salience
December 2, 2003
As to be expected, there was a fair amount of bickering and overall bitter sentiment last night amongst the bandnicks. No one was happy with the situation. Those who didn't get an email asking for his participation in San Fran were bitter, and those who did were torn between signing up for a potentially great time and undermining the loyalty of his friends. We all had our fits and then decided to wait until rehearsal for the Macy's tree lighting (on Thursday) tonight to see what Dave had to say.
Dave addressed the entire band for half an hour at the beginning of rehearsal. He explained that he hasn't given athletics any indication that the band is or is not traveling with the team to San Francisco, and that he and Kristen were preparing for the worst case scenario, if such a situation were to arise (hence the emails and such). He, along with the EBoard, has written a letter to Defilippo (the director of athletics) acknowledging his ignoring Dave's request for a meeting, the band's policy of taking everyone or no one, and many Big East and ACC statistics concerning other bands, to be delivered tomorrow morning. For instance, VA Tech rearranged their halftime show for a 100 person pep band to go to San Francisco; most bands have the everyone-or-no-one policy. Colorado St.'s director and Dave decided they'll match one another: send the 37 members only if they are forced (can you imagine a 37 person halftime show??), otherwise it is all or nothing. Dave concluded the letter by saying he appreciates the invitation, but cannot accept it, for the unfair divisions it forces him to make, and the current and future complications doing so could initiate.
Everyone took it well, and Dave made it clear he was open to suggestions for additions to the letter, and answered all of the questions members raised. Rehearsal from then on was cheery, what with rehearsing in the bubble on the field and playing cheesy, Christmas carols. Plus, it was a reunion of sorts. It's been almost a month since our last game day rehearsal, so being back with everyone was great. Plus, Heroes and Legends is my favorite show to date, and playing it, for what could be the last time, was fun as well.
After rehearsal I had this email waiting for me.
And yes, this is why Dave is one of my heroes:
Maria,
You have raised the single issue that has troubled me the most in this process. I considered inviting both seniors and section leaders, but that number would total approximately 25 students - leaving only 12 remaining positions for the remaining 140 students.
There is no winning scenario in this situation, although we have been working feverishly to devise a strategy. I'll have more information this evening. Also, I would be very happy to speak with you in person at any time.
Thank you for your balanced and rational perspective.
Dave addressed the entire band for half an hour at the beginning of rehearsal. He explained that he hasn't given athletics any indication that the band is or is not traveling with the team to San Francisco, and that he and Kristen were preparing for the worst case scenario, if such a situation were to arise (hence the emails and such). He, along with the EBoard, has written a letter to Defilippo (the director of athletics) acknowledging his ignoring Dave's request for a meeting, the band's policy of taking everyone or no one, and many Big East and ACC statistics concerning other bands, to be delivered tomorrow morning. For instance, VA Tech rearranged their halftime show for a 100 person pep band to go to San Francisco; most bands have the everyone-or-no-one policy. Colorado St.'s director and Dave decided they'll match one another: send the 37 members only if they are forced (can you imagine a 37 person halftime show??), otherwise it is all or nothing. Dave concluded the letter by saying he appreciates the invitation, but cannot accept it, for the unfair divisions it forces him to make, and the current and future complications doing so could initiate.
Everyone took it well, and Dave made it clear he was open to suggestions for additions to the letter, and answered all of the questions members raised. Rehearsal from then on was cheery, what with rehearsing in the bubble on the field and playing cheesy, Christmas carols. Plus, it was a reunion of sorts. It's been almost a month since our last game day rehearsal, so being back with everyone was great. Plus, Heroes and Legends is my favorite show to date, and playing it, for what could be the last time, was fun as well.
After rehearsal I had this email waiting for me.
And yes, this is why Dave is one of my heroes:
Maria,
You have raised the single issue that has troubled me the most in this process. I considered inviting both seniors and section leaders, but that number would total approximately 25 students - leaving only 12 remaining positions for the remaining 140 students.
There is no winning scenario in this situation, although we have been working feverishly to devise a strategy. I'll have more information this evening. Also, I would be very happy to speak with you in person at any time.
Thank you for your balanced and rational perspective.
lasaliente, 23:17
