I have always admired the FTAB for the amount of work involved and learning the routines and formations. They arrive early before the semester starts so they be prepared for the first games performance.
The logistics of 400 people (bandsmen + staff + support) is a very large continent to plan and fund..
The Corps and its rekindled energy is a wonderful sight to see.
With the advent of Title IX and the number of athletic contests where bandsmen were wanted/needed there is no question why the "Hullabaloo Band" was formed.
However, for football games, the entire band has been and always will be the greatest feature of game day second only to the game itself.
Our opponents are well aware of the influence the FTAB can have on support of the Aggies during the game - both the players and the fans. Opponents typically love to see something different in a halftime performance and really enjoy the band from countless kudos - especially with our new friends in the SEC - they want to see the band from all I've seen. Yes, there are some who might try to keep the FTAB from coming but I surmise they are far outvoted by those who love to see the FTAB march.
It is my understanding that the overall number of tickets available to the "visiting team" is in the 3,000-4000 seats range. If the band takes up 1/10th of those tickets available for sale not only does our own athletic department has some concern to fulfill season ticket holders requirements, but to get full face value for the tickets sold. I surmise (but do not know) that the FTAB may get a discount (student ticket rate) since they are really part and parcel of the University itself and not full price former student (?) season ticket holders.
Then, regardless of ticket price - and availability - there is the issue of cost to send the FTAB and the logistics involved - PLUS, the time away from classes.
From a FTAB point of view it would appear to me that "joining the band" - regardless of class rank - fish too - signed up to perform and not be relegated to second class by the seniority system.
I agree 100% with the Commandant on making every effort to ensure the entire band attends all games whenever possible - and see a "white belt contingent" (or whatever) as not only a watering down of the band, but a camels-nose-in-the-door to allow other splinter groups wanting to form in the future; therefore, to maintain the entire band for as long as possible is keeping the FTAB reputation and spirit alive.
For those who want a smaller contingent at away games let me say this - it seems to me that IF a smaller continent were to occur, it does not give the same impact or impression of what the FTAB really is and represents. To water down the band only makes us in many ways "like all the others" who have decided to sent a smaller contingent - which is NOT the "Aggie Way" of doing thing.
If it is a matter of $$ funding, I'm sure the funds can be raised with the proper appeals... Every other idea re A&M seems to get traction and funding with support... What better way to support the best of traditions of A&M than to support the biggest ambassador show piece than the Corps and the FTAB???
And, for what it's worth - the Corps Block with the FTAB centered is a magnificent showpiece for A&M in general - which makes it unique and special and different from "everyone else". A&M is different and needs to retain as much of its past traditions as possible.
P.S. As to the idea of letting former bandsmen participate? What kind of crazy idea is that - let alone the liability issues that would be raised? How on earth would they know the formations, etc.?? It is already established that if the band doesn't march, it will not be going to away games.
P.S.S. Same goes for allowing non-regs in the FTAB. Again, it is a MILITARY marching band - and the best in the land - not only military, but tops in the USA Today poll of ALL college bands. Why would we want to mess that up??
The only other recourse I have seen discussed is maybe marching before an away game as a gimmick to entice people to come early. While a "march-in" and performance would be nice at an away game: without the traditional half-time performance, I am probably on the nix of this idea as well if it is the only option presented by our opponents.
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Military Marching Band is a hair-on-the-neck raising issue for me - and every person I know - ...and a tear often escapes my eye while watching them march - partly because I was in a band in HS but had to work while at A&M and thus wasn't able to participate. The members of the band have no choice but to forego many other activities simply because the band requires so much time and energy. The leadership skills learned have proven to be an outstanding primer for either industry or military upon graduation. Every person I know who was in the FTAB has been successful in their career(s).
Not sure nowadays, but during my tenure, the band had no "music majors" and was made up of cadets who simply wanted to be in the band regardless of the rigors involved; and, only got PE credit for being in the band. Point being that at most universities, their band is made up of music majors who get much more credit toward graduation. And further, yes, for what it's worth, I was on the Det 805 staff from 1971-1973, so even though I wasn't in the band as a cadet, I do have some insight from the Commandant's office as well.
AAAAAAAAAAg - Air Force Aggie Architect and Hospital Administrator fm Amarillo, Altus, Austin, Arabia, Arkansas, Africa, Seoul, Bahrain, Amman, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Saudi, DFW-Fairview, Ramstein, San Antonio, Pentagon, OKC, JCAHO/JCR - '65, '69, '73 - A&M Letterman (ret).
Winston Churchill: “If you’re not a socialist in your twenties, you have no heart. But if you’re not a capitalist in your thirties, you have no mind.”