Assignment One Final Draft

Jeremy Williams 2015

Assignment One“Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band”

Note: This particular observation took place over random 30 minute intervals of time during different activities the PNNMB has participated in Such as Practices and Football games. I focused my observations at these different times just to help get a feel of what all the marching band does. The timing of my observations line up relatively close to the actual times where I observed. Relevant Background Information: The observations listed in this analysis take place in several locations throughout the UNCC Campus. Several important sites include the practice field located in the front of the campus, The Jerry Richardson Stadium and RDH (Residence Dining Hall). The UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band took the field in its inaugural season this fall 2015. It consist of students from each of the eight colleges here at UNCC. This group of about 150 musicians entertains audiences at all of the home football games and many other places. Here is a link to a video about the coming of this band program. https://youtu.be/XA94z6uV3W0 Figured World: A figured world is a large society where people share the same beliefs, rules, behaviors, manners etc. Within the community you have specific conventions of appropriate behavior and a specific discourse. The Pride of the Niner Nation Marching is my figured world. I chose this figured world because of my love of music. I am also a part of this band so I thought this would be a good world to observe because of these reasons. Rules and Conventions: The Rules and conventions of the marching band are strict. It has to be this way in order to maintain peace and order and maintain a high standard and professionalism. The band receives a policies and procedures handbook at the start of band camp that basically lists the rules and conventions of appropriate behavior. These guidelines are in effect during all PNNMB activities. Members of the band must be in attendance and on time to all rehearsals, parades, and performances. There is no smoking during rehearsals, performances or any time you are in your uniform. This policy is in effect with “zero tolerance” Any violation will result in disciplinary action. The use of alcohol or illegal substances is strictly prohibited from all rehearsals, travel, and performances. All members (including those of legal age in the state of NC) who consume alcoholic beverages or use illegal substances before official PNNMB events are held accountable for their behavior as a result of their decision. Members cannot accept alcoholic beverages from Niner football fans before, during, after games. After games, the band uniform shall be removed and properly stored before attending parties. The Department of Music has the final decision making authority in the determination of penalties for substance abuse. Hazing is strictly prohibited. PNNMB members are expected to be aware of all University policies regarding hazing.


Students who are aware of acts of hazing should report these to the Director and/or the Dean of Students Office. Members of the PNNMB should make every effort to show the utmost respect to their fellow members. Members will show the greatest respect for the University equipment and uniform. Members should also refrain from engaging in abusive language or behavior with football fans who may wish to provoke a confrontation. These rules have been set in place to ensure personal safety. Actors: Actors are the people in a figured world. These people are usually the important ones who play a significant roles, and have specific purpose in the community. The people that I chose all hold a high position and have an important role as a part of the PNNMB. They are very important and actually keep the band afloat.

Figure 1 - Chesley Black, David, Mr. White, Nick Nichols, Justin McDougal, Dr. Miller (From Left to Right)

· Jeffrey Miller – Dr. Miller is Associate Director of Bands and the inaugural Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In this capacity, Dr. Miller directs the Symphonic Band and Basketball Pep-Band, teaches a course in Marching Band Techniques, and is responsible for the development and vision of the University’s first marching band.· Shawn Smith – Dr. Smith is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Smith holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting from Arizona State University, and Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Louisiana State University and Boise State University respectively. He helps the marching band select music to play and actually helps write some of it. He also conducts the star spangled banner in the pregame show of the marching band.· Nick Nichols – Nick is the Marching Percussion Coordinator. He is in charge of all things percussion. A native of Belmont, NC, Nick hold degrees from Western Carolina University (2006 - BS Communication), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2011 - BA Music/Percussion), and East Carolina University (2014 - MM Performance). Nick was a member of the Carolina Panthers drumline and has been a sought-after local musician.· Justin McDougal – Justin is the Marching Band Colorguard Director. He is a graduate of North Lincoln high school (class of 2008), where upon graduation he was named Director of the Colorguard and Winterguard programs. Under his direction, the North Lincoln Colorguard program flourished and enjoyed many successes including multiple medal-winning performances.· Chesley Black – Dr. Black is the Drum Major and Student Leadership Program Coordinator of the UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band, which will take the field this fall. While an undergraduate student at East Carolina University, Dr. Black served as Head Drum Major of the ECU Marching Pirates for several years. He has 19 years of experience teaching drum majors at the high school, university, and drum corps level... and has been involved with the marching band activity for a total of 23 years.


Artifacts: Artifacts can be the physical items that play an important role to the figured world. Not only are they physical items, artifacts can be identified as emotions or feelings. That means that one can a have a feeling that impacts the figured world either in a positive or negative way.

