Tonight's National Anthem and "The Barnyard Singers"

[alltimetwinsfan]

I hate to come off as prudish, but I thought it was a less than classy display by the "Superfans" in the first couple of rows of the student section in 110 during the National Anthem tonight. I've been going to games for eight years at the barn pretty consistently, and yes, I've labored through some renditions of the anthem that have been long, drawn out, good, bad, and everything else in between.

However, never can I remember a time when I was embarrassed by our fans during the anthem. For those that weren't there, a group in the student section thought it was a good idea to sing along (out of tune, I'll add, but that's besides the point) at their own pace, faster than the rendition, and when it came time for their own rendition to shout "Gophers" during the last word of the song, they did so...however, the singers (four young people, probably between 10 and 15) were barely to the last line of the song.

Again, take this however you want. It's just my personal opinion, and anyone that would like to defend themselves (or not) can go right ahead and do so. And maybe I'm the only one that cared or took any sort of offense to it. Be that as it may, on a night when we're on national television, when anything can catch the airwaves, I thought it was pretty poor. Further, they're kids, not professionals. Again, I've heard many types, styles, and lengths of anthems in the barn, and, as a member of the student section (and a former Barnyard board member) in the past, we sang along too...but we always waited until the singer was at the right point before making our statement as to who's house it was, rather than making an ass out of ourselves by interrupting the middle of the song.

Again, just my personal opinion.

[nooram]

agreed

[jamiche]

I have no problem with the "...home of the GOPHERS" at the end of the anthem. It's a barn tradition. I agree that the "competing rendition" last night was kind of stupid and probably fueled by 80 proof.

[From the Barn]

Never underestimate the ability of college students to be stupid sans booze. That was offensive, pathetic, and disrepectful last night. Can't you all not be the center of attention for a whole minute and a half?

[GortonsFisherman011]

I'm sorry, but a 5 minute national anthem is longer than expected and we could hardly hear them anyway. How is it disrespectful that we're singing our national anthem? We didn't try to make it offensive; grow some thick skin.

[From the Barn]

Perhaps not shout-singing would be step one in being able to hear. And unexpected? The same people already sang the national anthem once this year, and you somehow didn't embarrass yourselves then. Just admit that you thought it would be funny and we will move on, as long as you don't do it again.

[GoGoGophers]

I'm sorry, but a 5 minute national anthem is longer than expected and we could hardly hear them anyway. How is it disrespectful that we're singing our national anthem? We didn't try to make it offensive; grow some thick skin.

I hate to stoop to insults on a message board, but you're an idiot. I told my friend last night that I wished I was still in the student section, as I would've been kicking asses like yours. It was very disrespectful, and I'm not talking about to the singers. Didn't try to make it offensive? What about the laughing and shouting? Cutting off the song before it was over?

You clowns have no idea what it means to serve your country and to respect our national anthem. When someone sings it, no matter what you're opinion is of their rendition, shut your f*cking mouth and look at the flag.

If you'd like, I can come down to your seats next game and adjust your attitude for you. I assume you're the tool in the rubber pants?

Sorry for the tough guy rant, but this REALLY pissed me off.

[/rant]

[skoalvikings]

I hate to come off as prudish, but I thought it was a less than classy display by the "Superfans" in the first couple of rows of the student section in 110 during the National Anthem tonight.

Agree 100%--it was a complete embarrassment. I'd imagine those who took part will fully agree once they have grown up a bit.

[tjgopher]

I'm sorry, but a 5 minute national anthem is longer than expected and we could hardly hear them anyway. How is it disrespectful that we're singing our national anthem? We didn't try to make it offensive; grow some thick skin.

Did you seriously just ask how was it disrespectful?

1) You disrespected the people who were asked by the University to sing it.
2) You weren't "singing" our national anthem. You were making a mockery of it.
3) You were intentionally doing this.

