"Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I know I am not the only one who shares this view, because I hear the ridicules from others

around me in Section 123 as well.

The "Pep Band" is a true embarrassment to the entire organization and is not helping in our

quest to become the first class NFL franchise we all want to become. The goofy behavior

exhibited by those members are constantly being laughed at by both the opposing fans that

are obviously making their first trip to Reliant and the hardcore season ticket holders

that have supported this organization from year one. With this new objective for a tougher

image, this "Pep Band" NEEDS to be removed.

As a PSL holder from day one, I have emailed the Texans organization a couple times without

much luck. I am replied with generic messages or that "they are family-fun". I'm all for

making the environment fun for children and families, but if you've ever watched their

behavior, you'd be shocked. Every Houston area high school would be embarrassed to have

them on the sidelines on a Friday night.

I urge ya'll to submit your thoughts on this subject and hopefully we can get something

done. If the Texans are that adamant about how important the "band's" role is, why don't

we move them to the home side and away from me and the other disgusted fans who get bi-

weekly headaches each fall from them around Sec 123?

While I'm on the subject about goofy traditions, how do ya'll feel about the "First Down

Texans" chant after every first down? While I'm pumped about first downs, the need to yell

it is woeful. Let's start getting excited about "TOUCHDOWN TEXANS" like every other

football program in the country!!

While these two things are minor, I feel they could help improve our image dramatically.

Like I already said, I've been in the same seats
from the beginning and have heard the same things from others around me.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I sit in 123, right behind the pep band, and I love them. They are a great group of people who are avid fans and spend a lot of time just trying to help the team in the way they can. Kids in particular love them.

You get headaches from...the band? And you are suggesting that the Texans need a tougher image? I'm not sure how tough and hardcore you can be if you get headachy and panty wadded up by a band of all things.

The thing that will help the Texans image is winning, not whining about the gameday atmosphere.

What aspects of their behavior are "goofy" and "shocking?" We are adults here, you can share.

JMO. I heart the pep band. :texflag:

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

lots of the pep band lurk here and/or post here...most of them are big fans....and all of them are grown up adults, but I'm not sure all the posters who post here are sometimes.....not that there is anything wrong with that. :specnatz:

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Just what kind of behavior are you talking about? A majority of us on this BB know several of the band members, and this is the first I have ever heard of anyone complaining about them, or any traditions that we perform at the games.

I, for one, love having a team here, and I will scream and cheer as much as I can for that team, win or lose.

I'm sorry you feel the way you do, but you are the first person that most of us on this board has ever heard make a complaint about the band or any traditions we perform during the games.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Don't get me wrong here, I'm a big Texans fan. I love football and even played collegiately. And like I said, it is minor in the grand scheme of things, but is an issue that could easily be solved by cutting it.

Texans Chick, my panties are not in a wad. Isn't this where we're supposed to discuss this sort of stuff? You're also in 123 and haven't heard the ridicule that they receive???? I'm not one to call someone out as a liar, so are you sure you're not the one in the band- or perhaps deaf?? j/k

Vinny, I couldn't care less if these goofballs read this. Heck, I hope they do.

Texan Lee, what did I say to suggest I didn't love having a team here?? I cheer as loud as anyone else. If you're referring to the "That's Another Texan's First Down" crap, I have never been to a football game that encourages fans to go wild about something that should be so routine. Like I suggested, let's cheer for the IMPORTANT things like TOUCHDOWNS. This is VERY minor though. I shouldn't have even brought it up since my main peeve is the Pep Band.


Here's my problem with this "Pep Band". We are striving (and struggling) to build a winning franchise that is looked at as a first-class organization. To achieve this first-class franchise, we need to BE first-class both on and off the field. Having a bunch of goofy middle aged men acting like buffoons is counterproductive towards that goal. They act like clowns because, well, that's exactly what they are... CLOWNS. Is that they type of tradition we want to be associated with as we build this franchise... a clown tradition? Do you think the Colts have a congregation of clowns on the first row at the RCA Dome? I don't, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. We're talking about the "Big Time". "The League". "The NFL". Not some second rate deal. Do we want to synonymous with second-rate? I sure don't. The price I paid for my PSLs/Season Tickets sure isn't "second-rate". Just last night there were a couple of Bears fans right in front of me. I overheard them talking/laughing about our "band" earlier. Later, after the announcement that they were going to play at half time, one of them turns around and asks me something like "Which 2A high school did you guys find them at?"

I'm sure they're great fans and even better people. But tubas, trombones, immaturity, and the rest of the foolishness that accompanies them has absolutely no place in an NFL environment.

My intention is not to start an argument. We're all obviously fans- and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I am just embarrassed by this foolishness and want us to win and have the most enjoyable experience we can have at the games.... while leaving the Tylenol and Advil at home.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

So is it the fact that they play instruments and music at the games that makes you think they are buffoons or is it some other behavior that you didn't mention? If it's just because they are a band, then I think you make a very weak argument. Having a pep band, IMO, does not make us a 2nd rate organization. The Washington Redskins have a full-fledged marching band. Does the fact that they a band 3 or 4 times the size of the Texans pep band make them a 2nd rate organization? Does the fact that the Seattle Seahawks raise a flag with the #12 signifying that the fans are the 12th man make them a 2nd class organization because that tradition is more in line with college standards than with NFL ones? I think if you took a poll of Texans fans, most would have a favorable view of the pep band.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

No, it's the demeanor of the members.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

that's cool....just discuss this stuff as if real adults are reading it. Respect isn't commanded or demanded...it's given back. Lots of the core fans lurk here.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Wow, interesting! I am quite curious to read some specific examples of this "clownish" :joker:
behavior. Most of what I see down there are fans cheering for their favorite team, maybe taking a breather after working their butts off all morning out in the lots, and generally just having a good time.

Your specific examples would be greatly appreciated. I can personally guarantee that every person in the Pep Band will know exactly what you say about them. Go ahead, LET IT ALL OUT. Don't hold back!

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I've never noticed inappropriate behavior from any band member, and I certainly don't view them as an embarrassment to the organization. I view them as an asset! I look at it this way. The NFL has become MUCH to serious over the years. They continuously come up with lame rules that takes the FUN out of the game of football, for fans, as well as players. To see the Pep Band down there having fun, enjoying their music, and sharing it all with the fans, is part of what makes the gameday experience exciting and fun. I would be more disappointed if they were just sitting there like a bump on a log, rather than jumping around having a good time supporting their team. I am certain if one of them is being obnoxious, rude, or handling themselves unprofessionally in any way, Lamar will take care of the problem. I am more concerned with the drunk, obnoxious, rude, and ignorant fans giving us a bad rep than I am with the young men in the Pep Band! To be perfectly honest with you, I can't imagine NOT seeing the Pep Band on gameday!! They are a TEXAN tradition now, and I hope they will be around forever.

As for the "1st down" celebration, why are you offended by that? It's just another way of keeping the fans involved in the game, and lets the players know we are celebrating that drive with them. I love it!!

Also, you mentioned the Colts. I went to the game in Indy last year and they have a chant that just about drove me NUTS! Ole, ole, olaaaaaay, OHHHHHLAY, or something like that. Sounded like they were in a bull fighting arena rather than a football stadium. Just aweful!!!!! If I was a Colts fan, I would hate it, it is so irritating, obnoxious, and has NOTHING to do with football.

I have been a football fan for way over 50 years, and I have learned to relax and accept the things that I don't like. You cannot please 70,000+ people all the time.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I don't understand what you are talking about with thier behavior.

We in the Bull Pen loved having them in our seats and we were saddened when they removed them to the field. I would pay more for my tickets if they were could come back. They add excitement and fun to the game. Kids love them. Many of the people in the band are junior high and high school music teachers.

We host a lot of out of town fans in our tailgate and all I have ever heard was how they wish thier tightwad owners would do something like that for thier fans.:gotexans1


What is it that they do, specifically, to offend you??

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Inappropriate behavior?

I have never seen a band member grab their junk or make a slashing sign across their neck after a song. Have they slammed their instruments down and started doing their T.O. celebration dance? Of course I sit in up in "Gridiron, TX" so I'm not down their with you guys.

I don't have a problem with the band. I see them play their songs and dance around a bit. I don't think they are walking around embarrassing themselves. They are doing what they love and that is play an instrument in a band at a NFL game. That's a pretty big deal.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I don't find them to be an embarrasment other than the fact they play out of tune, but I'm sure other teams bands comprised of fans are generally no better.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Gosh ... we are so luckeee to have our band. They make me want to dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixsZy2425eY

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

As a PSL owner since day one and who sat in 121 the first two years and in 124 since then I have not noticed any negative comments from my fellow Texan fans about the pep band other than "get the heck out of the way of the cheerleaders."

I think you have taken a very important first step in venting and attempting to put together a coalition to petition. The second step may be to look at moving your seats. While the third step would be to grow a friggin pair and not feel ridiculed by the opposing fan's insults to our pep band.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

First, why do you allow visiting fans to voice an opinion?? My guess, people in your section are sitting on their hands to begin with.

Second, you throw out blanket generalizations without specific incidents. Act like Clowns? What incident(s) have you so embarrassed?

Third, it took me a while to warm up to the "first down" but since I have I dont mind doing it at all... I want more touchdowns too, but it would be impossible to get 70,000 people to yell touchdown all at once, when they are celebrating and the cannon goes off..

Generally when using words like "program" you would be referring to a college or high school program, not a professional organization. So maybe its a perspective thing.

I am suprised that there was no complaining about shouting the player's last name during player introductions..

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

I am still waiting on specific problems with behaviour. It seems to me that the original poster thinks that maybe the pep band is out of place or something. I feel he is using this BS argument about behaviour as an excuse. He is entitled to his opinion, but I love the band. It is something different, well, it was different as I have seen other teams using the same concept.

I don't think that in anyway that the pep band makes us look second rate. It is a tradition now. A good one. I love to see them walking through the tailgate, giving impromtu performances and performing during the game. Just like the Clay Walker song, I see all these people who are so frustrated with losing take it out on all the traditions we have. I have heard people say we should change the uniforms, change the mascot, change the logo, change song and now gid rid of the band. Just frustrating to see people complain about the lack of sports traditions in this city, but then want to change everything.

Do you know what makes us look second rate? Losing. That is the only thing that makes us look second rate. So because some Bears fans say something about the pep band, we need to get rid of them? Your reaction was to agree with them? I think that speaks volumes in itself.

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Well I for one really do not care of they are there or not during the game, but I do know that we enjoy when they walk around while we are tailgating and stop on by and play a song or two.. Hey, they are there for the fans, and from what I gather, most everyone I see when they come to our area enjoy them...

So I am sorry you feel that way, but either suck it up or request to move seats, if you don't do either, then you have to deal with it .

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

Ignore this poster. Reminds me of the cheerleader hater from the Main Board. Just a hater looking for attention.

We all KNOW that's it's really cool to have a live band.

Now, if they could have a bigger budget, pay the members, gain a couple thousand members, and do "script Texans..." Hmmm.....

http://www.ece.osu.edu/~kungc/pics/f...Ufootball6.jpg

Re: "Pep Band" = Embarrassment
 

And of course YOU would volunteer to dot the I !!