Why has the band gotten so small? When I was in school they were much bigger and sounded pretty decent, and that was in the Caldwell era, so it wasn't like football was a big draw then (though basketball probably was). I am sure there has been turnover in leadership since then so maybe that has something to do with it. Whatever happened to that crazy older lady who I think was an assistant director for years?
What should WF do about:
- improvements in the lots for tailgating and more emphasis in marketing for tailgating
- improvements getting people in their seats at the gates which work well now but can be improved
- Deacon Club needs something similar to IPTAY (I pay $10 a year) to expand to a larger base of INCLUSION.
Recognize this takes years to build a culture unique to our circumstances and that winning alone does not bring out NEW fans which is the goal. Others have better ideas for certain but they’re not being used currently.
Good to hear comments from a good many old band members. Encouraging to know you all participated. Over 50 years ago for me. I volunteered one football season and then joined - we got 1 hr credit and a football trip out of state each year. Period. Vandy, Maryland, Clemson (awful).
I agree some partial scholarship $ should help. Exp. A son of my wife's cousin went to So. Carolina and got 1/2. 10 years or so ago. So some do that.
I went to a Deacon Club function years ago where Ron Wellman spoke. He was all enthused touting the A&T Band coming for our football game with them that fall. I said good, but asked what he was going to do to help promote/improve the Wake band. He had no interest in reflecting on that. It seemed the band portion of the athletic budget was expendable. I'm sure things were tight back then but should be some better now.
Props to the people who were in the band this year, but they need and should get some help. There was an effort a few years back for former members to pledge some support. Also, seems like the 'day of giving' a couple of months ago had areas to split your gift and band was included. Likely didn't get many gifts.
Good to hear comments from a good many old band members. Encouraging to know you all participated. Over 50 years ago for me. I volunteered one football season and then joined - we got 1 hr credit and a football trip out of state each year. Period. Vandy, Maryland, Clemson (awful).
I agree some partial scholarship $ should help. Exp. A son of my wife's cousin went to So. Carolina and got 1/2. 10 years or so ago. So some do that.
I went to a Deacon Club function years ago where Ron Wellman spoke. He was all enthused touting the A&T Band coming for our football game with them that fall. I said good, but asked what he was going to do to help promote/improve the Wake band. He had no interest in reflecting on that. It seemed the band portion of the athletic budget was expendable. I'm sure things were tight back then but should be some better now.
Props to the people who were in the band this year, but they need and should get some help. There was an effort a few years back for former members to pledge some support. Also, seems like the 'day of giving' a couple of months ago had areas to split your gift and band was included. Likely didn't get many gifts.