I mean not going to lie, I'm a white dude that has zero dance skill and I still like to get on the dance floor after a 6 pack. That's me in black female form
I'll give a perspective on this, and even though it might not be 100% accurate it may help some to understand it a bit.
I'm a first gen Aggie, and growing up the exposure of myself, my family and friends to college and college football was primarily HBCUs. Of course, the quality of play sucked for most of the games, so often the major entertainment factor was the halftime show, or, at times, an entire separate performance in which the bands from the competing schools would hold an entertainment battle of sorts. Games such as the Bayou Classic (Southern & Grambling) and Labor Day Classic (TSU & PV) feature this. There were literally times where folks would get to the games late, enjoy the half time show, and then be indifferent to the rest of the game.
These battles were often done as full scale production shows, sometimes featuring major musical artists and other acts in addition to the band itself. Majorettes are a big part of the spectacle of the band performance. They will typically have dance moves choreographed to the music the band is playing. For example, at about 2:45 of the video posted above, I think it draws from this older vid:
Obviously, this is a completely different style of performance than A&M. While now I bleed maroon, admittedly, coming from my background, the first time I saw an A&M performance I was wondering how anyone could consider the band or guys jumping around dressed up as ice cream men entertaining. It wasn't until observing the marching precision and coming to know A&M that I developed a deeper appreciation for our performance. Now when I attend games at Kyle or away games, I emphasize to those who never watched our band that they have to check it out (Clemson fans loved our band).
Some of my friends and fam can get it and appreciate it, and others of course prefer the style they are more familiar with. I can't envision this majorette dancing blended with the FTAB based on the marching and musical selections, but I can understand how a female who has grown up around this majorette style and developed a love for A&M would seek to combine the two.
I'll give a perspective on this, and even though it might not be 100% accurate it may help some to understand it a bit.
I'm a first gen Aggie, and growing up the exposure of myself, my family and friends to college and college football was primarily HBCUs. Of course, the quality of play sucked for most of the games, so often the major entertainment factor was the halftime show, or, at times, an entire separate performance in which the bands from the competing schools would hold an entertainment battle of sorts. Games such as the Bayou Classic (Southern & Grambling) and Labor Day Classic (TSU & PV) feature this. There were literally times where folks would get to the games late, enjoy the half time show, and then be indifferent to the rest of the game.
These battles were often done as full scale production shows, sometimes featuring major musical artists and other acts in addition to the band itself. Majorettes are a big part of the spectacle of the band performance. They will typically have dance moves choreographed to the music the band is playing. For example, at about 2:45 of the video posted above, I think it draws from this older vid:
Obviously, this is a completely different style of performance than A&M. While now I bleed maroon, admittedly, coming from my background, the first time I saw an A&M performance I was wondering how anyone could consider the band or guys jumping around dressed up as ice cream men entertaining. It wasn't until observing the marching precision and coming to know A&M that I developed a deeper appreciation for our performance. Now when I attend games at Kyle or away games, I emphasize to those who never watched our band that they have to check it out (Clemson fans loved our band).
Some of my friends and fam can get it and appreciate it, and others of course prefer the style they are more familiar with. I can't envision this majorette dancing blended with the FTAB based on the marching and musical selections, but I can understand how a female who has grown up around this majorette style and developed a love for A&M would seek to combine the two.
Far too well thought out and articulated.
I think its very fair to wonder if/how a style most commonly found with HBCUs can blend with a style rooted in that of a white, male military college. It probably just doesnt. And while the style A&M currently has is very unique and special, there sure as hell isnt anything wrong with the style found in the Southern U video either.
I'll give a perspective on this, and even though it might not be 100% accurate it may help some to understand it a bit.