· Whistle – The whistle is an important artifact for the band. It is something everyone in the band can understand and relate to. It symbolizes many things from the count off to a song to the need to assemble to the “attendance block”· “Dr. Beat” – Dr. Beat is the nickname of the Metronome we use to keep time and help us with tempo when we practice. A metronome is simply a device that puts off a constant click or other sound in a repetitive unchanging manner.· The Drum Majors Excitement – The excitement put off by the drum majors can definitely defined as an artifact. They are always and in a good mood all the time and that rubs off on the whole “community.” This excitement gives a positive vibe which keeps the will to work hard higher.

Communities of Practice: Communities of practice are groups of people who are involved with, and care deeply about the same things as their peers. These are usually groups of 3 or more people. An example of this could be the “Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band.” As a community of practice we meet in a common domain, “the practice field,” and share our passion for music. As a community we practice together and engage in the same activities as one another as a part of our common interest and appreciation for music.

· Woodwinds – The wood winds include Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the same subgroup of instrument know as a woodwinds.


· Brass – The brass include Mellophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and Sousaphone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the same subgroup of instrument know as a brass.· Percussion – The wood winds include Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the same subgroup of instrument know as a woodwinds.· Color Guard – The Color Guard includes Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people share the love for dance and flag spinning.

Domain: A domain of a community is the goal or a shared interest that everyone has. In a way it explain what the group is all about and what its focus is.

· “Desire to please” – The goal of the PNNMB is to perform do something that someone else would enjoy and appreciate. This is not only our goal but it is basically out job. Pleasing fans is a job that we all love. To do that they focus on keeping a positive attitude and strive to focus on what is in front of them.

Practices of the Community: Practices of the community is what this group actually does together within the group. . If there is ever a problem within a community, they work together to find a solution.

· Stretching – Stretching is a common practice amongst the band. That is something they do at the start of every practice. Stretching is important because it helps prevent injury. Marching band is very physical and it is possible to hurt yourself if you pass up on the stretches.· “Watch and Listen” – I could also say a practice of the community is to watch and listen while performing to ensure a quality performance. Those are two words you hear a lot in the marching band community. The members are supposed to watch the drum majors and listen to their surroundings.

Literacy Practices: Literacy practices are the way a Figured world uses to communicate. The most common literary practices could include calling, texting, sending emails, etc. A more recent form of communication now is social media in which people not only communicate their actions but they also communicate their thoughts and feelings.

· Conducting – Conducting is the main way to communicate musically within the band. Conducting tells a marcher at what speed to play at what volume to play at, how fast to move his feet when marching and even when to start and stop playing.· Emails and Phone Calls/Text – These are the main forms of communication off the field. This is how the band director asks you to contact him when you have a situation such as a tardy or absence, or any other reason you may need to talk to him. Members also use text most of the time to communicate with each other.


Interview 1 – Justin (Drumline – Bassdrum) 1. What are some of the other marching ensembles you have been involved with?

“My high school marching band. (Mooresville High School) and the “Revelation” indoor percussion group.”

2. Why did you want to be a part the PNNMB? “I wanted to be a part of this first year marching band to make history, also I

just love music and the band and I knew I wanted to continue marching in college so they started this marching band just in time.”

3. Describe what you like about the band. “I like the social aspect, I have made a lot of new friends that I probably

would not have made if I wasn’t a part of the band.”4. Describe what concerns you have about the band.

“Well, we work on multiple shows at 1 time so I’d say that sometimes I’m concerned that we won’t be able to perfect a show because he have to focus on so much at one time”

5. Explain the most difficult part of being a member of the band. “The walks! We walk a lot and it kills my feet. Also there is sooooo much

music to memorize.”6. How do you feel about the music the band plays?

“I like it, it is a nice variety of styles. I think it appeals to all types of people.”7. Do you plan on being a part of the PNNMB next year?

“Yes”

Interview 2 – Andrew (Drumline – Snaredrum)

1. What are some of the other marching ensembles you have been involved with? “My high school marching band as well as my high school indoor percussion

group”2. Why did you want to be a part the PNNMB?

“I like to be able to share and develop my musical abilities as well as be around similar peers”

3. Describe what you like about the band. “I like the people, the staff, as well as the music we play”

4. Describe what concerns you have about the band. “I have no general concerns, but I do wish the band can be the best it can be”

5. Explain the most difficult part of being a member of the band. “Keeping up with my schoolwork and still earning my keep in the band can be

very demanding and sometimes be over encumbering” 6. How do you feel about the music the band plays?

