Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    We are in a parallel universe. Freshman in the band, we're about 125 strong. Add staff & chaperones & we travel with about 150 = 3 charter buses, plus a prop truck & pit truck/trailer (both provided by school district), plus the food truck/trailer. Kids eat home-style food on the road. They get one fast food treat stop on the way home, otherwise it's all home-made, some pre-prepped, but hot lunches and dinners are the norm.

    Not to pry, but just to compare: What are your band fees per year?

    The camaraderie is impressive, for sure. Band member from somewhere else came in to our camp looking for tools to repair a saxophone. Leatherman in an extra pair of hands responded to their camp to help. Our band got standing O's from several other bands as they left the field after finals. Facebook posts of congratulations from other bands continue to come in.

    375 members. Wall of sound. Wow.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Well our band doesn't do competitions - only local exhibitions. They do participate in a competition at Disney every other year.

    The students travel in 3 school buses with their instruments. Drums, guitars, the cart with the battery for the guitars, flags, bandstand all take up about 1/2 of one bus. The booster club provides refreshments at football games and exhibitions and the muscle to get things set up. Our band is the only one in the league that travels to away games as well.

    Band fees are ZERO. Our town is lucky in that we don't pay any fees for any actvities. The superindentant believes that school needs to include these activities to give all students a chance to participate and to have rounded students. The school committee, board of selectman and town meeting all agree. We're not a wealthy town by any means - simply a solid middle class town with the understanding that good schools makes for a good community.
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    aaaahhhhh ... so good to be back on the grid and connected again!

    Yeah, Halloween was definitely cancelled here. We were lucky - our power was out for only 44 hours. My parents, a mile up the road got it back this afternoon - just under 3 days, and I have relatives right over the border in NH that might get theirs back this weekend.

    What a nightmare - looks like a war zone here. Trees and branches everywhere. Didn't help a bit that the leaves hadn't fallen yet, combined with something like 10 inches of very wet heavy snow. Good luck finding ice, batteries and gas!

    I got the Mustang prepped and relocated to an inside storage facility a couple hours before the flakes started to fly. It wouldn't have survived at my Dad's house. The rest of the infamous tree, along with the tops of four others came down and are now littering the yard.

    Looks to be a long winter already ...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Aha, it's all the Mustang's fault! Mother Nature must have it in for that car.

    I pulled the Outback away from the wall and got the garage rearranged today. The psi in the leaky front tire was under 20. The gas tank is on empty but the low fuel light isn't on yet. Last fill up was back in February.

    Juice gets a juicy quote in the latest Wall St. Journal in a story about online car matching tools (ours is Car Match).
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Band camaraderie seems to be a hallmark of the sport overall. Yes, it is competition, but more to the core it is MUSIC, and that seems to be a universally binding principle. We've run into a few bad apples over time, but for the most part everyone cheers for the highlights of each band program. They've all worked as hard as our kids have to be their best and put on impressive shows.

    We didn't go to "Dome" this year. I texted my daughter as they came off the field to ask how they did. She responded that they did very well, but that both Orchard Park and West Genesee rocked their shows as well (West Genny won the State title). But that's the kind of positive comment we like to see.

    With budget cuts, our band program (regular school bands (3) and marching band) has become partially self supporting in order to survive. Our parent organization runs various fund raisers, including hosting the Arlington Invitational (marching band competition within NYSFBC). That along with membership fees pays for the larger provided instruments, uniforms, transportation, scholarships, and everything else it takes to make it work.

    I've worked our food booth at the Invitational, and it's a real blast. Home made apple crisp and other treats provide a Taste of the Hudson Valley. We provide instrument repair for all bands free of charge thru one of our sponsors.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good luck finding ice

    Ice? Can't you just gather snow outside? ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Very neat! Thanks for the link, Steve.

    The funny thing is Edmunds' shopping tool actually matched me up with a car I already own (the Miata). I thought that was kind of clever.

    It's in the print edition also, not sure if today's or tomorrow's.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You've got to be the most famous Crew member, as you seem to get quoted the most. :)

    Bob
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    This is the first I've seen/heard of Car Match! Very cool.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    One other thing our town does to foster continued interest in music is an all town school band concert. In the spring, the 4 elementary school, the middle school and the high school bands get together for a concert. Each level performs a couple of pieces and then they all perform Ode To Joy to close the show.

