How 'bout those Swingsters!!

[GrowlingTiger87]

A girl. Her name is Tria Biard.

[Tiger54]

A girl. Her name is Tria Biard.
What does the MTSB plan to do in Mentor? They are just fabulous this year. Thanks so much for bringing the thrill back to the band. Mr. Neel, you have created a miracle in such a short time! And thanks Swingsters putting the smile on the fans' faces again!

[tiger579]

The band will be performing the "Journey to Oz" show.

[MassillonMom]

Obie is doing great this year!!

I love her unique dance steps and funny costumes! Especially the "Cowardly Lion" headpiece! Did you see her pet her tail just like the Lion does in the movie? Nice touch!

It always fun to see if she'll make it through the band too as she runs through the lines!

[MassillonMom]

Good Luck tonight Swingsters!!


And we'll see you again at the Band Review tomorrow night at PBTS!!

[swingband09]

thanks for your guy's awesome support! last night's game was unreal with getting stuff thrown at us. we had pizza, hot dogs, beads, and more thrown at us i don't know what we would of done without your guy's support. it just goes to show how classy of an organization we have! thanks again!

[ChronicTiger]

thanks for your guy's awesome support! last night's game was unreal with getting stuff thrown at us. we had pizza, hot dogs, beads, and more thrown at us i don't know what we would of done without your guy's support. it just goes to show how classy of an organization we have! thanks again!

when did this happen?

[swingband09]

It happend last night at the football game.

[ChronicTiger]

It happend last night at the football game.

right, I got that part. What part of the game? where was the band when it happened? Was it students or adults?

[longtimefirsttime]

thanks for your guy's awesome support! last night's game was unreal with getting stuff thrown at us. we had pizza, hot dogs, beads, and more thrown at us i don't know what we would of done without your guy's support. it just goes to show how classy of an organization we have! thanks again!

I know their students booed our band's performance and included some colorful chants throughout the night. Profanities were shouted at the MP tailgate by adults and children alike. Although I didn't witness what's claimed above, it is believeable.

[DAWGH8R]

Horrible fan base !! Young and old alike !!!!

[swingband09]

It was when members of the band were walking to go to the restrooms and it was from the junior high student section.

[MassillonMom]

That's too bad, swing. I hadn't heard about that incident. Hope everyone is ok.

[ChronicTiger]

I sat on the mentor side behind the student section with an airhorn. There were about 20 other obvious massillon fans in the area. I didnt notice anything nor did any mentor fans have anything to say to any of us. If this stuff did happen its not cool at all, someone should have done something. I saw nothing and never left my seat. Did they have more than one student section?

GO MTSB!
GO TIGERS!

[swingband09]

There was a student section on each side. junior high on the one and high school on the other. Getting back to this week we will be performing with the 7th & 8th graders and will also be having someone else there. (going to let you guy's find out hard way) lol and our theme for this week is tv theme songs

[DAWGH8R]

The band better "BRING IT" on friday !! :rockin:

[longtimefirsttime]

Look for a "special addition" to the Tiger Swing Band this Friday. I'm looking forward to it!

[MassillonMom]

That "addition" was just unbelievable!!!

OSU's drum major was just fantastic!!!!


How in the world did he bounce that baton on the field and back into his hand?

I sure would like to know his background-how he practices, how long, etc.


Anyone know?

[longtimefirsttime]

These might help.
http://ohiostatedrummajor.com/News/29_stew_Kentontimes.htm
http://ohiostatedrummajor.com/News/30_stew_madisonmessenger.htm
http://ohiostatedrummajor.com/D-row/about_drow.htm

[MassillonMom]

It sure did, longtime!!!

Wow, what a lot of time and work that go into being a drum major at OSU!!!


Thanks so much!

[Tiger54]

That "addition" was just unbelievable!!!

OSU's drum major was just fantastic!!!!


How in the world did he bounce that baton on the field and back into his hand?

I sure would like to know his background-how he practices, how long, etc.


Anyone know?
That drum major was absolutely awesome. In reading the material about him, I see that OSU offers a FREE drum major training program. Our present drum major is wonderful but I wonder if he would be able to take part in that OSU program. This is certainly no criticism of him because I already think he is wonderful but if he could learn even more, and for free, I think it would be great if he could go to it. What do you think? I have criticized our front line in the past, but I want to say that this year we have a WONDERFUL band, AND front line----and I can't say how much I appreciate what Mr. Neel has done for our Band. What a wonderful choice he is---I hope he stays with us for a very long time. He will never know what joy he has brought to us former bandsmen and the community as a whole. THANK YOU, MR. NEEL.

[MassillonMom]

This week's halftime focuses on homecoming festivities.

Our band will play just a couple of songs since they will also be crowning the queen at halftime.



Didn't the middle schoolers have a great time cheering with the band last week! How exciting is that for them to be in the stands and "looking up" to those high schoolers?

Did you know that there are 160 6th graders in band this year?


MMS band program is a wonderful feeder system for the MTSB.

Keep it up directors and teachers throughout the school system!

It has been proven that music (band and choir too) is a very important part of a student's curriculum.

[MassillonMom]

The Swingsters next show for Saturday is the famous "Senior Show" where five seniors plan,organize and direct the band to learn how difficult it really is to do the director's job!!

All you freshman pay attention and mind the seniors!!!:hug:

[ForeverTwirl06]

That "addition" was just unbelievable!!!

OSU's drum major was just fantastic!!!!


How in the world did he bounce that baton on the field and back into his hand?

I sure would like to know his background-how he practices, how long, etc.


Anyone know?

