I think that Rome is a bit harsh on band members in his commentary, but he's right on point with respect to how ridiculous the notion that being in the band is difficult as being a division I football player. Using muscle soreness and injury as an indicator of intensity? What's next in the world of fitness?
I heard part of that yesterday, but don't see anything in the original article about comparisons to D1 sports. Yes, I'd expect "bandies" to have some muscle soreness and fatigue from doing what they do. I used to see those poor kids practicing for an hour after the football team went home. However, the intensity level of high school band and D1 anything is nowhere near the same. Now that I think about it, I've thanked God at every halftime, of everyone of my son's football games, that he had no musical talent.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
At the top levels of marching band and drum corps, you get a level of competition and athleticism that is equal to a division I athletic program," added Granata, an exercise physiologist, registered dietitian and owner of the New Orleans-based company PerformWell.At the top levels of marching band and drum corps, you get a level of competition and athleticism that is equal to a division I athletic program," added Granata, an exercise physiologist, registered dietitian and owner of the New Orleans-based company PerformWell.
Wow. Did the columnist read the same article? It just suggests that the level of effort and number of students involved now makes it a candidate for study. If you want to know what he means by competition and athleticism, Drum Line is a good movie or sometimes they show drum corps competitions on ESPNxx.
In defense of just plain HS band.
When I was in HS, I was in a competitive marching band - not just halftime shows for the game, we competed in halftime competitions. We practiced on the field every day for 1.25 hrs and you ran almost half that time. Plus 3 hours practice on Thursday night, games on Friday nights and competitions or parades every other Saturday.
It wasn't at the level of a sport, but it isn't sitting in chairs either. And that was 30 years ago when it was less competitive. We got PE credit for the marching season, but then had to take a before school music practice in order to also get band credit.
If you want to get a feel for what it takes aerobically, try walking at a brisk pace and singing loud at the same time. Do it for three minutes and then turn around and run back to where you started. Rest about 30-45 seconds while you get yelled at and repeat. For an hour or two.
I think it would be interesting, as the actual article suggests, to have someone study what is involved in competitive marching corps.
I do think that Jim Rome was a "complete ass" in the way that he commented on the study. I think the Dr has a great point about needing to monitor the injuries,etc. Lisa, you make a great point about the some of the physical demands of marching band. Just can't equate the level of athleticism.
My son was a D1 wrestler. His descriptions of their workouts make me think that not too many band members could survive them.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
Join the Band
What's next in the world of fitness?
- but that wasn't college golf.
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