I'm a first gen Aggie, and growing up the exposure of myself, my family and friends to college and college football was primarily HBCUs. Of course, the quality of play sucked for most of the games, so often the major entertainment factor was the halftime show, or, at times, an entire separate performance in which the bands from the competing schools would hold an entertainment battle of sorts. Games such as the Bayou Classic (Southern & Grambling) and Labor Day Classic (TSU & PV) feature this. There were literally times where folks would get to the games late, enjoy the half time show, and then be indifferent to the rest of the game.
These battles were often done as full scale production shows, sometimes featuring major musical artists and other acts in addition to the band itself. Majorettes are a big part of the spectacle of the band performance. They will typically have dance moves choreographed to the music the band is playing. For example, at about 2:45 of the video posted above, I think it draws from this older vid:
Obviously, this is a completely different style of performance than A&M. While now I bleed maroon, admittedly, coming from my background, the first time I saw an A&M performance I was wondering how anyone could consider the band or guys jumping around dressed up as ice cream men entertaining. It wasn't until observing the marching precision and coming to know A&M that I developed a deeper appreciation for our performance. Now when I attend games at Kyle or away games, I emphasize to those who never watched our band that they have to check it out (Clemson fans loved our band).
Some of my friends and fam can get it and appreciate it, and others of course prefer the style they are more familiar with. I can't envision this majorette dancing blended with the FTAB based on the marching and musical selections, but I can understand how a female who has grown up around this majorette style and developed a love for A&M would seek to combine the two.
Far too well thought out and articulated.
I think its very fair to wonder if/how a style most commonly found with HBCUs can blend with a style rooted in that of a white, male military college. It probably just doesnt. And while the style A&M currently has is very unique and special, there sure as hell isnt anything wrong with the style found in the Southern U video either.
Just like there is nothing wrong with the style of someone singing in the shower versus Pavarotti or Bocello, just like nothing wrong with the style of music in a whiskey jug/spoon band vs the Boston Symphony. Hello.
Not all differences are equal, nor even should be considered equal.
Equating a group of amateurs shaking their tummies and rears to the professionalism of the Aggie Band's sophisticated synchronized and disciplined drills is the height of absurdity and prepostety.
Compare that video to the Aggie dance team's performances at Reed Arena. Not even on the same dance floor.
As Simon would tell the Prestige, "you need to find another hobby in life. You are no good at this one."
Just like there is nothing wrong with the style of someone singing in the shower versus Pavarotti or Bocello, just like nothing wrong with the style of music in a whiskey jug/spoon band vs the Boston Symphony. Hello.
Not all differences are equal, nor even should be considered equal.
Equating a group of amateurs shaking their tummies and rears to the professionalism of the Aggie Band's sophisticated synchronized and disciplined drills is the height of absurdity and prepostety.
Compare that video to the Aggie dance team's performances at Reed Arena. Not even on the same dance floor.
As Simon would tell the Prestige, "you need to find another hobby in life. You are no good at this one."
Ok Sparky. You might note that I never once mentioned the A&M group. Comparing the talent levels between the band and the start up group would be absurd. But between us, you're the one who did. My discussion was about merging and contrasting styles. I never even compared the Southern talent level to the A&M band either. Talent level is an absolute necessity, but even with the appropriate talent level its fair to question the "fit" (which most everyone does and many quickly dismiss).
Ha, "professionalism" of the band? I like our band as much as anyone but they make turns and walk in straight lines while playing music. Let's not make them out to be anything more than they are. And while I appreciate our style, there is a reason we have to pump in outside music. Our band plays old marches a couple of times each game. That's it. It doesn't pump up the crowd or keep students engaged like most other college bands do.
I don't see where a majorette squad fits into the style of our band, so them being in kyle next to the band probably won't work. Can they really dance to Patton or When Johnny Comes marching home again? It wouldn't make much sense. Plus our band plays so seldom compared to others, I think these folks would just be bored.
Edit to add: I know game day has become a controlled production, but I wished there was at least an nod to the fact that college football should be primarily about the students. If they students want this to happen, i think it should.