... usually drum majors of his caliber have MANY MANY years of twirling experience and AN UNBELIEVABLE amount of hours of practice... he was able to get his mase to bounce on the turf like that by hitting it at a certain angle... a mase has a weight on one side only... so by getting the right amount of spin.. and hitting at the right angle.. it causes the mase to bounce back to you..

.. but he was AWESOME!.. and VERY entertaining!!...:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[CarlE]

I remember both John Edel and Haywood McGriff making those dang things bounce like super balls. That always impressed the heck out of me. Not sure why but it did.

[MassillonMom]

Let's Get This Topic Back On The First Page!!


Our mighty Swingsters will honor all their seniors on Saturday along with their very supportive parents.

Half-time will feature the theme of "Transportation".

Watch for a special honorary swingster on the field too!!

[MassillonMom]

Also, remember to attend the Swing Band Concert on Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the gym when they will play all of this season's favorite tunes!

[MassillonMom]

Kudos to all the Swingster fans who attended the annual Swing Band Concert in the gym last night during open house at the high school!

Highlights included our high stepping, cartwheeling drum major, our baton juggler featured majorette, and our always dancing Obie!

Great job by all. THANK YOU squad leaders and seniors for all of your hard work this season.

And THANK YOU Mr. Neele for getting our awesome band back on track this year. He was presented our first ever TSB flag by long-time announcer Bob Wetzel.:thumbsup:

Now, let's give another rousing standing ovation for our Swingsters at the game tomorrow afternoon!!:dance:

[MassillonMom]

Thanks for the standing ovation for our Swingsters on Saturday!

They have such a great sound this year!

[MassillonMom]

Ok, I have to feel sorry for the McK band:

1. Their director as always almost falling off his ladder, losing his gloves, etc.-just downright embarrassing.

2. The size of the band-the small O in Ohio was about 10 kids large.

3. The seniors dance-not in synch, throwing canes, losing hats, etc.

4. The script Ohio...again.... enough already.

5. The twirlers...enough said.


I know it was windy so losing stuff can be expected but it just doesn't look like they practice like we do.



Just really makes you appreciate how great our band is this year and how far they have come!!

Great job, kids, and directors!:thanx:

[ChronicTiger]

Ok, I have to feel sorry for the McK band:

1. Their director as always almost falling off his ladder, losing his gloves, etc.-just downright embarrassing.

2. The size of the band-the small O in Ohio was about 10 kids large.

3. The seniors dance-not in synch, throwing canes, losing hats, etc.

4. The script Ohio...again.... enough already.

5. The twirlers...enough said.


I know it was windy so losing stuff can be expected but it just doesn't look like they practice like we do.



Just really makes you appreciate how great our band is this year and how far they have come!!

Great job, kids, and directors!:thanx:

You always seem to be all over other bands but when someone says the smallest thing about our band you are all over them.......as if our band is perfect.......

I didnt see anything all that bad regarding the Mck band. I did notice our fans booing when they started the script ohio......that shows some real class!

:cylon:

[CarlE]

Ok, I have to feel sorry for the McK band:

1. Their director as always almost falling off his ladder, losing his gloves, etc.-just downright embarrassing.

2. The size of the band-the small O in Ohio was about 10 kids large.

3. The seniors dance-not in synch, throwing canes, losing hats, etc.

4. The script Ohio...again.... enough already.

5. The twirlers...enough said.


I know it was windy so losing stuff can be expected but it just doesn't look like they practice like we do.



Just really makes you appreciate how great our band is this year and how far they have come!!

Great job, kids, and directors!:thanx:

Good thing nobody said anything about our band like this. You would have thrown a hissy fit like never seen before on here. We (Massillon, our team, our band) is NOT perfect. Now, let's be a little more sensitive.

[Kamd50]

I have to agree. We Massillonians do not need to bash others in order to feel good about ourselves. We, as Carle stated, the fans, band, team, etc., should stand on our own merit.

[xtiger]

I have to agree. We Massillonians do not need to bash others in order to feel good about ourselves. We, as Carle stated, the fans, band, team, etc., should stand on our own merit.
You are absolutely correct Kamd50!! We have the Greatest Show in High School Football. Let's not ruin that by showing our opponents poor SPORTSMANSHIP!!

[obie7661]

Ok, I have to feel sorry for the McK band:

1. Their director as always almost falling off his ladder, losing his gloves, etc.-just downright embarrassing.

2. The size of the band-the small O in Ohio was about 10 kids large.

3. The seniors dance-not in synch, throwing canes, losing hats, etc.

4. The script Ohio...again.... enough already.

5. The twirlers...enough said.


I know it was windy so losing stuff can be expected but it just doesn't look like they practice like we do.

That is the most repugnant and classless post I've seen on this forum.

Why someone would have such contempt for any high school kid is beyond my comprehension.

Just really makes you appreciate how great our band is this year and how far they have come!!

Great job, kids, and directors!:thanx:

That is the most repugnant and classless post I've seen on this forum.

Why someone would have such contempt for any high school kid is beyond my comprehension.

[MassillonMom]

Obie,

Why are you adding to my post????

I have no contempt for McK's band.

I was just making a statement of my opinion of their halftime show.

How many times have we discussed the scipt Ohio here? Lots.

I'm not bashing. I felt I was being fair. It's what we all saw.

And I have read MUCH more repugnant and classless posts on MP than this one.

Get a life!

[Tiger54]

Obie,

Why are you adding to my post????

I have no contempt for McK's band.

I was just making a statement of my opinion of their halftime show.

How many times have we discussed the scipt Ohio here? Lots.

