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Halftime Etiquette

Posted by STXBD on 10/18/2025, 3:26 am

Have you ever been at a halftime performance and the home band gives your band their back during the halftime performance? Maybe a case of playing mind games or simply a lack of class?

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Retired StX on 10/21/2025, 7:41 pm, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

I did the opposite with my band. The mentality was "watch, critique, and learn". It's important for them to see other groups. The times when we played against a band that was more...advanced and started to feel intimidated, I would remind them to not try to be like the other group.
"You are you. Do not try to be like (the other band). If you try to be like them, you will fail. Be the best YOU that you can be."
It never failed to motivate them and they would always have an awesome run-through.

I also taught them to cheer for and motivate the other groups. It made for a better environment.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Never on 10/21/2025, 11:38 am, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

Done it at half time. But, have done it at competitions when the band was fragile. They would get psyched out standing in the end zone and making false comparisons before their performance. So I would turn them around and talk with them about anything to distract them from their self defeating thoughts. Now they can make accurate comparisons and have developed the mindset that is the basis of our competitive philosophy so they no longer need to be distracted and enjoy watching the other band from the goal line.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Wish it would go away on 10/20/2025, 1:33 pm, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

Yes.

If you're talking about the bands that turn away from performances of the previous band in order to "lock-in" and not get distracted or psych-ed out......then yes I've seen it.

It's becoming more of a thing here in the houston area.

I personally hate it. It's not even those bands that are on the "bubble" that might be one spot away from making finals, or advancing.......it's state-level contest finalists who do it.

Did I mention I hate it??? LOL

You are presenting an incredibly disrespectful and snob-ish vibe when you do that. No matter what your intention with doing it, that's the negative perception you're putting out there. At the VERY least, you should show some respect to the group in front of you. Everyone works their butts off to put on a great performance. Can we show a little decency and support for those efforts to all bands and face them while waiting?

And with the psyche-out thing.........Come on. If your band is THAT fragile, then you've made some MAJOR mis-teaching steps along the way.

Sorry, struck a nerve.......I hate it. lol

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by BD on 10/23/2025, 10:09 am, in reply to "Re: Halftime Etiquette "

I agree 100%.

Our college directors always taught us to respect and support all performing ensembles.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by BD on 10/20/2025, 12:00 pm, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

Wow! I had a hs director that forbade us to watch the other band. We were at parade rest with our heads down during their performance.

There was once also a director in central texas and maybe the RGV that did the same with his bands.

Personal preferences/philosophies, I guess.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Respectfully on 10/20/2025, 3:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Halftime Etiquette "

With respect, your HBD was an anus. Those kids have worked just as hard as you have, and deserve an audience of the only people who understand and appreciate their hard work.

I will never understand the constant need to "win halftime" .. there's no score. Win contests. Get your 1. And treat each other with respect and kindness.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by BD on 10/23/2025, 10:06 am, in reply to "Re: Halftime Etiquette "

I agree 100%!

When I grew up and became a band director, I taught our kids how to support a fellow bands performance!

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Seen it on 10/19/2025, 7:51 am, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

I've not seen this at halftime, but I see it sometimes at contest. The next band will line up and then face away. I think it's to prevent the kids from making comparisons or psyching themselves out before their performance.

It does seem odd and disrespectful at a game.

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Maybe on 10/18/2025, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Halftime Etiquette "

Is it possible the directors were talking to them about something at that time?

Re: Halftime Etiquette

Posted by Snerk on 10/19/2025, 8:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Halftime Etiquette "

Could the directors choose to do that near an end zone or back sideline so that they're not being disrespectful?

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