Sorry about bumping an old thread, but there are a couple things I want to clear up about this post:

BT4LSU wrote: "My daughter dreamed of playing in the LSU band for years. When she finally applied, there were no openings for her in her speciality..... so
she ended up at WVU. Great music school, band was in desperate needed percussion, skolly was available, so I sadly approved."

WVU regularly has 70+ students audition for 30 spots in the drumline. That's hardly 'in desperate need of percussion.' Secondly, the school does NOT offer scholarships for marching band members.

"She blew them away in summer camp and as a freshman and moved up quick, from quints to lead percussion."

This is a complete lie. It was mentioned in a later post that this girl's name is Ashley. The only Ashley I know of in the drumline plays cymbals and holds no position of leadership in the WVU drumline. Unless her goal was to make the cymbal line, I seriously doubt she blew anyone away.

"And while I am proud to say she is currently lead percussion, in the symphonic band.... I'm more than terrified that there is a very good chance she'll be the drum major at WVU come September 2010."

Assuming she's a music student, this actually could be true, but I don't think a freshman is the principle percussionist in the WVU Symphony Orchestra. When I was in the College of Creative Arts, the percussion spots were filled with the senior (and juniors if needed) members of the percussion studio. There is a new head of percussion at the school, so I'm not sure if it's exactly the same as when I was there. However, I do know that for at least one year (after I was gone) there were auditions held. Everyone had the same audition you were placed based on the results of said audition.

It is a possibility that she is principle percussionist in the WVU Wind Symphony. If that's the case, congratulations to her.

"She told me she always dreamed of being the drum major a leading the band in Tiger Stadium.

And now..... good god almighty."

Don't get me wrong, I do wish her good luck as she is a member of a group that I have nothing but fond memories of, but please do not spread things that are untrue in a veiled attempt to downplay the prestige of a marching band that has received the Sudler Trophy.

This post was edited on 3/3/09 at 1:33 am

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Posted by dynatiger

Columbia, MD

Member since Sep 2006

205 posts

Posted on 3/3/09 at 7:32 am to BigKSoda

Why would a prestigious band & music school NOT give their hardest working students scholarships? Do they get a stipend instead?

I remember the LSU Band scholarship was small when I was there but it was something, and you got more for doing other things like Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.

All I can tell anyone about West Virginia is my students who want to go to Maryland but don't get in go to Delaware State or West Virginia.

Also, when you drive through West Virginia, you can see billboards about dental health.

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Posted by BT4LSU

Could be Anywhere, at Anytime

Member since Feb 2005

3278 posts

Posted on 3/3/09 at 6:05 pm to BigKSoda

quote:
Assuming she's a music student, this actually could be true, but I don't think a freshman is the principle percussionist in the WVU Symphony Orchestra.
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Not what I meant. More on that in a second.
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When I was in the College of Creative Arts, the percussion spots were filled with the senior (and juniors if needed) members of the percussion studio. There is a new head of percussion at the school, so I'm not sure if it's exactly the same as when I was there.

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It's still that way, and Ashley got in. And you have the right person. And yes, she tried out for cymbols. So perhaps you should speak to some of the members of the group, they're pretty tight.

So...my mistake, that's not what I meant....I was talking about her strides in music and percussion, because, as I am sure you know, there is a helluva lot more to music then just a marching band.

Actually, she is in the music department, works for Prof. Willis and we were delighted and honored by her progress this year.
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quote:
It is a possibility that she is principle percussionist in the WVU Wind Symphony. If that's the case, congratulations to her.

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It is not a possibility--that is in fact the case. And yes, she did it as a freshman.

I assure you She does a helluva lot more than just crash cymbals. The subject matter is partially my fault, so I apologize for any
mis communication--it had everything to do with her progression in music, not just her progression in the marching band.

Perhaps you should head down to the CAC and ask Willis, or even Matt Grupp, or Ryan how she's doing provided he's not the leading off ESPN
again.
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quote:
Don't get me wrong, I do wish her good luck as she is a member of a group that I have nothing but fond memories of....

Well then, thanks, but seriously, by the tone, I couldn't tell. You should go walk over to the CAC and visit the music department, things have changed over the last couple years.

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[quote]but please do not spread things that are untrue in a veiled attempt to downplay the prestige of a marching band that has received the Sudler Trophy.[/quote
?????

WTF????? Now I don't understand you at all.

Who's downplaying the prestige of the WVU band? Or the music department? Why the hell would I downplay my daughter's band or music department?

Think about it.

Look, if you wish to come in here and defend the WVU band, there was no need to. I have nothing but high regard for WVU. I'm proud of WVU, the marching band, and what my daughter is/has accomplished up there. I know she has a long way to go, no doubt. But she's progressing well.

And I'm very proud of her.

To think I'm cutting down the WVU band, or if you think I'm not going to defend my daughter-- well,
putting it in musical terms--you're off key.

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