By: MJ23 (A Current member of TBDBITL)

MJ23 (A Current member of TBDBITL)
Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:31:37 +0000

“So” please take the time to read this.

Why people should be upset – There is evidence that some group of people within the university and higher than the search committee is blatantly discriminating against OSUMB/OSUAB alumni by not permitting them to be considered for the position of head director. Plain and simple.

Director Search Goal- The goal of the search should be to find the best person for the job regardless of background. Discriminating against a group of individuals that should be seriously considered is not how you do that. I say “seriously considered” due to the amount of time, effort and dedication already given by OSUMB/OSUAB alumni. Sure there are crazy band alumni that are narrow minded and saying that we should be discriminating against outside hires, but you and I both know that discrimination in any form is not how we get the best results.

“Band is band” comment by “So” – You are clearly showing your ignorance in this matter. The OSUMB is very different from other bands in terms of processes. Marching fundamentals alone take years to fully grasp. I have witnessed this as a squad leader in the band evaluating students on their ability to perform. It’s not something someone can just come in a understand easily. Look at any of the outside hires to staff over the last several years. Mike Smith, Matt King, Bryen Warfield, Mark Reynolds all have a very small understanding of the very specific marching fundamentals that this band has maintained for many years. This is what is meant by complex processes, but also includes basic things like what time we step off for skull session and how that works. There are a lot of little things to learn for the job. To be absolutely clear before you bite my tongue off, it IS possible for someone outside to learn these things, but it is not an overnight thing that can happen in one season.

Inside hire- Even though I addressed this above, what’s wrong with supporting the inside hire? They have great resumes. If someone else is hired, Yes we will support them no doubt. Who’s best for the position? nobody knows. But why not support someone who is already proven. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not discrimination if the other party is still receiving a fair shot.

OSUMB Future- The whole point in having deep consideration of candidates is to find someone who will uphold the greatness we all see in TBDBITL. I want to believe that “So” sees that greatness too, especially after seeing your child work so hard to become a member of the band. It’s hurtful for me as a current member to hear people say so lightly that what we do isn’t that different than what other people do. I believe this band works harder than any other band in the country. On top of that, being a member of a very competitive row in the band, I see more work and competition than many other rows. Please don’t say that “The results are always the same even though the process/path/journey/ride may be different.” We work very hard to provide results that are different from other bands. I’m sorry you can’t see that even with a child in the band.