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Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
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rath v2.0 Offline
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Post: #21
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-03-2017 02:34 PM)George Kaplan Wrote:  If they don't take this opportunity to also "freshen" the presentation of the band by replacing the Voice of the Bearcat Band, then that would be a MAJOR miss. Randy Smith is a great and committed Bearcat, but it is time that his Voice gives way to one that better reflects these changes and doesn't have such a mockable delivery.

Eastside J does the funniest impression of the band announcer on the planet.

At one time we were trying to figure out how to pull off the perfect heist...barricade ourselves in the booth and have him take over for the halftime show. It would be like something out of a Hunter S. Thompson book.
 
05-03-2017 02:39 PM
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subflea Offline
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Post: #22
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
Can he get rid of the woodwinds?

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(This post was last modified: 05-03-2017 08:10 PM by subflea.)
05-03-2017 08:10 PM
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TubaCat Offline
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Post: #23
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-03-2017 08:10 PM)subflea Wrote:  Can he get rid of the woodwinds?

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In all fairness, there's only one college band in the country that still does the traditional marching corps "all brass" thing. They're the lone minority.
 
05-03-2017 08:38 PM
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BearcatsUC Offline
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Post: #24
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-03-2017 12:56 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  
(05-03-2017 12:41 PM)Ahhhorsepoo Wrote:  Tubas always win! Why do you even try?

As long as he doesn't try to bring some Star Wars fanfare on 3rd down I think it could be a really fun process.. as his first order of business, he is defending/figuring out where to put the band in the stadium though..

Chris is a really, really sharp guy.

Honestly, I would expect him to:
1) Take the traditions already in place, and play up their strengths. And the UC Band has A LOT of traditions already there...so, I expect things like the Fanfare and charging the field, "Down the Drive," and "Cheer Cincinnati" will ONLY be played up. The "Pride of West Virginia" is used as the "exclamation point" in WVU football games and I expect the Bearcat Band will be used likewise. I think Chris will start from "What's already working" as opposed to "Let's pitch it all in the trash and start over from scratch."

2) I think Chris will lobby...hard...for MORE music scholarships and resources, including trying to build a closer relationship with the CCM. Chris is known in Morgantown for demanding the BEST musicianship...and while he's not averse to "pop" influences, he is above all a fine musician. When I think of Chris, I always end up thinking about the director character in the movie "Drumline," who demands that his musicians master their craft. (This is not a reflection on Dr. Frenz.) But I hope and think Nichter will approach the CCM in the spirit of fine musicianship and seek to broach some of the walls that have divided the CCM from the Bands program.

3) I think Chris will also bring more dynamic formations to the Band's programs and drill...and drill...and drill his Bands on marching discipline and precision. He is the type of Marching Band guy who is about precision marching. The Band will really shine and snap under his direction.

4) Finally, his musicians up here love him... I mean, there is real sorrow and regret up in Morgantown at the moment. He is a guy who kids WANT to play and work for. He earns the devotion and trust of his kids...which is not always an easy thing.

Just saying...This is a really good thing for the band, IMO.

You mean we won't be treated to any more rambling, random, on-field amorphous marching blob formations?
 
05-03-2017 08:53 PM
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Bearcatbdub Offline
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Post: #25
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-03-2017 08:53 PM)BearcatsUC Wrote:  
(05-03-2017 12:56 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  
(05-03-2017 12:41 PM)Ahhhorsepoo Wrote:  Tubas always win! Why do you even try?

As long as he doesn't try to bring some Star Wars fanfare on 3rd down I think it could be a really fun process.. as his first order of business, he is defending/figuring out where to put the band in the stadium though..

Chris is a really, really sharp guy.

Honestly, I would expect him to:
1) Take the traditions already in place, and play up their strengths. And the UC Band has A LOT of traditions already there...so, I expect things like the Fanfare and charging the field, "Down the Drive," and "Cheer Cincinnati" will ONLY be played up. The "Pride of West Virginia" is used as the "exclamation point" in WVU football games and I expect the Bearcat Band will be used likewise. I think Chris will start from "What's already working" as opposed to "Let's pitch it all in the trash and start over from scratch."