I'm not bashing. I felt I was being fair. It's what we all saw.

And I have read MUCH more repugnant and classless posts on MP than this one.

Get a life!

I agree with you wholeheartedly! When your program has gone thru a few years such as ours did, it makes you appreciate how very much the director means to a program. That is the main difference. McKinley's director is embarrassing, and I have said that for many years. He was there before Arrington and then they brought him back when Arrington was released. We are so very blessed to have Mr. Neel and I hope that we can keep him for a long time. It has been a long time since our band has looked this great, and I am saying this from the perspective of being a former band member and having had two kids in the band. As a former Tiger Swing Bandsman, it gives me chills to see this group of kids come on the field now. These kids don't know how thrilling it is for us grads. Thanks to them and to the directors. You have brought back CLASS and wonderful performances to our great band. I would be embarrassed to have a director like Mr. McFarren leading our band, running across the field, etc. GO MTSB! Keep up the great work---and let PERRY see how very good we are! Remember, Perry is the Band that gets the HOF award each year.

[CarlE]

Get a life!

That was pretty comical.

[tbone]

I'm not bashing. I felt I was being fair. It's what we all saw.

you called it how i saw it.

[Kamd50]

Giving kudos to your own band and director is an honorable thing to do. Even stating that they are better than another band is ok. Literally making fun of another school band's members on a public forum IS bashing and immature.

[tubaswinger99]

McKinley's band has always been very...what's the word.....tacky.. That stunt their old director pulled what was it last year making fun of our band on the field can't get much worse than that. I t was great to see the tradition and the pose brought back to our band great job Mr.Neel and the other staff! With that brought back I would love to see our numbers fly up! And see McK numbers keep going down. Ohhh yeah... bring back "The Greatest Show in High School Football!!"

[Tiger54]

McKinley's band has always been very...what's the word.....tacky.. That stunt their old director pulled what was it last year making fun of our band on the field can't get much worse than that. I t was great to see the tradition and the pose brought back to our band great job Mr.Neel and the other staff! With that brought back I would love to see our numbers fly up! And see McK numbers keep going down. Ohhh yeah... bring back "The Greatest Show in High School Football!!"

Does anyone know what our Band will be doing for this week's show? Whatever it is, I know that they will do a great job. GOOOOOOO TIGERS!

[swingband09]

This weeks show will consist of the songs Opening routine,Funkytown, Mambo #5, & Black horse and a cherry tree

[TigerLily]

I thought last week’s show was one of the best I have seen all year…

So glad they are playing Black Horse and a Cherry Tree again this week. Should be great!

Mr. Neel has done an outstanding job with the TSB this year. They look sharp, march fast and their sound is great!

It truly is the GREATEST SHOW IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL -- YOU MAKE US PROUD!!
http://www.tigerswingband.org/drumline/obie.gif

Note: When you look up “Tiger Rag” on Wikipedia -- it includes this:

The Massillon Tiger Swing Band of Massillon, Ohio began playing Tiger Rag at Massillon Washington High Scholl Tigers football games in 1938 during the period the Tigers were coached by the legendary Paul Brown. It has been a Tiger tradition ever since.



Let's get that Tiger Rag going in Perry Stadium and --------

BEAT THOSE PERRY PANTHERS!!!!

[Tiger54]

This weeks show will consist of the songs Opening routine,Funkytown, Mambo #5, & Black horse and a cherry tree

Well, the Tiger Band did a great job on that "wonderful" Perry sod last week----what are they going to do this week? Meanwhile, I can't believe that no one has made a comment about the Perry Band constantly playing---even during the time when the QBs were calling the plays. I thought that was always a no-no. My seat was very close to them, section #1, and we even yelled at them at times to stop playing!

[swingband09]

this weeks show will be the wizard of oz show

[MassillonMom]

Wow!


It's another new Swing Band season!!

Let's get going with your comments here!

Swingsters started practicing on Monday with sectionals on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Lots of marching for prep of HOF parade. Lots of "chair steps" today!

Congratulations to Miss Flex (Mrs. Doughtery) on the birth of her new baby! Jeanna is the majorette advisor to those who didn't know.

Ok, now it's YOUR turn to comment!:smile:

[ChronicTiger]

I cant wait to see the band.......I could care less if I ever see this thread again....

:eyemouth:

[flaboi7]

as always im so excited about seeing the band this year but.... what is going on with the number of kids in the band??? they continue to get smaller why???
i watched paratice the other day and they were doing the pre-game show... the cadance to the entrence is awful... is is boring and not up beat at all..PLEASE CHANGE THIS last years entrence was awesome and u should make it KNOWN when u are coming into our field

also i hope they do more than just drum in the stands this year lets play some music

[tiger579]

They are trying out the original George Bird cadence used from 1938 into the 50's. They are just now learning it so give them some time.

[obie2000]

The numbers are down? I thought someone said last year that though it was a small increase we would see bigger numbers?

[TigerBob75]

as always im so excited about seeing the band this year but.... what is going on with the number of kids in the band??? they continue to get smaller why???
i watched paratice the other day and they were doing the pre-game show... the cadance to the entrence is awful... is is boring and not up beat at all..PLEASE CHANGE THIS last years entrence was awesome and u should make it KNOWN when u are coming into our field

also i hope they do more than just drum in the stands this year lets play some music

Well, first of all, one of the reasons that the band may not have the numbers that you want, could be because a few of new swingsters decided not to play. They choose to concentrate on other things (sports). And some just choose not to be in the band. AND about "the entrence is awful " "boring and not up beat," lets see, you have new people (freshmen) trying to learn something completely new, they are learning new songs (Tiger Rag and the rest). So mr. I-can-do-it-right-now, go get an instrument and do what you want these young people to do. Just like a football team going through a new play, they have what you might call a walk through. You find out where you need to be, what you need to be doing when you get there,etc. Could that be why they look the way they did? How can I say these things?, my daughter just happens to be one of those freshman Tiger Swingsters. So before you criticise, sit back and watch how they progress and get better. The band is just starting out.