Also, the young singers did a good job, I thought. It was not five minutes long. In fact, they paced through it fine. There have been some who have made it longer. They were young people who were trying their best, who did a good job, who probably had lots of family and friends there to hear them sing the anthem in front of 13,000 people. Yet, you clowns tried to ruin their night. Don't play it off like we didn't "try" to make it offensive.

You really don't get how you were disrespectful? You were an embarrassment. Plain and simple.

And you tell us to grow some thick skin? There are lots of areas I suppose where people are willing to let things slide and grow some thick skin. But, making a mockery of the national anthem at a time when millions of American soldiers are at life-threatening risk and thousands are dying, is not a situation that calls for growing thick skin to allow you fools to make a silly joke out of the Star Spangled Banner. Sorry. You guys were idiots. Please, try to make it through the 90 seconds of the song next time. You think you young adults can handle that?

[GopherRock]

The main singers themselves weren't doing themselves any favors by not staying with the familiar meter of the anthem (they were jumping all over the place).

I am also fine with "...and the home of the GOPHERS!" at the end of the anthem.

With that said, it was very embarassing to hear the students come in WAY too early with the ending. I could tell it was coming earlier in the anthem, but it didn't ease the cringe factor at all.

[bigkahunaiii]

is what many of the so-called singers engaged by the athletic department do to our anthem. The swoops and glides and stutter-steps and everything else they do to jazz up the anthem demean the song and tick everyone off who is asked to "Sing along with our national anthem". As last night, the crowd (which would like to show their patriotism and respect) simply cannot participate. I clam up and fume over it every time -- but I can see the point of the students lodging their frustration vocally.

The young lady who sang last Saturday at the NDSU game got it right. How enjoyable! One of the few this season who has done so.

Please give us the National Anthem straight and singable. That's respect.

Side comment: The tune to Francis Scott Keys lyrics is supposed to be based on a drinking song popular at the time he wrote it (1812). What a bunch of sad, morose drunks we must have had in the early years of our nation. "Louie Louie" it ain't!

[jmag21]

I would tend to agree with that more when it's not a group of youngsters. I think it was rough on those kids, who have to sing at a specific pace to keep together. While they're concentrating on that, they were being distracted. I don't mind the singing along to the anthem, and I don't really mind the GOPHERS part, but I didn't like the finishing early.

[jamiche]

is what many of the so-called singers engaged by the athletic department do to our anthem. The swoops and glides and stutter-steps and everything else they do to jazz up the anthem demean the song and tick everyone off who is asked to "Sing along with our national anthem". As last night, the crowd (which would like to show their patriotism and respect) simply cannot participate. I clam up and fume over it every time -- but I can see the point of the students lodging their frustration vocally.

The young lady who sang last Saturday at the NDSU game got it right. How enjoyable! One of the few this season who has done so.

Please give us the National Anthem straight and singable. That's respect.

Side comment: The tune to Francis Scott Keys lyrics is supposed to be based on a drinking song popular at the time he wrote it (1812). What a bunch of sad, morose drunks we must have had in the early years of our nation. "Louie Louie" it ain't!

While just about everybody outside of about 20 drunk students agreed that their behavior was loutish, I have heard the SSB, which is a very difficult song, presented in many beautiful and interesting ways. If somebody wants to jazz it up a bit or slow it down, I have no problem with that. I enjoyed the version last night just as I enjoyed the version at the NDSU game. The way Jimi Hendrix played it at Woodstock is now considered a classic. Same with Jose Feliciano during the 1968 World Series. Personal preference is personal preference, but there are many ways to do the song right and in a respectful fashion.

[GortonsFisherman011]

I hate to stoop to insults on a message board, but you're an idiot. I told my friend last night that I wished I was still in the student section, as I would've been kicking asses like yours. It was very disrespectful, and I'm not talking about to the singers. Didn't try to make it offensive? What about the laughing and shouting? Cutting off the song before it was over?

