterans in the last two minutes of every game.
Number of Trumpettes: 1 (Terra Kern)
Number of Rookies: 3 (Sean Cartner, Kern, Randecker)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
Monday, August 27, 2007
2007 TFL Preview: Team A
First in a Four Part Series
We'll have our season predictions once the final team preview gets published. In the meantime, we're going to break down each team and examine strengths and weaknesses for this season.
Team A goes into this season knowing one thing for sure: they've got height and lots of it. Check this list out: Scott Wujek, Andrew Wheaton, Nick Loafman, and Chris Paolinetti. In addition to that, the members that aren't as tall still have decent speed. When it comes to the final two minutes of the second half, that speed could easily be key.
Look for this team to pass early and often as they take advantage of the height situation. Scott Wujek figures to be one of the leading receivers for his team after having a spectacular 2006. Unfortunately, this team will need to figure out who's going to get him and the other receivers the football. If this team finds a leader in week one, it could easily win the regular season title. If they don't, then it may be a long year for them.
On defense, they'll need strong play from their line and secondary. They have a few options for positioning here: place the taller members on the line to deflect passes OR use them as corners and safeties. Either way, they have a chance to make an impact on this side of the ball.
Also going for this team is the experience factor. They only have two rookies on the roster, Alex Binek and Kevin Dobbeck. They've got a great opportunity to learn from this team's array of crafty veterans. Look for these two to provide a shot of youth to a roster that may need it.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: TALL
Greatest Strength: Experience. This team has 25 years of TFL experience combined. One third of those years belong to Wujek, and over half of the experience is held by Wujek and Kim Lareau.
Biggest Weakness: The lack of a quarterback for now.
They'll Win Games if: They find someone who can throw the ball. Whoever ends up as the QB will need to throw passes that take advantage of this team's superior height.
They'll Lose Games if: No leader emerges early in the season.
Number of Trumpettes: 2 (Lareau and Brittany "I caught one!" Davis)
Number of Rookies: 2 (Alex Binek and Kevin Dobbeck)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
We'll have our season predictions once the final team preview gets published. In the meantime, we're going to break down each team and examine strengths and weaknesses for this season.
Team A goes into this season knowing one thing for sure: they've got height and lots of it. Check this list out: Scott Wujek, Andrew Wheaton, Nick Loafman, and Chris Paolinetti. In addition to that, the members that aren't as tall still have decent speed. When it comes to the final two minutes of the second half, that speed could easily be key.
Look for this team to pass early and often as they take advantage of the height situation. Scott Wujek figures to be one of the leading receivers for his team after having a spectacular 2006. Unfortunately, this team will need to figure out who's going to get him and the other receivers the football. If this team finds a leader in week one, it could easily win the regular season title. If they don't, then it may be a long year for them.
On defense, they'll need strong play from their line and secondary. They have a few options for positioning here: place the taller members on the line to deflect passes OR use them as corners and safeties. Either way, they have a chance to make an impact on this side of the ball.
Also going for this team is the experience factor. They only have two rookies on the roster, Alex Binek and Kevin Dobbeck. They've got a great opportunity to learn from this team's array of crafty veterans. Look for these two to provide a shot of youth to a roster that may need it.
Quick Hits
The One Word or Phrase to Describe this Team: TALL
Greatest Strength: Experience. This team has 25 years of TFL experience combined. One third of those years belong to Wujek, and over half of the experience is held by Wujek and Kim Lareau.
Biggest Weakness: The lack of a quarterback for now.
They'll Win Games if: They find someone who can throw the ball. Whoever ends up as the QB will need to throw passes that take advantage of this team's superior height.
They'll Lose Games if: No leader emerges early in the season.
Number of Trumpettes: 2 (Lareau and Brittany "I caught one!" Davis)
Number of Rookies: 2 (Alex Binek and Kevin Dobbeck)
Preview written exclusively for TFL Illustrated by Matt Albert.
Rules for 2007 TFL Season
1. Games will start at 12:00 and 1:00. If you are scheduled for the 12:00 game, please make sure you are there and ready to go by 12:00. We don't want to make the second game start more than a half hour late like we had to last year on a few occasions.
2. Games will be at the Terrace Fields on the West Side of the stadium unless otherwise noted.
3. Tackling will be two hand touch.
4. All touchdowns are worth 7 points. There are no PATs or conversions.
5. A first down will be awarded after advancing the ball over two white lines on the field.
6. Games will be played in two 20 minute halves. The clock will be a running clock with stoppages only occurring on timeouts and in the last two minutes of the second half. Each team will receive 3 timeouts per half. In the final two minutes of the second half, the clock will stop on:
--a first down
--touchdown
--ball out of bounds
--incomplete pass
--change of possession
--timeout
The clock will restart with the snap of the ball on the next play.
