Howdy all.  I am one of the two managers of the America's Pep Band at RPI.
I would like to take this oppourtunity to address some comments and issues
about the Big Red Freakout and my Band's behavior at it.
 
1)  The Freakout is our largest, most fan intensive game a year.  We (the Band)
will not disappoint out fans, our team, our alumni, or ourselves by playing
less than 110 percent at this game.
        In another post, someone mentioned about the frenzy of the Band at
the Freakout.  They are entirely correct.  Some members join and play with
the band for the EXPRESS PURPOSE to come to the Freakout.  We (the managers)
will not disappoint them either.
 
2)  As to the IMHO rules about playing while the puck is on the ice.  I agree
with most of you.  There should not be any playing during the action.  However,
I do not think that random drum hits violates this rule.  Furthermore if Brown's
goalie got distracted by us that is HIS fault, not ours.  You guys should
train him more.
 
3)  Regarding our behavior toward the Brown Band.  I would like to stress that
we were NOT notified that they would be coming.  That would have been nice.
Also.  They knew that this was our Freakout so they should have expected less
than optimal treatment.  (That's life, guys)
        Another point of interest:  Last year the RPI band traveled to Brown
for the second of our two games with them that year.  Sadly, we lost 5-2 (or
something like that.  We got hosed)  During the first period break, our band
was accosted by several drunk Brown fans who were being very disruptive. (a
polite way of saying they were being f***ing ***holes)  I feel that the
contimuing animosity between Brown and RPI is not going to abate without
some respect from the FANS, not the Bands.
 
Well, that's about all I have to say.  Excuse me while I put on some flame
retardent.  I'm getting a warm feeling.
 
Bill Ruhsam
Manager
America's Pep Band
 
P.S.  -- Hey, Brown.  You really have to speed up the Tempo on Joshua.  It
        really dragged.