You clowns have no idea what it means to serve your country and to respect our national anthem. When someone sings it, no matter what you're opinion is of their rendition, shut your f*cking mouth and look at the flag.

If you'd like, I can come down to your seats next game and adjust your attitude for you. I assume you're the tool in the rubber pants?

Sorry for the tough guy rant, but this REALLY pissed me off.

[/rant]

I guess i don't even know what to say to that. I suppose because I'm one of the only ones who outright says on the hole who i am people can tend to take shots at me, and I'm fine with that. But don't blame me for the actions of many, that's just looking for a scapegoat. I was doing my best to sing our anthem (as I always do), and I don't drink for games at all (I know you didn't say that, but people have said everyone was sauced). And as for your threats of violence? And I'm classless?

[From the Barn]

We'd be tearing into the front row even if you weren't there or if we had no idea who you were.

[alltimetwinsfan]

But don't blame me for the actions of many, that's just looking for a scapegoat.

It was never my intention to blame one for what caught on and was done by many, and I respect that you called yourself out for doing it.

Further, I want to point out as well that I like the fact that you're into the anthem, singing along, and shouting "GOPHERS" at the end of the song. However, it was the way you did it that irked me, and based on the reaction of the board, many others.

If you want to get on the officials, opposing team, or their coach, go for it...I'm all for it. However, don't forget that it's not the actual singing of the anthem that means anything, but rather the meaning of the song. And there are people who take a lot of pride in that song, and what it stands for. And to jeer, talk and laugh during it (which there were also some of from that particular corner), and then blatantly tarnish the end of it with your own finale was not cool.

Actions represent yourself more so than anything else. And as your mother probably told you at some point in your life, "you know better." To anyone down there, not just those who have decided to publicly say they were down there, think about what you're doing next time, that's all.

[GortonsFisherman011]

We'd be tearing into the front row even if you weren't there or if we had no idea who you were.

You particularly seem to hate on the front couple rows a lot, ftb. Why is that? Because you think you could do a better job? It's easy to criticize from way in the back where no one can hear you. And if you think I'm there for selfish reasons your completely wrong. I was at the barn 30 minutes prior to door opening for the exhibition games (which had no exposure whatsoever). I was there because I love gopher basketball. I'm always there early.

I can understand a bit of resentment towards people who only show up for games on espn, because I resent that too; the fact that people show up wearing animal costumes and buying single game tickets, for example, really peeves me. And its not because they are out-"fanning" me, but the fact that these people only support the team when its a chance to get on tv.

My point is, I'm not there for selfish reasons. I'm there because I love gopher basketball (i suppose that's selfish) and because I want to help the team by getting behind them and cheering for them. I'm ready for your snappy comeback, as is your fashion.

As for the anthem, you all have a right to be embarrassed. The laughing was unacceptable as well, thats inexcusable. But, in our defense, it was hard to hear the singers (they are a good group, just tough to follow their anthem, another problem). I guarantee you that if the band played the anthem it would not have happened. Again, I'm not saying their rendition is bad, just tough to follow and its so quiet. And I will never apologize for singing my anthem, even if its out of tune. Bring on the hate posts.

[From the Barn]

The rest of the arena heard it fine, both last night and two weeks ago when they sang it the exact same way.

[GortonsFisherman011]

The rest of the arena heard it fine, both last night and two weeks ago when they sang it the exact same way.

They must put speakers in the back corners of the building. Last time they sang it the barnyard wasn't full to capacity with screaming fans either.

[From the Barn]

Who was screaming during the national anthem?

[GoGoGophers]

This is some beautiful backpedaling. You were trying to sing along, but couldn't hear them or recognize the tempo? Bullsh*t. Alltime is right on. The jeering, laughing, and shouting during the anthem and screaming over the end of it was disgusting. This garbage about 'we were just trying to sing along' is preposterous. The students involved made asses out of themselves and insulted many who take alot of pride in the anthem. Period.