7. All kickoffs must be either punted or placekicked.
8. Every team will play a six game regular season. At the end of the regular season, the teams with the two best records will play a championship game. The teams with the two worst records will play a consolation game. If teams are tied in the standings, the tiebreakers will be head to head followed by point differential. If the teams are still tied after the tiebreakers, the tiebreaker will be whoever scored more points combined in the two head to head matches.
2. Games will be at the Terrace Fields on the West Side of the stadium unless otherwise noted.
3. Tackling will be two hand touch.
4. All touchdowns are worth 7 points. There are no PATs or conversions.
5. A first down will be awarded after advancing the ball over two white lines on the field.
6. Games will be played in two 20 minute halves. The clock will be a running clock with stoppages only occurring on timeouts and in the last two minutes of the second half. Each team will receive 3 timeouts per half. In the final two minutes of the second half, the clock will stop on:
--a first down
--touchdown
--ball out of bounds
--incomplete pass
--change of possession
--timeout
The clock will restart with the snap of the ball on the next play.
7. All kickoffs must be either punted or placekicked.
8. Every team will play a six game regular season. At the end of the regular season, the teams with the two best records will play a championship game. The teams with the two worst records will play a consolation game. If teams are tied in the standings, the tiebreakers will be head to head followed by point differential. If the teams are still tied after the tiebreakers, the tiebreaker will be whoever scored more points combined in the two head to head matches.
Official Rosters Announced for 2007 TFL Season
Youth Movement Begins with New Season
Matt Albert
TFL Illustrated
CHAMPAIGN--In a very unceremonious occurrence, the rosters for the 2007 TFL season were announced to nobody this morning in a one bedroom apartment on the west side of campus. Due to the lack of media (no press credentials were issued), the new commissioner of the league was spared the opportunity to answer tough questions about whether the trumpets will be able to end their losing streak against the trombones after the season ends. Here are the rosters in alphabetical order:
TEAM A
Binek
Davis
Dobbeck
Lareau
Loafman
Paolinetti
Wheaton
Wujek
TEAM B
Bassett
Cartner
Danalewich
Huffman
Kern
Randecker
Schwaegler
West
Yelton
TEAM C
Antosh
Bowman
Braker
Eikenberry
Geller
Imig
Seggerman
Springer
TEAM D
Blazier
Carter
Chinn
D'Souza
Frank
Gorczyca
Gradl
Preston
Willitz
Matt Albert
TFL Illustrated
CHAMPAIGN--In a very unceremonious occurrence, the rosters for the 2007 TFL season were announced to nobody this morning in a one bedroom apartment on the west side of campus. Due to the lack of media (no press credentials were issued), the new commissioner of the league was spared the opportunity to answer tough questions about whether the trumpets will be able to end their losing streak against the trombones after the season ends. Here are the rosters in alphabetical order:
TEAM A
Binek
Davis
Dobbeck
Lareau
Loafman
Paolinetti
Wheaton
Wujek
TEAM B
Bassett
Cartner
Danalewich
Huffman
Kern
Randecker
Schwaegler
West
Yelton
TEAM C
Antosh
Bowman
Braker
Eikenberry
Geller
Imig
Seggerman
Springer
TEAM D
Blazier
Carter
Chinn
D'Souza
Frank
Gorczyca
Gradl
Preston
Willitz
Sunday, August 26, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 8
Saturday was our last day of band camp and our last day of full rehearsals this season. Our morning rehearsal was spent outside as we were hit by rain once again. At least it was just a few showers and nothing like anything that had happened last week. The Three In One started to come together as the members start to figure out their drill before we march the "ILLINI" across the field. We also took time to clean up the pregame show and give everyone more practice with playing and marching. We're finally out of the stages of just playing or just marching. From here on out, the two go together whenever possible.
At the end of the rehearsal, we made our way over to Memorial Stadium for our meeting with the team. Once we got there, we had our first look at the new stands in the north end zone for the students. It sure looks different, but it looks great! With the scoreboard now towering over the horseshoe in the south end zone, Memorial Stadium instantly has become a much more intimidating place for opposing teams. Even with renovations going on with the west side all season, it's going to be extremely loud for the first time in a while.