[flaboi7]

well after watching this band for 26 ears and being in band 9 years i no what it takes and how it works.... they would not pratice sometihng that they would not be doing for either a show or pre game entrence... and yes i was a freshman to once.. it didnt matter u did what u were expected to do and what the show was going to be.. whether u were a senior or a freshman things still were the same.... and over the last 8 years the numbers have dropped why is this???? but i will say jason neal has done a wonderful job so far... standing ovation so far but everyone would like ot see and no when those swingsters make there GRAND ENTRENCE right?

go tigers only 12 days

[Obie Wan]

well after watching this band for 26 ears and being in band 9 years i no what it takes and how it works.
You were in MTSB for 9 years?

Although after being exposed to your spelling, I can see why it might have taken 9 years to graduate.

[flaboi7]

i was in band for 9 years and lets c i graduated in the top 10 % of my class of 987 students in florida where i went ot hs.. i have always went to massillon games my whole life and when i got the chance while living in fla with my family i came home almost everyother week to watch massillon play bbc most our football games were on thurs and fri nights so plz dont ? my spelling obv u must not have ne common sence if u have to ? how long i was in hs

have a wonderful day

[Obie Wan]

i was in band for 9 years and lets c i graduated in the top 10 % of my class of 987 students in florida where i went ot hs.. i have always went to massillon games my whole life and when i got the chance while living in fla with my family i came home almost everyother week to watch massillon play bbc most our football games were on thurs and fri nights so plz dont ? my spelling obv u must not have ne common sence if u have to ? how long i was in hs

have a wonderful day
Ladies and Gentlemen: I give you irrefutable proof of social promotion.

[flaboi7]

one thing people also need to remember is just bc u might say something negative does not mean u hate the band or u r a side line crtic... everyone needs criticized from time to time it helps us ALL learn jsut bc u put a comment in here people have to ? your spelling and someone assuming being stupid.. u r no better my friend

[Al.]

one thing people also need to remember is just bc u might say something negative does not mean u hate the band or u r a side line crtic... everyone needs criticized from time to time it helps us ALL learn jsut bc u put a comment in here people have to ? your spelling and someone assuming being stupid.. u r no better my friend

Where do I begin to pass judgment on this..........:doh: There's not enough time and life is just too short.

[fellowship]

Why is this thread going back to 2006? I was reading about this year's band and then it was all about last year's band. Also did anyone see the band on the tape of th e Hall of Fame Parade. If they were not on , I think it was unfair not to have a local band covered.

[ForeverTwirl06]

Why is this thread going back to 2006? I was reading about this year's band and then it was all about last year's band. Also did anyone see the band on the tape of th e Hall of Fame Parade. If they were not on , I think it was unfair not to have a local band covered.

yea.. Massillon got jipped on the TV coverage.. they didn't show our band at all..

[CarlE]

one thing people also need to remember is just bc u might say something negative does not mean u hate the band or u r a side line crtic... everyone needs criticized from time to time it helps us ALL learn jsut bc u put a comment in here people have to ? your spelling and someone assuming being stupid.. u r no better my friend

What in the hell rock did you crawl out from under? You are pitiful with these posts.

[ForeverTwirl06]

i was in band for 9 years and lets c i graduated in the top 10 % of my class of 987 students in florida where i went ot hs.. i have always went to massillon games my whole life and when i got the chance while living in fla with my family i came home almost everyother week to watch massillon play bbc most our football games were on thurs and fri nights so plz dont ? my spelling obv u must not have ne common sence if u have to ? how long i was in hs

have a wonderful day


.. you didn't even go to Massillon... nor were you in Massillon's band.. so you have NO IDEA how things are run.. or what goes on inside our program...the only experience you have of the Massillon band.. is outside experience.. things may be different in your band...every band is different...so you don't have very much room to criticize ANYONE...

you have NO IDEA what its like to be in the MTSB... the pressures that come along with being in a band that is so rich in tradition... we get criticized enough from people who were in the great George Bird and other directors bands.. they don't need you criticizing and belittleing them...

.. nowadays being in a extra cirricular activity isn't easy... with more and more parents out of Jobs.. these kids are now stepping up to take on the role of employee.. and some places aren't willing to work around a tough and full schedule like Massillon's..plus.. things cost money.. some people don't have the money to keep their kids in a program like the MTSB..

..so what does it matter if the numbers are down?.. yea its nice to have a full and powerful sound.. but OH WELL... stuff happens.. and we won't have the sound that many people want... but those kids are trying...and learning new things... you have to remember.. not only is this new to the freshmen.. these new cadences are new to some of the upper classman as well... the only drill that stays the same.. is pregame.. and even that can vary from year to year... i have full confidence that the band.. Freshman and all.. will be ready for their first performance.. I'm sure Mr. Neal is not going to put something on the field that will disappoint us...

[CarlE]

WOW. What a profound post.

[Tiger54]

Ladies and Gentlemen: I give you irrefutable proof of social promotion.

I'm sorry---I don't mean to criticize, but I'm surprised this person made it to high school anywhere! I mean, this message is pitiful.