    2012 will be the third year they do it. It's great to watch the high school kids watch the younger kids as they get a huge kick out of it.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Just tried Car Match. Didn't come close to what I would want.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's on page D2 of the print edition, too. Just got one.

    What was your match?

    Funny thing was my 3rd match was an HD pickup, and I can't even imagine owning one of those.

    Top 2 matches were the Genesis Coupe and the Miata.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited November 2011
    Don't remember, but the only AWD selection I ended up with was the EVO.

    Bob
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Not sure that I am persuaded. It suggested a Mercedes R Class which I would not drive in a fit. Nothing else on the list looked remotely appealing.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Tried it several more times, using different qualifiers, still no luck. Not one Subie to choose from in any of the results. :(

    Bob
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Scary question:

    Are the suggestions advertising-based in any way?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Would we cater to advertisers and print stuff like this? :)

    (How does Edmunds make money? may be of interest.)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Good question. Hadn't thought about that.

    Bob
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,769
    Maybe the search engine is disregarding obvious biases... ;)

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  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hmm my top match was a Porsche Panamera. A Bugatti Veyron was number 6! :surprise:

    A few MBs and BMWs and the R8 convertible make up the others in my top 10.

    Basically, not one that I'd consider. :confuse:

    Oh well, so much for a computer telling me what I want!
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    My matches were for gas mileage, sportiness, and performance. After I saw the top few matches, I looked to the side where it shows "Brands". The Subaru Forester was really not significantly lower in the "percentage" of match than the ones that were shown as the top choices. Anyone else look at that area?
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    edited November 2011
    From your second link, Steve:
    Edmunds is paid by the automakers, dealers and other service providers for the lead referrals.

    This is an obvious fit for TMV and general new car searching... but I think those items are different from the programmatic matching that Car Finder does. If advertising is weighted in Car Finder I would personally still use it, but would definitely want to know.

    Anyway, I tried it a few times and what was valuable to me is that it suggested vehicles I wouldn't have otherwise thought of. I had my own mental short list, but Car Finder pointed out a few others. I would probably have a better short list on my own if I currently owned a vehicle like the ones I'm considering. (Midsize SUV, mid wagon, Mid/large sedan.)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Besides Miata, the other match for me was the Genesis coupe.

    Funny thing is I'd rather have the Genesis sedan.

    As to why Subaru doesn't make the list, could be fuel economy, for some at least?

    Or maybe the criteria don't focus on traction needs. My suggestions would have been awful in the snow belt.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Okay, I was cruising around all day, hiking in the woods and counting deer (9), but I heard back from the My Car Match product manager while I was gone and I'll summarize the comments like this:

    Advertising has nothing to do with the My Car Match results. The My Car Match pages don't even have advertising on them. Look around - Edmunds has a pretty good track record of clearly showing what is advertising on our site and what is not.

    Hope this helps. :-)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited November 2011
    voice over:

    This message brought to you by....Subaru!

    With Symmetrical AWD on every model. Except the BRZ, because Toyota didn't let us!


    :D
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    perfect, thanks!

    I'm sure you guys will be tweaking Car Finder over time. is there a topic here in townhall to discuss it?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Here you go:

    My Car Match

    Please head over that way and repost, and help seed it. :shades:
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Tom,
    52,000 miles, and the results of the PPI done by a P-car shop there: absolutely no rust, no leaks ever, compression at the top end, leakdown results excellent, engine very strong, tranny, suspension, brakes, clutch, interior, body, etc all excellent, a few small dings and a very slight front-end shimmy at 60+mph (wheel balancing in the near future), car got 9/10 overall. I'm excited and thrilled that after 49 years, I'm going to have a Porsche.
    I've already posted on Pelican Parts for a local shop and gotten some suggestions.
    This is going to be my weekend driver; the wagon remains my DD.
    It's scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I got wheel locks (2 for each of those Fuchs, 16 x 7 F and 16 x 8 R), got a cover, and will try to get some immobilization mods on the DME done ASAP (fuel pump relay most likely).
    Photos to follow...
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    and getting acquainted with Little Blue
    image
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,769
    Nice! that really makes me miss my '84 Targa.... :(

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  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    looks like our city will have a very YOUNG mayor ... 29 year old ... elected today in South Bend ...
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Actually Holyoke, MA has you beat:

    22 YO Mayor
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    yep .. saw that one, too!

    My husband said he wasn't sure why they kept talking about how ours had studied streets .... they kept talking about him being a "roads scholar"
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,732
    Hahahaha; nice, Brenda! :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Wow Serge, that car sounds great! I never though you'd be able to find a car like that on the East Coast!!!