The team was very excited to have us there and encouraged us to play during their practice so they could get used to dealing with loud noise during actual game situations. Once they finished, they came over and listened to what music we have for the offense and defense this year. After that, Coach Ron Zook spoke to us and made his appreciation known. The team and Coach Zook love this band, and we do all we can to support them as they improve.
The afternoon rehearsal was our first one of the season inside the stadium. It was much nicer to finally march on a level field that supports our feet. Sure, the south quad is nice, but nothing beats the astroplay when rolling your toes. We played through pregame and the Three In One for most of the rehearsal. During the last half hour or so, we received the drill for our first halftime show of the season. It was definitely a nice change to work on something new. We'll have it ready in plenty of time for our season debut this coming Saturday in St. Louis.
If you can't make it down to the Edward Jones Dome, you can catch the game on espn2 at 2:30.
At the end of the rehearsal, we made our way over to Memorial Stadium for our meeting with the team. Once we got there, we had our first look at the new stands in the north end zone for the students. It sure looks different, but it looks great! With the scoreboard now towering over the horseshoe in the south end zone, Memorial Stadium instantly has become a much more intimidating place for opposing teams. Even with renovations going on with the west side all season, it's going to be extremely loud for the first time in a while.
The team was very excited to have us there and encouraged us to play during their practice so they could get used to dealing with loud noise during actual game situations. Once they finished, they came over and listened to what music we have for the offense and defense this year. After that, Coach Ron Zook spoke to us and made his appreciation known. The team and Coach Zook love this band, and we do all we can to support them as they improve.
The afternoon rehearsal was our first one of the season inside the stadium. It was much nicer to finally march on a level field that supports our feet. Sure, the south quad is nice, but nothing beats the astroplay when rolling your toes. We played through pregame and the Three In One for most of the rehearsal. During the last half hour or so, we received the drill for our first halftime show of the season. It was definitely a nice change to work on something new. We'll have it ready in plenty of time for our season debut this coming Saturday in St. Louis.
If you can't make it down to the Edward Jones Dome, you can catch the game on espn2 at 2:30.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 7
Quad Day marks the final day of the main part of MI bandcamp. Many view it as the end even though we have another full day of practice on Saturday after three days of classes, and we also have the perennially boiling photo day on Sunday.
This morning's rehearsal gave us a chance to start playing through parts of pregame while including the run-on cadence. For many of us, it was a brutal reminder of how much stamina and breathing control it takes to get through pregame successfully while playing with a good sound. About halfway through the rehearsal, Pete offered the band an incentive: practice efficiently with high quality today and take tomorrow off. We all gladly took him up on his offer and stepped up the practice from there. We're more than happy to have tomorrow off in order to get reacquainted with how this whole go-to-class thing works.
We also learned the Three In One drill today, but we won't be playing through it until towards the end of the week (probably either Thursday or Friday). There's a slight change in the drill this year as we are taking out the gap between the I L L and the I N I. Since the Chief no longer performs at halftime, we have no reason to keep the gap in there. It will certainly look different and feel different to many Illini fans, but we intend to play and march the piece with more spirit and pride than ever before. Just because Chief Illiniwek is no longer there does not mean that the tradition of the Three In One will be brushed aside. We encourage all of our fans to cheer and sing as loudly as they did in years past.
We'll have another update on the Saturday rehearsal in a few days. Last year at this rehearsal, we were able to play Loyalty for the team and hear Ron Zook speak. No word on whether we're doing that again, but it would certainly be fun for all of us.
This morning's rehearsal gave us a chance to start playing through parts of pregame while including the run-on cadence. For many of us, it was a brutal reminder of how much stamina and breathing control it takes to get through pregame successfully while playing with a good sound. About halfway through the rehearsal, Pete offered the band an incentive: practice efficiently with high quality today and take tomorrow off. We all gladly took him up on his offer and stepped up the practice from there. We're more than happy to have tomorrow off in order to get reacquainted with how this whole go-to-class thing works.
We also learned the Three In One drill today, but we won't be playing through it until towards the end of the week (probably either Thursday or Friday). There's a slight change in the drill this year as we are taking out the gap between the I L L and the I N I. Since the Chief no longer performs at halftime, we have no reason to keep the gap in there. It will certainly look different and feel different to many Illini fans, but we intend to play and march the piece with more spirit and pride than ever before. Just because Chief Illiniwek is no longer there does not mean that the tradition of the Three In One will be brushed aside. We encourage all of our fans to cheer and sing as loudly as they did in years past.
We'll have another update on the Saturday rehearsal in a few days. Last year at this rehearsal, we were able to play Loyalty for the team and hear Ron Zook speak. No word on whether we're doing that again, but it would certainly be fun for all of us.