[CarlE]

I'm sorry---I don't mean to criticize, but I'm surprised this person made it to high school anywhere! I mean, this message is pitiful.


Which one of them. Heck I had to review it three times to even comprehend what the heck he was trying to say.

[Tiger54]

yea.. Massillon got jipped on the TV coverage.. they didn't show our band at all..

Do we have a drum major this year?

[MassillonMom]

No, the band's drum major from last year had to move back with his dad who lives out of state. (It's too bad-he was really good!)

We DO have a head majorette but I don't know her name. Can you let us know who she is?

(I remember when we had another head majorette a few years back-Linda Mead who is Lucy Mead and Gary Mead's daughter.)


Yes, I was told that the HOF TV coverage was so bad. They showed the MTSB for a few seconds (like showing the banner) and then went straight to a commercial!!

[RRanger]

If I have learned one thing in the last few years it is that there are parents and kids that keep the wheel turning in this town. All these traditions, events and shows take people.

If you have a kid in anything would you say Geez Jenny your first show was a little weak but it's an improvement from last year? :wtf:

Friggin get a life!

It's time in this town for all the Monday morning QB's to take a friggen vacation so this new generation can get things going.

I agree, the band sound's great GO TIGER'S

[Tiger54]

No, the band's drum major from last year had to move back with his dad who lives out of state. (It's too bad-he was really good!)

We DO have a head majorette but I don't know her name. Can you let us know who she is?

(I remember when we had another head majorette a few years back-Linda Mead who is Lucy Mead and Gary Mead's daughter.)


Yes, I was told that the HOF TV coverage was so bad. They showed the MTSB for a few seconds (like showing the banner) and then went straight to a commercial!!
It is really too bad that we lost last year's drum major. He was awesome. It is obvious that he loved what he was doing.

[ChronicTiger]

Double -Time................

:eyemouth:

[ForeverTwirl06]

No, the band's drum major from last year had to move back with his dad who lives out of state. (It's too bad-he was really good!)

We DO have a head majorette but I don't know her name. Can you let us know who she is?

(I remember when we had another head majorette a few years back-Linda Mead who is Lucy Mead and Gary Mead's daughter.)


Yes, I was told that the HOF TV coverage was so bad. They showed the MTSB for a few seconds (like showing the banner) and then went straight to a commercial!!


..Her name is Nicolette Airhart... she will be taking on the role as drum major for the pregame festivities..

[TigerVic]

Yes, I was told that the HOF TV coverage was so bad. They showed the MTSB for a few seconds (like showing the banner) and then went straight to a commercial!!

Did Scott Davis strike again or was it Minute Maid Orange Juice?

[proud to be]

This might be an unpopular opinion, but.............. I go to the games to watch football.......:jestera:

[MassillonMom]

BOOOOOO!!!!! Proud to be

[proud to be]

That took longer than I thought it would!!!!!! Nothing personal, just not my favorite thing!!! (I do get pumped when I hear Tiger Rag though!!!)

[MassillonMom]

Well, OK, then.....:grinning:

[Tiger54]

This might be an unpopular opinion, but.............. I go to the games to watch football.......:jestera:
Gee, what do you do during halftime? You know, the Tiger Swing Band has ALWAYS been a major part of the greatest show in football.

[proud to be]

Gee, what do you do during halftime? You know, the Tiger Swing Band has ALWAYS been a major part of the greatest show in football.

Grab a hot dog...... take a potty break..... talk to old HS buds under the stands etc.....

Don't hate me cuz I'm not a big fan of the band, I just always thought that some of the presentations, especially over the last 10 years were a little hokey, and cheesy. If they came out and played the traditional Tiger football music like TBDBITL..... you know down at OSU, then I'd probably watch. I'm just not into stupid costumes and campy routines.

[flaboi7]

ok first of all yes bands are ran differently... but knowing many people that were in the MTSB many have spoken out about the bands sound and there numbers.. if u want to talk tradition lets talk ... mtsb has been to have a large band what happened? look back and review the tapes of when chirs smith was director u remember him??? he WAS and the best band director this band has seen in a long time.. those kids not only kept traditions but they looked amazing and the numbers were close to 180-200 ... have u actually stayed for all of the band rehersals this year? i went to day and they ran half time show... what a disgrace.. first they didnt march on the field ... they ran it looked silly..

tradition says to have those legs up in the air not drag them on the field... also when they played tiger rag i think half of the students didnt even play bc they were going so fast and could not even keep up... i ask u this? whatwould u rather have a great band that might have to slow it down a bit for these freshman (as a lady stated above) or a band thta runs on the field and is sacraficing the sound and tradition of this storied song? it sounded horriable. and its one of our schools songs...just bc i wasnt in the MTSB doesnt mean crap.. i have watched them my whole life and when u r in band it doesnt matter what band u may have been in .. u still have to now know to march and know the basics of the drill... i challenge anyone to look at the band in the chris smith era and go to a pratice this week and tell me what u see.. bc no matter what there were freshman in those bands then and there still is today .. its how u teach these kids and its 10 days before kick off and they need about another 2 months .. you have ot beable to march and play at the same time.. point blank

[flaboi7]

im not saying that the band will not improve or im not trying to start name calling.... im just stating that if the football team isnt doing well we call for our coach to be fired.. for the band its always excuses... these kids may be interested in going futher in college with band and they should be well prepared for it .... and i do applaud thse kids bc band is not easy its time consuming and very hard work.. esp in this heat..

look at it this way at least someone is caring enought to want to see the band more successful then it is right now...critisism is not a bad thing.. maybe thats the prob with kids now adays . they dont learn from mistakes or new ideas...