I don't care at all why you go to games or how big a fan you think you are. If you and your costume wearing friends are going to act like that and embarrass my alma mater, just stay home. I'll take a 1/2 full student section over "fans" like that any day.

[GortonsFisherman011]

I always sing along. I won't ever stop singing.

It takes a big man to admit a mistake and take the blame for others, but it takes a bigger man (apparently) to beat a dead horse and threaten violence on a message board anonymously.

[Gold Vision]

Someone yelled Hoffarber during the NDSU anthem also, what's that all about? I'm all for basically any cheer outside of the National Anthem, just tone it down for three minutes.

[From the Barn]

And where did you admit anything?
I've seen nothing but excuses.

[GortonsFisherman011]

As for the anthem, you all have a right to be embarrassed. The laughing was unacceptable as well, thats inexcusable.

Read much?

[DiehardGopher]

I was in the section behind the band and I was disgusted by the actions of some. It was acapella, meaning no music, just singing in harmony. Stop being ignorant, relax, stop being all around disrespectful, and close your mouth. That goes for everyone, not just Gorton

[TubbytownUSA]

I was also in the front row with Gorton's and was not one of the tools who decided to scream random things through out the national anthem or to giggle like little school girls. But, like him, I choose to participate in the singing of the national anthem. If anyone's going to rip me for that, go ahead.

Now I will admit that our singing was a little off, but that's not to say we didn't try to correct ourselves multiple times and keep on pace with the singer(s). It's kind of hard to do so when they sing a weird rendition (so much for all the tradition you are all speaking about, right?) very quietly. No one has had a problem with the actual singing of the students in the past, so I wonder why there was an incident just this one game? Maybe its the singers who can't sing a little louder, be a little clearer, or sing a version of it that most of us would know?

Rip away.

[Maldo4848]

Stop. People are not upset that those students were singing. Singing along is of course great. The problem is that they purposefully butchered it to be funny and were trying to be very loud so others could hear, which they laughed about and few around them. That is what people are upset about.

[TubbytownUSA]

Stop. People are not upset that those students were singing. Singing along is of course great. The problem is that they purposefully butchered it to be funny and were trying to be very loud so others could hear, which they laughed about and few around them. That is what people are upset about.

That is absolutely incorrect. If you'll notice, every game we sing along. It's not to purposely butcher the national anthem, and it damn well isn't to be funny. I'm not the best singer, but I try my best and I'll take showing that over sitting there with a wandering mind just going through the motions.

[GortonsFisherman011]

Well said. We weren't burning flags over there!

[Maldo4848]

Singing along is fine but doing it in a way that is intentionally done to stand out above others by saying the words in a weird way and get laughs from it is wrong. I hope you weren't burning flags. :)

That's pretty much all i have to say about this those, gents and gals. I'm not going to argue with you guys over it. People know they were wrong and I hope it doesn't happen again for the sake of the rest of our fans, visitors, and the U of M. Sing along loud and proudly and do it in a respectful way. You guys are adults or close to it and should know what is acceptable. Enough said.

[TubbytownUSA]

Singing along is fine but doing it in a way that is intentionally done to stand out above others by saying the words in a weird way and get laughs from it is wrong. I hope you weren't burning flags. :)

That's pretty much all i have to say about this those, gents and gals. I'm not going to argue with you guys over it. People know they were wrong and I hope it doesn't happen again for the sake of the rest of our fans, visitors, and the U of M. Sing along loud and proudly and do it in a respectful way.

You're not speaking to the right people then. You're message isn't going to get out speaking to those of us that sat in the front row and sang along to the best of our abilities. That being said, if you think its us you're absolutely wrong and I'm not going to argue that anymore.

None of us were saying the words in a "weird way"...if you want to go with weird, go with the way the actual singers sang it. When hardly anyone can hear them or keep up with their terrible tempo. it's kind of difficult. Next time maybe we should all just be dead quiet and kind of zone out like all the other zombies in the place right?