2) I think Chris will lobby...hard...for MORE music scholarships and resources, including trying to build a closer relationship with the CCM. Chris is known in Morgantown for demanding the BEST musicianship...and while he's not averse to "pop" influences, he is above all a fine musician. When I think of Chris, I always end up thinking about the director character in the movie "Drumline," who demands that his musicians master their craft. (This is not a reflection on Dr. Frenz.) But I hope and think Nichter will approach the CCM in the spirit of fine musicianship and seek to broach some of the walls that have divided the CCM from the Bands program.

3) I think Chris will also bring more dynamic formations to the Band's programs and drill...and drill...and drill his Bands on marching discipline and precision. He is the type of Marching Band guy who is about precision marching. The Band will really shine and snap under his direction.

4) Finally, his musicians up here love him... I mean, there is real sorrow and regret up in Morgantown at the moment. He is a guy who kids WANT to play and work for. He earns the devotion and trust of his kids...which is not always an easy thing.

Just saying...This is a really good thing for the band, IMO.

You mean we won't be treated to any more rambling, random, on-field amorphous marching blob formations?
I like to call that the "match-up zone"
 
05-03-2017 09:21 PM
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ucbandguy Offline
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Post: #26
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
If you want the new director to deliver a "kick ass" band, then make sure he has the resources needed for success ($$$).

For way too long now, the UC Band has been trying to imitate a "Cadillac" with a "Yugo" budget. If you consider it that way, they have actually done a decent job. However, the ride you get does not leave you satisfied.

I designate some of my UC donations their way, but that is small time compared with the budget necessary. (Any major donors out there?)
 
05-04-2017 08:19 AM
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TubaCat Offline
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Post: #27
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-04-2017 08:19 AM)ucbandguy Wrote:  If you want the new director to deliver a "kick ass" band, then make sure he has the resources needed for success ($$$).

For way too long now, the UC Band has been trying to imitate a "Cadillac" with a "Yugo" budget. If you consider it that way, they have actually done a decent job. However, the ride you get does not leave you satisfied.

I designate some of my UC donations their way, but that is small time compared with the budget necessary. (Any major donors out there?)

04-clap2

I designate all of my UC donations for the band, though being a recent grad, I don't have lots of money laying around.

I've spoken with people from other AAC bands, they snickered about how they're able to pay for basic services (like uniform/instrument maintenance) that UC band students must volunteer many hours to do themselves, just to keep the band operating. Students and volunteers are relied upon for:
  • Maintaining all uniforms (~300)
  • Managing all instruments (~250)
  • Keeping track of and repairing all equipment
  • Recording all performances and publishing them online
  • Managing the band's website and social media
  • Janitorial cleaning, maintaining of the facilities
  • Fundraising 5-figure dollar amounts annually
  • Handling transportation logistics
  • Running many section practices (I personally taught almost every weekly tuba rehearsal for 3 years as an undergrad)

...and many other duties as needed. This is in addition to, you know, practicing and playing at games. There are local high school bands that have more professional services at their disposal. It's embarrassing.

Some things will improve under the right leadership, but anyone expecting miracles will be disappointed until the band has respectable resources and institutional support (looking at you, CCM).
 
05-04-2017 09:42 AM
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doss2 Offline
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Post: #28
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
I just hope I do not have to hear three times every performance "Under the direction of Mr. Christopher Nichter"
 
05-04-2017 09:53 AM
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Ahhhorsepoo Offline
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Post: #29
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-04-2017 09:42 AM)TubaCat Wrote:  
(05-04-2017 08:19 AM)ucbandguy Wrote:  If you want the new director to deliver a "kick ass" band, then make sure he has the resources needed for success ($$$).

For way too long now, the UC Band has been trying to imitate a "Cadillac" with a "Yugo" budget. If you consider it that way, they have actually done a decent job. However, the ride you get does not leave you satisfied.

I designate some of my UC donations their way, but that is small time compared with the budget necessary. (Any major donors out there?)

04-clap2

I designate all of my UC donations for the band, though being a recent grad, I don't have lots of money laying around.