[TigerLily]

In Massillon it’s about the whole experience.

It just wouldn’t be the same if it was only the football team out there. You’ve got to have the band, the cheerleaders, the fireworks, the signs, the crowd, the live tiger, the cool scoreboard (with a win at the end)….the whole “9 yards”.

The band works really, really hard to perform for us. They put in hours and hours on the field and off. Each year’s band might not do what we think they should, or how we did it way back when, but they bring their own spin to it (although I really think that Mr. Neel appreciates all of the traditions and wants to keep them). And, they should get the respect and regard from the fans. It doesn’t matter how many years you have heard it -- when you hear Tiger Rag a thrill just comes over you and the Pride of Massillon.

You know, everyone was on here talking about the first football scrimmage and analyzing this player and that player and saying it’s just the first scrimmage…give it more time. Doesn’t the band deserve that same consideration?

Note: As far as the MTSB not being shown on TV, I wouldn’t take it too personally. After all I heard they didn’t even show the GlenOak band and Dan Dierdorf was one of parade announcers.

MTSB -- The Best Show in High School Football!!!!

[flaboi7]

i do agree with u tigerlily it does take time and they do put many hours into all their shows.. i guess im just stating that even the basics of the band u can tell is not there this year.. half of the band has there legs up while marching and the other half drag their feet... the fight song really did sound bad and i take pride in that song to .. thats why it should be played with respect to the fullest with it being loud and played proplerly right?

i guess we will see after friday night if ALL the fans (not just band parents) like the kids runing onto the field and not marching


go tigers

[ForeverTwirl06]

.. yes i do remember Chris Smith... i was in the band during his last two years as Director...i have all the respect in the world for him..he was one of the best directors our band had.. but he's not here anymore.. his stint has ended.. and now Mr. Neel is here .. he is DIFFERENT than Chris Smith.. yea he was good.. so what... Mr Neel is NOT Mr Smith..their teachings are going to be COMPLETELY different.. they aren't going to do things the same... GET OVER IT...you have to remember.. this will be Mr. Neels SECOND year.. you have to give him time to rebuild the band.. he's trying.. thats all we can ask from him...

..yea the band has had large numbers IN THE PAST... but this is the PRESENT.....things have changed FROM THE PAST... theres been a lot of changes in our schools and economy and people just dont have the time and means to be in extra curriculars.. PERIOD..

.. and i was at practice today as a matter of fact.. and they sounded GREAT.... the halftime show looks good..

..the ONLY thing i saw that wasnt going right.. was the entrance to pregame.. and after talking to a few of the band members.. they said that it keeps being changed due to construction and things that are going on around the stadium.. or Mr Neel doesnt like something so he'll make a change or two.. the band now has to come in from the other side of the field.. and Mr. Neel is trying new things to make the entrance look sharp..

.. and the only people i didnt see playing were the squad leaders who were yelling out commands and checking to make sure there squads were in line... and i don't think Tiger Rag was too fast... its a nice tempo.. and they had good sound...

.. and flaboi... you will NEVER understand the MTSB unless you were in it... as an outsider looking in.. you have NO idea what its like.. i'm sorry.. i dont care how long you have been watching.. or how long u were in a different band..you will NEVER understand.. thats all that I can tell you.. until you have gone through it for four years.. you'll never get it..i'm sorry but it DOES matter what band you have been in... EVERY band is different.. and i garuntee you wont find a band around here that has the history and tradition like the MTSB...

..i said it before and i'll say it again.. Mr Neel will not put something he feels is unsatisfactory on that field on Friday night...those kids have been putting in all the extra effort and hard work this summer.. and Mr Neel said tonight that it was paying off.. and he was happy... they still have 7 days to tweak drill.. which is PLENTY of time..

.. keep up the good work MTSB..

[hrmjenl]

I am confident that my daughter, a Senior majorette, and her fellow bandmates would LOVE to have you come down to the field and personally offer your "constructive" criticism. You know, that whole "they sound like crap" constructive criticism. Frankly I'm surprised you aren't a band director yourself! It sounds as if you could really give Mr. Neel a run for his money! Just please don't try to do it in written form.

[massillon catholic]

I am confident that my daughter, a Senior majorette, and her fellow bandmates would LOVE to have you come down to the field and personally offer your "constructive" criticism. You know, that whole "they sound like crap" constructive criticism. Frankly I'm surprised you aren't a band director yourself! It sounds as if you could really give Mr. Neel a run for his money! Just please don't try to do it in written form.

I thought that the band got better each week last year. I don't think that you can develop and "band" in one year. It starts with the younger aged kids and that takes time. Give Neel a little time to produce before you send him to the gallo's.

[hrmjenl]

My response was aimed at flaboi and his comments. Sorry for the confusion!

The band has definitely improved and each time a director changes, there will be a time of flux until they assimiliate. It doesn't happen overnight, the "banding" of course. :hyper:

[flaboi7]

dear twiler..... everyone in this room wants to talk about tradition and keeping what masillon is made of.. well if mR neal is new and u just stated things will NOT be the same well thats not keeping up withthe tradtion right?

and as far as the economy and the kids cant afford to be in the band.. well shame on the band they use to always HELP the kids that couldnt afford to be in the band ... if they wanted to be in they go tthe assistance.. what is the band boosters for then??? dont they buy new instruments? they announced it 2 years ago that they bought all NEW ones for the students... our band traveled all over too and we fund raised the money as im sure all the students at massillon do as well... what about 50/50 where does that money go? we never were allowed to have a 50/50 in fla and we still had the money bc our booster club and fundraisers... and YES a band can be put together in ONE YEAR.. .look when the mays were here ... im guessing u liked them too right? you know the ones that were trying to make massillon a military style band... look when they left .. the BAnd was great great and they looked like massillon again... its a matter of choices and excuesses .. if u set your mind to it IT CAN BE DONE...

and construction should have nothing to do with pre game ... they are across the street.. so, will the football team from the other school have to enter from the other side to then? remmeber the pre game last year? the went behind the bleachers and marched in ... i believe the track and bleachers are still there right???the pre game last year was AWESOME and it was a great entrence everyone loved it and talked for weeks about it too..

lastly, if u sounded really bad would u want to be told or just let it go??? id rather suck it up and try to get better than not learn at all.... i guess thats why massillon never wins the battle of the bands right???