[jmag21]

Hey, I thought the singers did a great job. I think this discussion has been driven into the ground. Mocking the anthem isn't cool. Maybe the first row didn't do it, but some of the students definitely did somewhere in that section. It just needs to not happen again. Because not only does the anthem deserve respect, but so do the singers. They were just kids on a big stage, and I thought they were excellent.

[GoGoGophers]

I love this spin job. You two are coming across like the little spoiled kids you are. Trying to cover your sorry asses after getting caught acting like idiots.

-We were trying out best. Really!
-It was the weirdos singing it in harmony and all slow that sucked.
-It wasn't us in the front row. It was those other people.

All a bunch of sh!t. The entire front of the student section was yelling and laughing. They all jumped around and screamed "home of the GOPHERS" together and, unless they are complete idiots, had to know they were way ahead of the anthem being sung (and sung well, according to many).

And yes, Tubbytown. Next time shut your cakeholes during the National Anthem if that's the way you try to respect it. Better yet, stay home next time.

[GortonsFisherman011]

Spoiled? I bet you weren't out plowing snow this morning until 7 am only to go to a boring lecture afterwards.

Why don't you come down to the front row on Saturday and say that to our faces?

[TubbytownUSA]

I love this spin job. You two are coming across like the little spoiled kids you are. Trying to cover your sorry asses after getting caught acting like idiots.

-We were trying out best. Really!
-It was the weirdos singing it in harmony and all slow that sucked.
-It wasn't us in the front row. It was those other people.

All a bunch of sh!t. The entire front of the student section was yelling and laughing. They all jumped around and screamed "home of the GOPHERS" together and, unless they are complete idiots, had to know they were way ahead of the anthem being sung (and sung well, according to many).

And yes, Tubbytown. Next time shut your cakeholes during the National Anthem if that's the way you try to respect it. Better yet, stay home next time.

I don't know if I can take something this stupid seriously. So did you not sit in the student section? If you're going to spin and accuse the entire student section for the actions of just a few, then it goes both way. The crowd outside of the student section is usually very quiet. So if you sit outside of the student section GoGoGophers, then you should just stay home and give your tickets to someone who will actually cheer. Stay home next time.

[TubbytownUSA]

Spoiled? I bet you weren't out plowing snow this morning until 7 am only to go to a boring lecture afterwards.

Why don't you come down to the front row on Saturday and say that to our faces?

Please do.

[book]

The National Anthem is awesome when sung by the audience! Not sung for you! The best is when the pep band plays it and the crowd will the sing along!!! If they have to have someone sing it - then Ross U. the ex football player is the best hands down!

[alltimetwinsfan]

Again, the focus of this topic has shifted.


No one has had a problem with the actual singing of the students in the past, so I wonder why there was an incident just this one game? Maybe its the singers who can't sing a little louder, be a little clearer, or sing a version of it that most of us would know?

-You're right, nobody does have a problem...if you sing it right.

-Don't blame the singers...I was able to hear them, and believe it or not, I was in the student section, not far from 110. Amazingly enough, I heard it just fine. This whole idea that you couldn't hear them is baseless, and anyone who banks their argument based on this is grasping at straws.

-Further, if you don't like their rendition, tough. It's different...deal with it. It still gives people no reason to ruin it. They're doing it different, but that doesn't make it wrong or bad, just different.

-If you're having trouble following their rendition, just stop singing. Listen to it, and wait for your cue to shout for the Gophers.

-Again, sing along every chance you get, but do it right. And if you can't, then don't. One of the other guys that I go with to the games sings along, and only sings one note...I have no problem with it.

The fact is, you knew you were off, it was painfully obvious. Nobody's blaming anyone specifically, but there was a faction that did it, knew they did it, and did it - in my opinion - on purpose.

[GoGoGophers]

Spoiled? I bet you weren't out plowing snow this morning until 7 am only to go to a boring lecture afterwards.