“The music is very fun and is written to be recognized and appreciated by people from all different backgrounds.”

7. Do you plan on being a part of the PNNMB next year? “Yes”

The Observations: *The times are listed as actual times- 4:00 represents 4 o’clock, (not 4minutes into the observation) *


Observation OneFriday, September 14, 2015“Marching Band Practice”

3:55 – Members of the Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band are preparing for practice. Some people have arrived early and the rest are trickling in. Multiple people from various groups of instruments play Frisbee in the practice field. Band director arrives to the practice field on a scissor lift. Some band members scream welcoming him. More band members pull out a football and make a mad dash to the field. Guard girls gather in conversation and wait calmly until practice begins. Drummers look over music and practice parts on drums and/or drum pads. Cymbal players sit together in a tribal like circle. 4:00 – Drum majors blow a whistle at 4 on the dot and yell “Please head to attendance block.” Students hustle to attendance block. Everyone is speaking loudly. And excited for the practice. You also have those people who are complaining about the weather and the fact that we have to practice in general. Drumline debates if we should bring our instruments to the attendance/stretch block. Drum captain decides we should even though the rest of the band isn’t bringing them to the block. Bass drum player complains about bringing drums. We take drums to the block. All drummers place their equipment slightly to the right of their spots in the block so we have enough room for stretches. 4:05 – Drum majors blow whistle and start stretch block. Guard girl says hey to me. One guy begins to complain about starting stretches. He questions the point of the exercise. Section leader explains the purpose of the stretches. Stretches we do: everyone raises hands straight above heads then bends over to touch left toe. Everyone then moves to the right toe on the word of the drum majors. The next stretch is right arm over left to stretch deltoids. Few people throughout the stretch block are not participating. Drumline is having side conversations about YouTube videos. Drum major gets distracted by the band director asking them about something. Everyone stops stretching and looks around aimlessly. The girl that is responsible for the attendance walks past the drumline and ask the drum captain if everyone is present and if everyone has their required materials. 4:15 – People who have classes that roll over to the time of marching band practice start rolling in “late.” They check in with the attendance girl as they make their way to the field to join the rest of the band. Stretches are continued now we stretch our legs more by pulling our left foot up behind us. Then the same goes for the right foot. Band does calf stretch. Everyone scurries to find a partner to do a calf stretch with. Everyone has a big smile on their face as they have found a partner they can have a good time with. Calf stretch is done for left foot then right foot. Drum majors let everyone know to start arm stretch. The same left to right part is applied here. Drum majors then send everyone back to their original positions in the block while announcements from the band director are made. 4:20 – Everyone grabs instruments or flags. Real rehearsal begins with the band director sending everyone to the end of the previous song (Fireball – by Pitbull) in the show. Band director rides the lift to the top. So he can see all the forms from above. Everyone disperses to their sets (position on the field for a specific time) and some are confused. People ask around to get clarification on what we are doing. Drum major runs with a metronome to back field. Everyone gets to their spots and wait patiently unto the band director counts us off. Metronome starts and everyone starts moving to their next “set.” Director notices some problems, and sends everyone back to their previous “set.” Drumline takes their time


returning to the set. Drumline Instructor then shows up late after being at work. Not too long after the bass drum instructor shows up. Practice becomes repetitive as the sets begin to repeat over and over. Band instructor gives us a quick water break.

Observation TwoMonday, September 12, 2015

“Practice before Game against Presbyterian”

4:50 (AM) - Drumline starts showing up to RDH (Residence Dining Hall) early. Everyone looks tired and exhausted since it so early. Band director is standing in RDH looking at us come in. People walk slowly to grab drums. Drum captain looks around to see if all drumline members are there. He notices that we are missing about 5 people of 25. He ask anyone if they know where they are. Nobody know where they are and is too tired to care. One guy on the drumline questions why they have to be there so early before the rest of the band. Drum captain explains the reasons behind it. He explains that we need extra practice before the performance.

4:55 – Drumline starts heading out to the field for practice. Everyone takes there time. Drum instructor makes them move faster. Everyone gets to field and puts their stuff down and talks to each other. One girl in the drumline pulls out her Frisbee and ask if anyone want to play to wake themselves up a bit. Only one person wants to. They run out in the dew cover field leaving tracks in the wet field.

5:00 – The Drum instructor calls drumline over to “drum arcs”. (The formation in which the drumline stands to warmup) The people playing Frisbee run to grab drums. The instructor gives us a short talk. He goes over all the things we will be playing as some of the late people start showing up. Then he reminds us that we have once chance to plan an exercise correctly (Diddle Machine – Drum Cadence) and if we can’t we won’t be performing it. Drum captain looks upset and says, “I hope you all looked over it!” He counts us off and we start plating it. Everything is all good until the end. We start over and once again everything is good until the end.