[massillon catholic]

[QUOTE=hrmjenl;65184]My response was aimed at flaboi and his comments. Sorry for the confusion!




I realize that now. I quoted the wrong post. Sorry!

[hrmjenl]

No problem MC!!

And flaboi, if you don't think the construction at the stadium is an issue you obviously haven't looked around when you've been at band practice. Guess you were too busy formulating your "constructive criticism".

[flaboi7]

so tell me then how will they come into the stadium at all ....since the road is blocked???? cant they march to where they use to march in?? the only thing that is by the vistors locker rooms are for the turf instalation for the pratice facility.. also enough with the comments about the ( const. critisism) maybe that why massillon as a whole has one of the lowest grade scores in the county and out of 30 standards only 11 were met.. look at the repository today.. maybe more of these parents that dnt want to say anything negative should wake up then... maybe its just the case that these students are not smart enough to be in band any more since the economy is bad and people dont have the money as twiler stated earlier lol... but like it was also stated a band cant be made in a year so i guess education cant get better at massillon in the past 24 years... oh and yes my grandparents and my mother went to WHS... so they no how it USE to be ....

[flaboi7]

and i will say this ... even though there may be people that dissagree with my comments there are alot that do.... we all cant agree on everything but i will say this... i love this band i go as much as i can to ALL there events.. i guessmy standards are too high for this band but they always will be BC when they come onto the firled agsinst another school or preform a show i want them to blow all the others away.. why??? bc WE ARE MASSILLON...
i want to bve able to hear that fight song so loud that the other teams no bussiness when the ENTER PBTS...

so no reson tot fight or put people down in hear well all feel different and cant agree on the same issues other wise we would be robots.. and the comment i made about the smartness of WHS kids was purely a jester in words bcv of the comments made by twirler.. money doesnt have to be involved in something u want in life.. if u want it you will find a way to get it.. i wasnt putting down MR NEAL... maybe its the middle school... they are not getting the kids involved like they use to as well... have a good day everyone and sorry if i maybe used to harsh of words also.. i just want our band to THE GREATEST SHOW IN HS FOOTBALL AGAIN!!!

[TigerBuckeye313]

Grab a hot dog...... take a potty break..... talk to old HS buds under the stands etc.....

Don't hate me cuz I'm not a big fan of the band, I just always thought that some of the presentations, especially over the last 10 years were a little hokey, and cheesy. If they came out and played the traditional Tiger football music like TBDBITL..... you know down at OSU, then I'd probably watch. I'm just not into stupid costumes and campy routines.



You obviously didn't see TBDBITL perform at last years OSU vs. Michigan game.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aDkWlVDHY7k

[ForeverTwirl06]

dear twiler..... everyone in this room wants to talk about tradition and keeping what masillon is made of.. well if mR neal is new and u just stated things will NOT be the same well thats not keeping up withthe tradtion right?

and as far as the economy and the kids cant afford to be in the band.. well shame on the band they use to always HELP the kids that couldnt afford to be in the band ... if they wanted to be in they go tthe assistance.. what is the band boosters for then??? dont they buy new instruments? they announced it 2 years ago that they bought all NEW ones for the students... our band traveled all over too and we fund raised the money as im sure all the students at massillon do as well... what about 50/50 where does that money go? we never were allowed to have a 50/50 in fla and we still had the money bc our booster club and fundraisers... and YES a band can be put together in ONE YEAR.. .look when the mays were here ... im guessing u liked them too right? you know the ones that were trying to make massillon a military style band... look when they left .. the BAnd was great great and they looked like massillon again... its a matter of choices and excuesses .. if u set your mind to it IT CAN BE DONE...

and construction should have nothing to do with pre game ... they are across the street.. so, will the football team from the other school have to enter from the other side to then? remmeber the pre game last year? the went behind the bleachers and marched in ... i believe the track and bleachers are still there right???the pre game last year was AWESOME and it was a great entrence everyone loved it and talked for weeks about it too..

lastly, if u sounded really bad would u want to be told or just let it go??? id rather suck it up and try to get better than not learn at all.... i guess thats why massillon never wins the battle of the bands right???

... you obviously havent been to the stadium recently.. because the road is blocked.. the heavy machinery.. and t storage of the rubber for our NEW turf.. the band can not enter like they did last year... plus... we are getting a new locker room facility under the bleachers by the score board.. and the design and layout of the new locker room will prohibit the band from making the entrance they did last year..

.. i didnt mean we weren't sticking to tradition.. i meant that Mr Neel is going to run things a little differently... and that takes adjustment... and most people don't like change therefore the adjustments will take a little time to get used to.. thats what i meant by things NOT being the same.. yes they buy instruments and stuff for the band... and the money the 50/50 and boosters raise from concessions goes to the cost of transportation and drycleaning and uniform maintence fees and food and scholarships and such for the band...and yes the band does fundraisers... but it is hard for some people to do the fundraisers because of the lack of time..and those fundraisers only get you so far... the rest you have to pay for..it's not cheap to go to florida these days.. or other long trips these days..