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 6
In what has been one of the more rainier camps, the weather once again messed with our schedule for the day. What was supposed to be a morning sectional followed by a drill rehearsal outside had to be moved inside for the entire morning as yet another storm made its way through C-U. It didn't matter though as we had a very successful music rehearsal. We also had a special guest work with us on traditional and stands tunes: Gary Smith. As usual, Gary had plenty of good advice and great stories for us to hear during the rehearsal. He was clearly very happy with how we are sounding. We also found out that Gary will be teaching the drill to one of our shows later on in the season. Many are already looking forward to that.
Because of the rain, the MI was unable to perform at the Illinois Sights and Sounds event. Instead, the Orange and Blues Band was sent over to Assembly Hall to play for the freshmen. We all had the afternoon off and didn't have to come back to the field until 4 pm. This started to give some of the new members an idea of what it would be like once we start rehearsing at our normal 4:10 start time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The drill rehearsal couldn't escape rain either, but it didn't stop us as we learned the run-on step while getting completely soaked. Luckily, the grass wasn't slippery at all, and no one was hurt. By the end of the rehearsal, we were marching and playing up through the end of Patriotic Medley. All that is left to do is Oskee and William Tell. Pete also said he wants to get Three In One taught on Quad Day.
Because of the rain, the MI was unable to perform at the Illinois Sights and Sounds event. Instead, the Orange and Blues Band was sent over to Assembly Hall to play for the freshmen. We all had the afternoon off and didn't have to come back to the field until 4 pm. This started to give some of the new members an idea of what it would be like once we start rehearsing at our normal 4:10 start time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The drill rehearsal couldn't escape rain either, but it didn't stop us as we learned the run-on step while getting completely soaked. Luckily, the grass wasn't slippery at all, and no one was hurt. By the end of the rehearsal, we were marching and playing up through the end of Patriotic Medley. All that is left to do is Oskee and William Tell. Pete also said he wants to get Three In One taught on Quad Day.
Monday, August 20, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 5
Sunday morning provided a much needed break with rehearsals not starting until 1 pm. We held a combined music sectional and started with our annual name game. The object of the game is to correctly give the first names of every member in the section. Because the section is large, the section leaders sweeten the deal by offering to buy Papa Del's pizza for anyone who wins. This year, we had six winners. They'll be getting free pizza sometime later in the season.
We also played through one of our new section features arranged by Zach. With a little extra work by us outside of rehearsal, it can definitely sound good enough to make it on to the program at the Assembly Hall concert.
The night rehearsal ended up being cut way short with threatening weather coming very close to us. Pete told the band he did not want to chance it. Even though we're now behind schedule, we shouldn't have any problem catching back up in time for our first game down in St. Louis. The work ethic has been too good to let us fall short.
We also played through one of our new section features arranged by Zach. With a little extra work by us outside of rehearsal, it can definitely sound good enough to make it on to the program at the Assembly Hall concert.
The night rehearsal ended up being cut way short with threatening weather coming very close to us. Pete told the band he did not want to chance it. Even though we're now behind schedule, we shouldn't have any problem catching back up in time for our first game down in St. Louis. The work ethic has been too good to let us fall short.
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 4
Saturday at camp is the last full day of rehearsals during the first week. Everybody knows about this, and it can be easy to lose focus as the end gets closer. This didn't really happen, though. We were able to learn the drill for Revised Entrance #3 and start marching it with the recording playing over the sound system.
The drill can be confusing to learn if you've never used the MI's way before, so we'll probably have a drill reading sectional at some point to go over what's happening.
Mr. Keene was so pleased after his first rehearsal with us that he decided to come back today and work with us for a second time. He has us sounding very solid on Three In One, Loyalty, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
The UI Athletic Department (Division of Intercollegiate Athletics) did something very nice for us for our dinner. They catered Famous Dave's for us right in front of the Harding Band Building during our usual dinner hour. The food was excellent, and a big thank you goes out to DIA for feeding us. We certainly hope that our presence this season is able to help our team succeed beyond the expectations by many.
The usual Saturday night traditions went on as planned, and it was a very fun night for all of us.
The drill can be confusing to learn if you've never used the MI's way before, so we'll probably have a drill reading sectional at some point to go over what's happening.
Mr. Keene was so pleased after his first rehearsal with us that he decided to come back today and work with us for a second time. He has us sounding very solid on Three In One, Loyalty, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
The UI Athletic Department (Division of Intercollegiate Athletics) did something very nice for us for our dinner. They catered Famous Dave's for us right in front of the Harding Band Building during our usual dinner hour. The food was excellent, and a big thank you goes out to DIA for feeding us. We certainly hope that our presence this season is able to help our team succeed beyond the expectations by many.