5:05 – Drum instructor scraps that song for this game. Then gives us a lecture about how we must do better and work harder. Drum captain is upset. We continue to practice. We play through a drum warmups. We play 3 warmups (JoJo, Atypical 8’s, and Hurkey and Tam aka Dyslexic Sandwich). Them we go through Pregame show music (The Star Spangled Banner, UNCC Alma Mater, 49er Cheer, UNCC Fight song, and “American Celebration”). We make it halfway through the first song then we encounter a problem in the tenor drum section. The drum instructor addresses the problem and works on it with them individually for a moment. Then we start over then make it all the way through the song. Then we make it through all the rest of the songs for the pregame without any major problems.

5:10 – We start working on halftime show music. Last late person from drumline shows up. HE explains why he was late. Everyone laugh at his reason. He had said that he didn’t know that the drumline had a different call time. Drum instructor just shakes his head and continues on with practice. We look over music for the show we have to perform the following week. We get through it. The drum captain says, “That was dirty (not good, bad beats and playing).”

5:15 – Other band members begin to show up early for their practice that begins at 5:30. Some guys pull out a Frisbee and run out to the field and start throwing it. Drum instructor


tells to play the drum cadences (drumline specific “song”) again. We play through them quickly. He asks us to set our drums down in order and gather around him. He talks to us about responsibility and accountability. Then he says that he wants us to stay focus and make this rehearsal productive. He tells us to keep the talking at a low. Then he says “oh, and no pecking (playing on drums out of turn)” He tells us to grab some water at be out with the rest of the band at 5:30

Observation ThreeMonday, September 14, 2015

“Marching Band Practice (Sectionals)”

3:55 – Members of the Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band are preparing for practice once again. Everyone is heading to the field from RDH (residence dining hall) where the instruments are stored. Some people are already at the field. The usual people are out in the field playing Frisbee and football. Most of the guard is in the field already practicing. Dr. Miller rolls up on the lift. Everyone greets him. All 3 drum instructors then show up and talk with Dr. Miller for a moment. The drum captain then walks over to the Nick the Main drum instructor and starts talking with him then the rest of the snare line gathers around them.

4:00 – Drum majors blow a whistle at 4 on the dot and yell “Please head to attendance block” as normal. Students stroll to the attendance block. Everyone is in good spirit and speaking loudly with their friends. People are having conversations about how the game went that previous Saturday. Drumline debates if we should bring our instruments to the attendance/stretch block as usual. Drum captain says not to bring them out since it will be a sectional rehearsal. (Sectional is a rehearsal where each section or instrument group separates into small groups to practice what they need individual help on)

4:05 – Drum majors blow whistle and start stretch block. We do all the usual stretches starting with a stretch into the air then down to your right foot then to your left. Then right arm across the front of your body. Then Left arm across the front of your body. Then right arm back so that your hand touches your back. Then left arm back. After that we pull our right leg back holding our ankle. The band then sticks out their arm and sings the super man theme while continuing to hold their leg. Then we get to the end we touch our toe that is still on the ground with our extended arm. We proceed to do the same for the opposite leg. Then we do calf stretches and shoulder stretches.

4:10 – The drum majors then introduce us to another type of stretch. They call it the “shakey shakes.” You basically throw your arms down 8 times, then to the sides 8 times then up 8 times. Then you proceed with same pattern by reducing the amount of times to 6 then 4 then 2 then 1. After finished everyone questions the purpose. One drum major say to loosen joints. This is the time where people who have classes that roll over to the time of marching band practice start rolling in “late.” They check in with the attendance girl as they make their way to the field to join the rest of the band.

4:15 – Dr. Miller calls for everyone’s silence and attention. The field turns silent like a ghost town. First he talks to us and complements our performance at the game. Next he talks to us about how the sectional rehearsal is going to work. After he has said all that needed to be said he dismisses us and says “Go Niners.” Everyone cheers loudly. Some people are screaming and jumping around from the woodwinds and brass sections.


4:20 –Everyone grabs instruments or flags and disperses across the field in to their sections. The drumline gathers around our drum instructor. He tells us to split up too. The bass drums go to around the 45 yard line in front of the front hash. We work on warmups for a quick second. Then practice some of the music we have barely looked at. Our drum instructor comes around and tells us we are meeting as a full drumline in 45 minutes.

Documents

Assignment One Final Draft