    Don't forget to join the PCA- they have a lot of good resources. Also, Rennlist is a great forum for help.

    Have fun with it! It looks great! (Oh, and remember, NEVER EVER EVER lift in the middle of a turn unless you're really good at driving backwards! But I'm sure you already know this! ;) )

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited November 2011
    Serge, in case you didn't know, Edmunds has an '85 Porsche 911 as a long-term test car. Here's the blog link:

    http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/1985-porsche-911/

    They've had it since early April. Probably some good info here.

    Bob
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    with a 2nd place finish in NY State:
    http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20111109/NEWS01/111090313/Arlington-H- igh-School-Marching-Band-places-2nd-state-patriotic-show?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7- Ctext%7CPoughkeepsieJournal.com

    Emily (drafted to help with the final shows) is in the back center with the 50 yard line American flag.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    NEVER EVER EVER lift in the middle of a turn unless you're really good at driving backwards!

    FWIW same rule applies to NA Miatas.

    Don't ask how I know that! :surprise:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,732
    Congrats, Steve (and Emily)! 3,400 students at that high school.... That just blows my mind! My high school had 43 students. :blush:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,732
    Sounds like he is committed to making a difference. That's a great thing, considering that so many of the best and brightest take that ticket out and never look back.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Congratulations, Emily! (and to her folks - because us band parents *know* what it takes!)

    And, since we're sharing:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQYCp1F9PQI

    :blush:
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Very nice Paul. I could see the 'machine gears and parts' in motion, and liked the smoke canons. It's really great fun watching the bands and their interpretation.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    And as many times as I have watched it, every time I do I catch something new and/or different that I hadn't seen before. Patrick is one of the 4 cogs spinning in the middle at the end. That show scored 93.9 in the finals.
    The smokestacks were accomplished with CO2 extinguishers in the bases and extension hoses to the top of the stacks. And 9 middle school kids that came along for the ride as 'roadies' :)

    I apologize in advance, crew. I'm a 'band dad' for the next 4+ years. I warn you now: that I will be no less proud of my marching band kids as I was about Mr. Baseball (and we all remember *that*), and you all are stuck here reading about it. They're not perfect, by any means, but these kids of mine are the best thing that's ever happened to me.

    /proud dad moment off/
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Just read this earlier today and thought of you band parents and the patterns the kids make marching:
    "But she recalled a prank that crosstown rivals Southern Methodist University played when she was a student at Texas Christian in the early 1990s: Band members dropped winter rye seeds on the field as they played.

    “A month or two after the game, the grass grew, and it said SMU on the field. You’ve gotta give them credit — that was pretty clever,” Cox said." (link)

    In other news, got a new battery for the Outback. Got the gunk cleaned off the terminals and parts today; will put it in tomorrow. Maybe someone can refresh my memory why Subaru batteries crud up so much and should I slop a whole jar of Vaseline around the cables and hold-downs?
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    Maybe ... just maybe ....

    Teacher on maternity leave comes back on Monday (I might just kiss her feet!)

    The "sub" who has been filling in for the last month for the medical leave will be there for the foreseeable future, and is starting to be trained to use the program we use to write the kids' paperwork AND she held her first annual case review with the full conference committee yesterday (with me there to "back her up").

    It's time ... I am so buried in paperwork and meetings and TIRED ...lol

    Ready to get back to "my" caseload ....

    Amazingly enough, some people who seemed "skeptical" of my abilities - even after several years of working with me! - seem to have a new found appreciation for my skills ... ... wonder who long it will take them to "forget" ....
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,732
    Hang in there, Brenda! We can all tell it is wearing you down, but soon enough (or perhaps not... hehe) it will be in the past and you will gain a new found appreciation for what a "regular" workload feels like! :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Same with the NBs too. I hope you found out in a safe and controlled environment Juice. ;)

    It probably applies to most cars- except FWD cars- lifting mid turn can bring the back end around and help counter the understeer.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fortunately, yes.

    You can even do it with FWD if you use the hand brake. ;)
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    You can do it in a FWD car without the handbrake if you know how to do it right. There is a video somewhere with an English pro driver doing it with a SiR. Search for it...
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