The usual Saturday night traditions went on as planned, and it was a very fun night for all of us.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 3
This day was the last one reserved for fundamentals. After we organized ourselves into our squads for this season, Pete taught us the moves that can be done strictly within squads. These are extremely important because they are used often in the pregame drill. All that's left to go over is the run-on step used at the beginning of the show.
Pete was so pleased with the progress of the band in the morning rehearsal that he cut 15 minutes off of the music sectional time. This wouldn't be the only time he cut during the day either. The night rehearsal ended 20 minutes early because Pete was once again extremely happy with how we looked. Mr. Keene was also very pleased with how we sounded in the music rehearsal. All in all, a very good day of camp for us.
The boring part is over now. We're beginning the pregame drill on Saturday morning, and I'll be curious to see just how far we can get by the end of today's practices.
Pete was so pleased with the progress of the band in the morning rehearsal that he cut 15 minutes off of the music sectional time. This wouldn't be the only time he cut during the day either. The night rehearsal ended 20 minutes early because Pete was once again extremely happy with how we looked. Mr. Keene was also very pleased with how we sounded in the music rehearsal. All in all, a very good day of camp for us.
The boring part is over now. We're beginning the pregame drill on Saturday morning, and I'll be curious to see just how far we can get by the end of today's practices.
Friday, August 17, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY 2
Day two began with the new members and the section leaders meeting at the practice field to learn fundamentals from Pete. While it's very tedious work, the section leaders felt that the new members remained very focused throughout the rehearsal. It's obvious from their work that they all want to learn as quickly as possible.
We'll be announcing squads today, and this will finally start to give everyone an idea of who they'll be spending a great deal of the season with. Every year, we try to balance the squads so that each one has all three parts represented, has a somewhat equal gender balance, and has a mix between members who are very confident and some who may need a little help coming out of their shell. The squads are so much more than just a marching band system. Our squad leaders this year are extremely qualified for their positions, and we know they are going to do a fantastic job.
We're getting closer and closer to learning the pregame drill. After today, all of the members will have reviewed the necessary fundamentals for starting pregame. For many of us, Saturday can't come soon enough.
We'll be announcing squads today, and this will finally start to give everyone an idea of who they'll be spending a great deal of the season with. Every year, we try to balance the squads so that each one has all three parts represented, has a somewhat equal gender balance, and has a mix between members who are very confident and some who may need a little help coming out of their shell. The squads are so much more than just a marching band system. Our squad leaders this year are extremely qualified for their positions, and we know they are going to do a fantastic job.
We're getting closer and closer to learning the pregame drill. After today, all of the members will have reviewed the necessary fundamentals for starting pregame. For many of us, Saturday can't come soon enough.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
BAND CAMP 2007: DAY ONE
And here we are yet again! Wednesday was a very exciting day for all of us as camp began. The memory tests in the morning went very smoothly for the most part. With a large amount of returning members this year, it was great to see that so many of them came in to camp with their music memorized. You all set a great example to be followed.
All of the veterans in the section are doing everything they can to welcome in the new members. It was nice to see about half of them at our first social gathering last night after rehearsal. The other section leaders and I feel that this crop of new members is going to fit in very well with the rest of the section. Welcome to you all!
Last night's music rehearsal can be summed up in one word: LOUD. But who can blame us when you've been waiting months to get back in the band room and start playing again? We'll be cleaning up the traditional music throughout band camp, and we'll be starting on our first halftime song for the Mizzou game: Boston's "More Than A Feeling". We'll also be performing the Three In One for the first time without Chief Illiniwek at St. Louis on September 1.
We'll be having daily updates throughout camp. Also, look for new material from new contributors this year on the Trumpet blog.
All of the veterans in the section are doing everything they can to welcome in the new members. It was nice to see about half of them at our first social gathering last night after rehearsal. The other section leaders and I feel that this crop of new members is going to fit in very well with the rest of the section. Welcome to you all!
Last night's music rehearsal can be summed up in one word: LOUD. But who can blame us when you've been waiting months to get back in the band room and start playing again? We'll be cleaning up the traditional music throughout band camp, and we'll be starting on our first halftime song for the Mizzou game: Boston's "More Than A Feeling". We'll also be performing the Three In One for the first time without Chief Illiniwek at St. Louis on September 1.
We'll be having daily updates throughout camp. Also, look for new material from new contributors this year on the Trumpet blog.
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