I've spoken with people from other AAC bands, they snickered about how they're able to pay for basic services (like uniform/instrument maintenance) that UC band students must volunteer many hours to do themselves, just to keep the band operating. Students and volunteers are relied upon for:
  • Maintaining all uniforms (~300)
  • Managing all instruments (~250)
  • Keeping track of and repairing all equipment
  • Recording all performances and publishing them online
  • Managing the band's website and social media
  • Janitorial cleaning, maintaining of the facilities
  • Fundraising 5-figure dollar amounts annually
  • Handling transportation logistics
    [*]Running many section practices (I personally taught almost every weekly tuba rehearsal for 3 years as an undergrad)

...and many other duties as needed. This is in addition to, you know, practicing and playing at games. There are local high school bands that have more professional services at their disposal. It's embarrassing.

Some things will improve under the right leadership, but anyone expecting miracles will be disappointed until the band has respectable resources and institutional support (looking at you, CCM).

I tried to help with this, probably while you were there.. but he never knew when sectionals were.. hence me thinking he was a bit overwhelmed as time went by
 
(This post was last modified: 05-04-2017 11:50 AM by Ahhhorsepoo.)
05-04-2017 11:47 AM
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TubaCat Offline
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Post: #30
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-04-2017 11:47 AM)Ahhhorsepoo Wrote:  I tried to help with this, probably while you were there.. but he never knew when sectionals were.. hence me thinking he was a bit overwhelmed as time went by

Somewhere, Tommy Tuberville and Terry Frenz are enjoying a nice round of golf together. They are kindred spirits at this stage in life.
 
05-04-2017 12:08 PM
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Ahhhorsepoo Offline
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Post: #31
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-04-2017 12:08 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  
(05-04-2017 11:47 AM)Ahhhorsepoo Wrote:  I tried to help with this, probably while you were there.. but he never knew when sectionals were.. hence me thinking he was a bit overwhelmed as time went by

Somewhere, Tommy Tuberville and Terry Frenz are enjoying a nice round of golf together. They are kindred spirits at this stage in life.

He approached me to help the undergrads out.. that was the amazing part..
 
05-04-2017 01:06 PM
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DDaddy Offline
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Post: #32
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
My son is a professional trumpet player. CIM up north. Marching and playing trumpet affects the embouchure. Apparently not great for classical players. He loved marching in high school but was advised to quit as he progressed.
 
05-04-2017 07:52 PM
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MercerCo_BearCat Offline
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Post: #33
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-04-2017 07:52 PM)DDaddy Wrote:  My son is a professional trumpet player. CIM up north. Marching and playing trumpet affects the embouchure. Apparently not great for classical players. He loved marching in high school but was advised to quit as he progressed.

I agree. For performance majors, it isn't beneficial to continue doing marching band, however, if a student is going to school for music education, it's a little bit different. A year marching could very well be beneficial on how they teach st their school on the field.
 
05-04-2017 09:04 PM
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RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
Where does he stand on "You can call me Al?" Asking for a guy that is sick to death of that friggin' song and has no idea why UC continues to play it...
 
05-05-2017 07:34 AM
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TubaCat Offline
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Post: #35
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-05-2017 07:34 AM)Crewdogz Wrote:  Where does he stand on "You can call me Al?" Asking for a guy that is sick to death of that friggin' song and has no idea why UC continues to play it...

He probably has the same stance as Tommy Tuberville, considering the band hasn't played it since before either was hired at UC. 03-lmfao

It's surprisingly polarizing, everyone seems to either love it or hate it... even today, when it hasn't been played for 4 years.
 
05-05-2017 08:40 AM
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Post: #36
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
Piano Man must stay in the repertoire.
 
05-05-2017 08:47 AM
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RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
Seriously hard to believe it hasn't been played for 4 years... I seldom miss a game. I just know I am in the "Hate" column
 
05-05-2017 09:09 AM
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scvanguard1 Offline
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Post: #38
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
Glad to hear we have a new director. Hope he teaches how to run down steps. I remember watching this live and feeling for the guy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7CEj6Dx7Xk
 
05-05-2017 12:05 PM
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Post: #39
RE: Christopher Nichter hired as 14th Director of the UC Bearcat Bands
(05-05-2017 12:05 PM)scvanguard1 Wrote:  Glad to hear we have a new director. Hope he teaches how to run down steps. I remember watching this live and feeling for the guy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7CEj6Dx7Xk

It happens. The band does it about 12 times a year. (Rarely do it in practice. Maybe once a week or two). 2750 people will go down those steps a year. It happens once or twice a year. Most just aren't caught on camera.
 
05-05-2017 12:24 PM
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