.. I can't pass any judgement on the Mays.. i was not in the band when they were the directors....and the band was great because people were tired of them and Mr Smith came back.. and everyone knew that band would be FUN again..

.. and if the band sounded bad.. Mr Neel and the other directors would tell them.. they don't need your constructive criticism..

..and as far as not being smart enough to be in band..
...isnt it scientifically proven that those who play a musical instrument often have higher test scores in other subjects like Math and Science and Reading?.. and i take offense to your comment.. I was a 3.8 student and graduated in the top 25% of my class.. and was in band since the 5th grade.. band is not rocket science buddy..

.. things might not always be the way you like them.. we may not be the loudest or biggest... there's always going to be someone better than you.. oh well.. times change.. i think what makes us part of the Greatest Show in High School Football is the fact that we are a band full of class.. dignity.. and respect.. people respect us because of where we come from.. and they respect us for the tradition that's behind us.. you should be proud of your band no matter how big or small.. you should be ENCOURAGING these kids.. not criticising them.. your "contructive criticism" wasn't criticism at all... it was a put down... if u are going to give contructive criticism.. you need to add some positives in there with your negatives.. you were nothing but negative... our band may be small.. but we keep fighting.. its the love of music and performing that keep this bands fire alive.. but the thing is.. there are people lke u flaboi who give negative comments and try to put that fire out... but if u went to the band with ure criticism they'll laugh at you..

..the band is continually improving.. and thats a good sign... we'll find out just how improved they are at the first game from those practices that you saw..and i garuntee u will be eating those words of constructive criticism :laughing:

[MassillonMom]

flaboi7!!!

I can't stand the way you write!!!! Don't you ever proofread?


AHHHHHH!:furious:

[proud to be]

You obviously didn't see TBDBITL perform at last years OSU vs. Michigan game.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aDkWlVDHY7k

OHHHH You're a genius!!!! Of course I didn't see it!! Like I said...... I don't watch the band, but since you're being so literal here I will humor you and explain.

The rush that I get hearing the OSU band come out of the tunnel before the game, and playing the traditional music, script Ohio etc.... is an awesome feeling. I don't think I've ever sat through a halftime band show....anywhere. I appreciate the hard work they put in, and the fact that they add to the experience. I just don't really feel the need to watch!!!

That is my option isn't it???

[ChronicTiger]

.. the band can not enter like they did last year...

Thank god. Maybe I wont fall asleep this year........nothing beats double time, bring it back.....

:thumbsup:

[flaboi7]

dear twirler...

obv u can not read the newspaper... they are STARTING construction on the locker rooms in NOV... isnt football over by then at least the home games??? i belive the last home game is oct 20th.

and just bc stats say if u r in band that u must be smarter... but yes u r right about those stats... and i have given the band positive comments did u read ALL of my statements? i loved the entrence to pregame last year and the band did sound really good ... and yes i no its just the beginging of the year but .. dont uthink at least our fight song should be played correctly??? and with pride???? and also u talk about where the band comes from and how much respect there is in the band yet you say that if i go with my critisism they would laught .... VERY RESPECTABLE HUG??? if a costomer in your work place came up to you and made a comment that would help your business preform better you would laugh at them????


and do u ever hear some of the 50/50 winnings at the games?? some games the winnings are close to 5,000- 8,000 dollars.. so that means the band get at least in the ball park of 2500.00 per game times 7 homes games ... that must be one expensive dry cleaner.....maybe to many hands in the kettle.... wasnt someone arrested for stealing the money a couple of years ago??? maybe we should check again....

oh and massillon mom .. sorry im not the best speller or a prof reader.... im not perfect at everything like you i guess... my poin tmade about the respect thing in massillon.. someone makes a comment and some other massillon band parent has to make fun of someone else ... and this is an adult.. no wonder massillon ranks SO LOW IN EDUCATION the parents r just like SOME of the students....

[swingband09]

flaboi.
if you were by the stadium you surely would of noticed how that road is blocked off so the band can't get to that side.
the band picnic was tonight and when we ran the show for the crowd they sure seemed to like it.
tiger rag probably did not sound all that great the day you were there b/c it probably was the 100th time we ran it that day and we were tired.
so before you start criticizing why don't you check your facts.

[tigers5]

I am amazed at the difference between last year and this year's posts...last year, everything was so positive. This year, Mr. "constructive criticism" has nothing but negative things to say. Yes, things are different - BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION - and there was just no way around it. As someone who knows the director very well, I can assure you that he spent many hours trying to come up with a way to enter the stadium that would work. It's taking time to get things ironed out, but hey - great things take time, don't they? These directors and band members spend literally hundreds of hours making these shows something that everyone will enjoy. Let's have a little perspective here.

[Kamd50]

I don't know why anyone is even paying attention to any of the posts this flaboi character is making. It makes me laugh. Just about everything he/she says or posts is #1. Negative and #2. Completely Off the wall! It is absolutely impossible to believe that this person graduated in the top 10% of their class with these deplorable postings; with everything from spelling, grammar, punctuation, and run on sentences, it is nothing short of a headache to even try to read such garble:stars:

Ignore Ignore Ignore Ignore! This person does not speak for the Massillon fans, community, or anyone else for that matter.

I hear part of the band's practice almost every single day and listened to almost the entire practice yesterday and they sounded pretty DAMN good to me:rockon: