ADVERTISEMENT

Clarke County Hall of Fame night marred by controversy with band

ClarkeFan83

ClarkeFan83

VaPreps Honorable Mention
Oct 6, 2015
2,291
1,738
113
Berryville, VA
This is from the Winchester Star:

Chandler Rhoads (2008)

Rhoads was a three-year letterman in both football and basketball.

In football he was a receiver for the team his sophomore and junior years and took over as quarterback as a senior. His junior year he was named first team All-District. His senior year he helped guide the team to its first Bull Run District title in 20 years. He was named district Offensive Player of the Year and won the Golden Helmet award as team MVP.

He lettered three years in basketball. As a sophomore, he averaged 26 points in the Class A semifinals and finals as the Eagles won their first state championship. As a junior, he was state Player of the Year as Clarke County repeated as state champion. As a senior, he was Bull Run District Player of the Year and first team All-State. He finished his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,638 points).

Currently he is the head football coach at Madison County High School and will be honored at the game when Madison plays at Clarke on Oct. 19.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BullRunFootball
Question...Does any other HS have a Hall of Fame night at a home game and induct the newbies in a ceremony during halftime? I ask, because I was thoroughly disappointed last night, and about half the stands emptied when the band left because the HOF induction ceremony took so much time, that the band had to walk off without getting to perform at all. They were lined up and ready to perform, only to have to pack it up and rush off. I heard that the band parents demanded refunds of their admission prices and they were getting their money back. I plan on asking the admin to either have the ceremony BEFORE the game, or at their own banquet, because those band kids got royally screwed last night.
 
The last Warren County one I remember was between games of boys/girls basketball doubleheader. Skyline is too new to have a HOF, so no help here. I think Handley did it at football game, but I can't remember if that was pre-game or halftime.
 
It has been a couple years since I have seen one at SD, and I haven't missed a game, but it was at football games last I remember. Others area schools have done the same as well, but I couldn't tell you if before game or at halftime. Old brain
 
My memory might be wrong. But at Appo we have similar things as HOF and our band does not perform at half time. Never heard a gripe about it as it was planned and known in advance.
 
I do know that coaches will complain to officials if halftime runs too long, as I got a 5 yard penalty for talking too long announcing senior night once.
 
oldfool said:
My memory might be wrong. But at Appo we have similar things as HOF and our band does not perform at half time. Never heard a gripe about it as it was planned and known in advance.
Click to expand...
Well, our band was waiting in the end zone to take the field and sidelines when they were told to pack it up. Totally disrespectful, imho.
 
Different situation, but at Page Co for Homecoming, our band plays music while the homecoming court is announced. Then they perform their routine AFTER the game and fans stay and watch. They've done it this way the last couple of years and it seems to work out well. Not all, but a lot of people do stay for the performance.
 
gtownfencecrew said:
Different situation, but at Page Co for Homecoming, our band plays music while the homecoming court is announced. Then they perform their routine AFTER the game and fans stay and watch. They've done it this way the last couple of years and it seems to work out well. Not all, but a lot of people do stay for the performance.
Click to expand...
Madison does the same and it works well.
 
ClarkeFan83 said:
@Marshall-Dillon and @gtownfencecrew - Does your band go to competitions on Saturdays? Ours does and they usually leave by end of 3rd quarter because they go early Saturday morning most of the time.
Click to expand...

Yes, our band goes to competitions on Saturday. I believe they were best in Class 2A at the competition on Saturday at Harrisonburg High School. And whether our band has a competition Saturday morning or not, they stay the entire game
 
  • Like
Reactions: Optimal62 and ClarkeFan83
@ClarkeFan83 -

Not going to get into a back and forth with you but since you hijacked (kidding as you did start it about Chandler--LOL) a thread about Chandler to reference the band, I think it's appropriate to respond in this manner as I'm an athletic parent and have lived in this county my entire life. I have multiple kids in the schools and in the athletic programs:

First and foremost it is very unfortunate the band didn't get to play on Friday as I don't think anyone in Clarke (including its Admin anticipated that happening-as that was clear as day from the stands). I know the principal has apologized to the kids and sent a letter to their parents. The kids handled it with grace and class but sadly their parents did not. Yelling and screaming etc. to no end (I'll just leave that one alone and won't expand). One of those classic moments where adults can learn a lot from kids. Sad moment to watch 15-18 year olds handle themselves more as adults than their parents. The HOF has been going on for 25 years without a glitch so I think this can be chalked up to an anomaly but rest assured the admin at Clarke will make sure it doesn't happen again (as I've been told).

Next-I'm glad you support both the football team and the band as I think that is a very classy thing to do as it should be. WE are a community but just like every small community, pockets of people always feel slighted and/or disrespected to no end when the intention is never there.

The band has missed multiple football games throughout the years in Clarke (regular season/playoff) etc. I mean they missed a home State semi-final game just 3 years ago vs. Union................Just this year they didn't want to wait out a rain storm vs. Handley so they didn't show. Just a few weeks ago they could have easily gone to Woodgrove to play as that was our home game (due to Clarke's field being under water). However, they decided not to show up. When they are at games they play music while teams have the ball and in play. I constantly see kids from Clarke having to run over to the sideline as they can't hear the coaches yelling to them. OH not to mention they leave at end of the 3rd qtr no matter the score of the game (if they show up). I think our band is great and wish them the best of luck in every competition.

So in closing, I would have to say that the band didn't get "screwed" as that is a really strong word that has intent to it. How about we just agree that it was "unfortunate".

Lastly--Chandler Rhoads was an absolute stud and a great honor for him to be in the HOF at Clarke. Look forward to seeing him inducted prior to the game on Friday! Wish him the best of luck but not this Friday.

Go Clarke!
 
  • Like
Reactions: dringtuoti
BullRunFootball said:
@ClarkeFan83 -

Not going to get into a back and forth with you but since you hijacked (kidding as you did start it about Chandler--LOL) a thread about Chandler to reference the band, I think it's appropriate to respond in this manner as I'm an athletic parent and have lived in this county my entire life. I have multiple kids in the schools and in the athletic programs:

First and foremost it is very unfortunate the band didn't get to play on Friday as I don't think anyone in Clarke (including its Admin anticipated that happening-as that was clear as day from the stands). I know the principal has apologized to the kids and sent a letter to their parents. The kids handled it with grace and class but sadly their parents did not. Yelling and screaming etc. to no end (I'll just leave that one alone and won't expand). One of those classic moments where adults can learn a lot from kids. Sad moment to watch 15-18 year olds handle themselves more as adults than their parents. The HOF has been going on for 25 years without a glitch so I think this can be chalked up to an anomaly but rest assured the admin at Clarke will make sure it doesn't happen again (as I've been told).

Next-I'm glad you support both the football team and the band as I think that is a very classy thing to do as it should be. WE are a community but just like every small community, pockets of people always feel slighted and/or disrespected to no end when the intention is never there.

The band has missed multiple football games throughout the years in Clarke (regular season/playoff) etc. I mean they missed a home State semi-final game just 3 years ago vs. Union................Just this year they didn't want to wait out a rain storm vs. Handley so they didn't show. Just a few weeks ago they could have easily gone to Woodgrove to play as that was our home game (due to Clarke's field being under water). However, they decided not to show up. When they are at games they play music while teams have the ball and in play. I constantly see kids from Clarke having to run over to the sideline as they can't hear the coaches yelling to them. OH not to mention they leave at end of the 3rd qtr no matter the score of the game (if they show up). I think our band is great and wish them the best of luck in every competition.

So in closing, I would have to say that the band didn't get "screwed" as that is a really strong word that has intent to it. How about we just agree that it was "unfortunate".

Lastly--Chandler Rhoads was an absolute stud and a great honor for him to be in the HOF at Clarke. Look forward to seeing him inducted prior to the game on Friday! Wish him the best of luck but not this Friday.

Go Clarke!
Click to expand...
I gotcha BRD, no slight taken, no disrespect taken, no offense taken. I also apologize for the thread hijack! I know the band and the CCHS Athletics program do not get along well at all. They didn't when my daughter marched. I know this HOF night was an anomaly occurrence as well, although they have been getting longer and longer every year so the band has to cut their performance short. I know a note went out to band parents apologizing for what happened. I get ticked off when the band doesn't show up for a home game and any playoff games. I was embarrassed and furious when Union came and brought their band, but ours was nowhere to be seen. I don't like it at all that the two groups don't get along, because sporting events and pep bands go hand-in-hand imho. That being said, in the future, I hope that recognition ceremonies could be held during other times rather than halftime, because halftime is for the band. Those kids work just as hard as the football players, and yes, I still think they got screwed because they were lined up ready to go on the field when they were told to pack it up.

I'm looking forward to his (Coach Rhoads) homecoming, but I hope it's not a happy one!:D:p
 
  • Like
Reactions: FleaFlicker1971
ClarkeFan83 said:
I gotcha BRD, no slight taken, no disrespect taken, no offense taken. I also apologize for the thread hijack! I know the band and the CCHS Athletics program do not get along well at all. They didn't when my daughter marched. I know this HOF night was an anomaly occurrence as well, although they have been getting longer and longer every year so the band has to cut their performance short. I know a note went out to band parents apologizing for what happened. I get ticked off when the band doesn't show up for a home game and any playoff games. I was embarrassed and furious when Union came and brought their band, but ours was nowhere to be seen. I don't like it at all that the two groups don't get along, because sporting events and pep bands go hand-in-hand imho. That being said, in the future, I hope that recognition ceremonies could be held during other times rather than halftime, because halftime is for the band. Those kids work just as hard as the football players, and yes, I still think they got screwed because they were lined up ready to go on the field when they were told to pack it up.

I'm looking forward to his (Coach Rhoads) homecoming, but I hope it's not a happy one!:D:p
Click to expand...
I will use the word “unfortunate” as it is more to the truth but to each their own. I’m done with it all just tired of the attacks on athletics/admin when no intent was there. Clearly. Funny-my kids nor have their friends ever uttered a word about the band...maybe it’s brought on by comments from their band director to cause such animosity for one group? No clue nor do I care to get in this any further. So onward we go. Take care
 
Last edited:
BullRunFootball said:
I will use the word “unfortunate” as it is more to the truth but to each their own. I’m done with it all just tired of the attacks on athletics/admin when no intent was there. Clearly. Funny-my kids nor have their friends ever uttered a word about the band...maybe it’s brought on by comments from their band director to cause such animosity for one group? No clue nor do I care to get in this any further. So onward we go. Take care
Click to expand...
Yup. Onward. Feel free to introduce yourself to me. I'm always sitting behind the band. Always like talking to people on here in person. I'm the knucklehead that always yells "No penalty flags, spot the ball, first down EAGLES" when the announcer does it. Absolutely love it!
 
Why not just totally separated the two? Have the football game one day (Friday or Saturday) and the band take the other. Let each charge an entrance fee and each keep the proceeds?

I was only half joking when I said this...it is a bit tiring to hear each side bemoaning the other.

I personally go to football games to watch the game. If I want to hear a band, I can listen to the radio coming and going or go the Kennedy Center or go to a band competition.

I realize that the band members work hard and deserve respect. I cannot carry a tune in a bucket so I appreciate those musicians.

But game nights ought to be about the gridiron action. From what I see/hear, Friday nights are just practice for the bands. Their competition is at a separate event. I wouldn’t expect the bands to make time for football practice during their event.
 
  • Like
Reactions: naildriver91 and BullRunFootball
I know that everyone has their own take on the marching band and its place at football games.

For me, nothing indicates the arrival of football like the first sound of the band marching into the stadium in August. The band arrives before the team.

Growing up, I lived about a mile (as the crow flies) from our local HS. Every evening, as I played in the yard, I could hear the band practicing. In August, it was a muffled noise like a car radio going down the road. By October, after the leaves had fallen, the sound was as crisp as the autumn air. I could make out the individual tunes and fight song. I would practice kicking, throwing, and punting my football in the back yard. It was almost like I was on the "big field" and the band was playing for me. I loved it!

Every Friday night, I hear the band in the distance (they start marching 1/4 mile from the field) as they make their way into the stadium. A similarly distant sound as when I was a kid. During the game, the sound of the instruments mesh together with pads popping. It's a part of the game. They go together like peanut butter and chocolate (I'd like to have a Reese Cup right now :)).

No matter what anyone thinks of the band, I personally, don't want to watch a high school football game without it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: G-DOG2, obguthr, FleaFlicker1971 and 5 others
This sounds like a hierarchy structure problem more than anything else. Band and athletics should report to same person who is responsible for making sure everyone knows what will happen on Friday night and every other day of the week for that matter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pioneer101
BullRunFootball said:
I mean they missed a home State semi-final game just 3 years ago vs. Union................Just this year they didn't want to wait out a rain storm vs. Handley so they didn't show. Just a few weeks ago they could have easily gone to Woodgrove to play as that was our home game
Click to expand...
For the home Union football game, the band was told that seating wasnt available. For rain, the band doesnt play in the rain. It tends to ruin instruments. For the trip to Woodgrove, the band doesnt travel to road games. Because you decide to call it a home game doesnt make it a home game. Senior band members will be honored tonight AT the football game, not at a competition. We're glad the football team will have us.
 
ClarkeFan83 said:
Those kids work just as hard as the football players, and yes, I still think they got screwed because they were lined up ready to go on the field when they were told to pack it up
Click to expand...
ClarkeFan83, The halftime kicking competition, circus act, should have been told to pack it up. Catering to sponsors for a kicking competition over students who practiced, PLANNED, and prepared to play in front of family, classmates, and locals shows you where the priorities are.
 
Marshall-Dillon said:
Why not just totally separated the two? Have the football game one day (Friday or Saturday) and the band take the other. Let each charge an entrance fee and each keep the proceeds?

I was only half joking when I said this...it is a bit tiring to hear each side bemoaning the other.

I personally go to football games to watch the game. If I want to hear a band, I can listen to the radio coming and going or go the Kennedy Center or go to a band competition.

I realize that the band members work hard and deserve respect. I cannot carry a tune in a bucket so I appreciate those musicians.

But game nights ought to be about the gridiron action. From what I see/hear, Friday nights are just practice for the bands. Their competition is at a separate event. I wouldn’t expect the bands to make time for football practice during their event.
Click to expand...
Marshall, please come by and introduce yourself to me. You know who I am, but I don't know you! You know where I sit!
 
I generally do not pay a lot of attention to the bands. But last night I decided to do so. The band needs to learn etiquette. They played as the announcer was trying to announce starting offense and defense. They played while quarterbacks were calling plays, for both teams. Didn’t care for any of that. Oh, and Clarke played really well.
 
Marshall-Dillon said:
I generally do not pay a lot of attention to the bands. But last night I decided to do so. The band needs to learn etiquette. They played as the announcer was trying to announce starting offense and defense. They played while quarterbacks were calling plays, for both teams. Didn’t care for any of that. Oh, and Clarke played really well.
Click to expand...
The announcer literally talks the entire game. You should continue your practice of not paying attention to the band.

Also, Clarke’s QB didn’t seem to have a problem calling plays. Madison County, wow, what a disastrous “display” of football.
 
FleaFlicker1971 said:
The announcer literally talks the entire game. You should continue your practice of not paying attention to the band.

Also, Clarke’s QB didn’t seem to have a problem calling plays. Madison County, wow, what a disastrous “display” of football.
Click to expand...
Don’t get your panties all wadded up! MC looked horrible. Clarke looked great. But the fact is that the band does not understand etiquette. It is a football game not the bands concert. Never said either team struggled calling plays. However, playing while action is going on is rude at best, arrogant at least. And possibly dangerous. If you can’t hear the whistle, that is not good. Not saying it happened but it very well could if the band is playing during play, which Clarke’s band did often last night. Good luck to Clarke’s football team. I hope they go far in the playoffs.
 
Last edited:
Again, if the catering to sponsors caused the band fiasco, that is an athletic or activities director problem. They should have everything timed out and coordinated. Even if catering to sponsors was necessary(and it is, at times), that could have been addressed with the band ahead of time so they could make other plans. As an announcer, I try not to talk over band playing or cheerleaders cheering, but the courtesy is not always extended the other way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marshall-Dillon
schoolboard said:
Again, if the catering to sponsors caused the band fiasco, that is an athletic or activities director problem. They should have everything timed out and coordinated. Even if catering to sponsors was necessary(and it is, at times), that could have been addressed with the band ahead of time so they could make other plans. As an announcer, I try not to talk over band playing or cheerleaders cheering, but the courtesy is not always extended the other way.
Click to expand...
The AD is s coach which means he’s not directing athletics. This is a problem.
 
The AD is not in charge of the band activities at CCHS from my understanding. If true, maybe that is the issue.
 
No it is not the same thing. If you don’t see the difference, we just need to end this conversation. You want Friday nights to be about the band and I think it is about the football. Too bad it isn’t a symbiotic relationship at CCHS. I’m out.
 
Marshall-Dillon said:
Sorry to have missed the chance to say hello. Rutherford is a beast. Clarke may not have the same talent level as last year but they play HARD!
Click to expand...
Yeah, they did play hard, I dunno what that was last night but that wasn't the team I'd seen most of this season! I kept looking to see if someone was looking for me, I stood for most of the game because the tubas are directly in front of me and when they get to swinging, I get nervous!
 
They’ve played hard all year. Schedule was a bit rough early especially when they lost all 7 linemen in the single wing from last year. They are playing young kids everywhere. Couple kids were out early due to injury but back now. Team is extremely young but those kids fly around and getting better and better. Very very few play both ways which is usually not the norm. More athletic across the roster than given credit for. Tough kids that are fun to watch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ClarkeFan83
BullRunFootball said:
They’ve played hard all year. Schedule was a bit rough early especially when they lost all 7 linemen in the single wing from last year. They are playing young kids everywhere. Couple kids were out early due to injury but back now. Team is extremely young but those kids fly around and getting better and better. Very very few play both ways which is usually not the norm. More athletic across the roster than given credit for. Tough kids that are fun to watch.
Click to expand...
Yes, they are definitely fun to watch! Hitting their stride at the right time of the season, that's for sure!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BullRunFootball
Marshall-Dillon said:
No it is not the same thing. If you don’t see the difference, we just need to end this conversation. You want Friday nights to be about the band and I think it is about the football. Too bad it isn’t a symbiotic relationship at CCHS. I’m out.
Click to expand...
I can and do respect what you said M-D, to a point. There needs to at least be an awareness by whomever is directing the band, about when and when not to play. But, it's never going to be perfectly coordinated, nor do I see the need for total silence when a play is occurring.

Friday nights ARE about football, but only secondary to being about all of the kids..., all of them. That kid playing a musical instrument, and that cheerleader giving her best, or that crazy kid in the student section, they are just as important as the running back scoring touchdowns. I know you don't mean it as not caring about kids other than the football players, but I though I would use this opportunity to remind everyone that EVERYTHING school related is, or should be, about the kids.
 
  • Like
Reactions: G-DOG2, obguthr, FleaFlicker1971 and 5 others
As a member of CCHS Athletic HOF I can say this year's induction was like no other that I have seen in 15 years of covering Clarke Football. They had 6 athletes that all got accepted their first year of eligibility, and each one of them were multiple sport stars, that competed and won many state championships. The Bios took way longer than usual to read. I have seen as little as 3 people inducted. Nobody has mentioned the inductees, one guy traveled from California to be there would it be fair to cut him short?

Not sure why but there has always been friction between the band and football, way before the current AD came into office. I don't think the Field goal kicking contest would have made much difference it only lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

I am pretty confident in saying this was just an honest mistake, I am all about the kids, I played sports and in the band way back in the day, so I am not trying to elevate anybody above anyone else.

I don't respond to a lot of posts on here but in all fairness I couldn't stay quiet.

The last thing I will say is playing constantly while the game is going on is pretty annoying, even if you like the band. I don't think they would like it if a bunch of football players showed up to a concert and started yelling out signals. :) :)
This is all I have to say about it, not going to get dragged into an argument.

Thanks...Moe
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marshall-Dillon
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L

Riverheads Rolls Past Waynesboro on Senior Night

Replies
0
Views
970
Class 2A (Fall)
longtimerhsfan
L
R

Glenvar’s Dawyot 2A Offensive Player of the Year

Replies
16
Views
2K
Class 2A (Fall)
BigWinners
B
L

Buffalo Gap JVs Pull Away From Riverheads in Championship Game

Replies
0
Views
545
Class 2A (Fall)
longtimerhsfan
L
wgarlick

Prospect Watch Bay Rivers District

Replies
0
Views
528
V. I. P. - 'MEMBERS ONLY' CLUB
wgarlick
wgarlick
L

Lady Indians Headed to State Title Game

Replies
2
Views
637
Class 2A (Fall)
lovethisgame78
L
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT
Top Bottom
Back