Having nearly 200 band members, to my knowledge, hasn't been an issue. For years and years, SU has had the Reserves System, meaning everyone didn't make the field and those that were not on the field could challenge from week to week to get on the field. In addition, there were always a number of durmmer that came as freshmen and there usually weren't many opportunities for a freshman to make the field either with the limited number of open slots or their ability to take an upper-classmen's spot. The Drum section has traditionally been a set number of spots per each drum section. In '86, we increased the cymbals from 4 to 8. All of the other spots never changed. During that time, we also went from 4 to 8 Baritones and F-Horns. Trombones and Trumpets were always flexible depending on the current quanitity in the band, their skill level and maintaining some quality competition on reserve. The band most likely could easily move to 160 again. However, it could certainly decrease or eliminate the competitive edge in the band. Using the system we have today, it will extend the length of the drills, since you will have to have extra time to move the 2 additional lines into place because the sytems is set up to be its most efficient with 4line sets.
I truly hope that you all aren't looking at these discussions as a not on the desires. They are merely fact regarding the discussion. We aren't like other bands in that we love our Juke contrary to what a particular past asst director may have drill into some of you during his reign. We are supportive of our Director (Doc and now Mr. Jackson). We know him as well or better than you all. The numbers he is desirious of is similar to that he had with his high school band (Clinton). We know he will be more of a recruiter, in the traditional since of the word, than Doc. In addition, he will receive the recruiting efforts of the band alum that Doc received for many many years.
The bottom-line is that Mr. Jackson's hiring is a breath of fresh air. Knowing how moves are sometimes made on "The Bluff", we (alums) have been monitoring this process to help ensure we weren't pushed into a position where our band could go from Sugar to sh**. It worked out and we got one of the gentlemen that we all feel will do the Juke good. In the Juke, it is never about the 60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and 00s verses each other. It has been about each year's band doing all it could, in its time, to perform in such a manner that you live up to or surpass the greatness of the individual great performance and the great seasons of the Juke's past. We all want to see the Juke perform at the level we performed or greater when we see them, because we can proudly and bodly represent the Juke in our respective areas knowing the heavy torch is still hot and being held high for the world to see.
The future is bright for the Juke on "The Bluff".
Peace...