Oh my! A college student plowing snow early in the morning and then sitting in class for the rest of the day. How does your body survive the strain? I meant your reactions have been childish and spoiled in this thread, I have no idea if that carries over into your every day life.

And listen, Tubbytown, I've been attending (and cheering at) Gopher games long before you got your cute little student tix and jumped on the Tubby bandwagon, and will no doubt be there long after you are gone. You're a mere blip on the Gopher fan radar, son.

[GortonsFisherman011]

And listen, Tubbytown, I've been attending (and cheering at) Gopher games long before you got your cute little student tix and jumped on the Tubby bandwagon, and will no doubt be there long after you are gone. You're a mere blip on the Gopher fan radar, son.

Go ahead and think whatever you want of us :)

[MinnesotaMadman]

All I can say is that as a member of the student section, I was embarrassed by what occurred during the National Anthem. I know of other people around me who were embarrassed by this as well. People on the board are embarrassed by what happened.

Now, regardless (or as Timmy Brew would say "irregardless") of what the front few rows intentions were, it is obvious that what occurred offended and embarrassed many people.

I understand that the rendition may not have been one you liked, but the song has been performed in many different styles over the decades. Some you can sing along to and others you can't. If you are going to sing, sing with the performer. If you find it hard to sing with the performer, maybe then you just sit out that time or sing quietly to yourself. Trust me,you'll get your chance to hear and sing the song again.

Once again, I am not saying you intentional did anything, just that what occurred did offend and embarrass many people and that in the future if the situation arises again, people choose another course of action.

[WadeHokenson]

As a fellow student section member, I thought it was ridiculous and embarrassing to have that occur during the national anthem. The "home of the GOPHERS" has always been fine, but to shout gophers and start cheering when they are at "and the home..." is foolish. If fans would like to sing along, obviously that is commendable. The key word is sing--not try to shout out loud and scream it to draw in attention. You're just making an ass of yourself. However, hopefully this is a one time occurrence, because it was embarrassing to be sitting near the front 10-odd rows.

[GortonsFisherman011]

Let's quit beating a dead horse. This has become like taking sides on women arguing about whose boobs are bigger. Either way, everybody is on the same team :)

[FarmGopher]

How many different people need to say the exact same thing on this topic?

If you're not one of the people who was the problem, then what do you care?

I thought it was really disrespectful as well, I was in the student section but I wasn't close enough to grab the guys and get them to be more respectful, and yelling at them during the anthem would probably only make the situation worse. Hopefully the punks won't show up again, but if they do they'll realize that it's not "take me out to the ball game", let the guest singers sing the Star Spangled Banner, if you like singing it so much sign up to do it yourself.

[From the Barn]

If you're not one of the people who was the problem, then what do you care?


He already admitted to being part of the problem, if you count non-denial denials.

[TubbytownUSA]

Oh my! A college student plowing snow early in the morning and then sitting in class for the rest of the day. How does your body survive the strain? I meant your reactions have been childish and spoiled in this thread, I have no idea if that carries over into your every day life.

And listen, Tubbytown, I've been attending (and cheering at) Gopher games long before you got your cute little student tix and jumped on the Tubby bandwagon, and will no doubt be there long after you are gone. You're a mere blip on the Gopher fan radar, son.

I'll still be going to game's long after you've seen your better days.

[MNSnowman]

I'll still be going to game's long after you've seen your better days.Shoot, once you hit 60, every day you wake up is a "better day." ;)

I'm planning on holding onto my season tickets for at least 18 more years so I can take "Grandson-of-Snowman" to a few games a year. Maybe longer if we have a few more grandchildren. I've already been practicing banging my cane against the oxygen tank in rhythm to The Rouser ... the Alma Mater is more difficult. :rolleyes:

[Dr.Don]

Please put this subject to rest. National Anthem Ethics says: "If a band plays, remove your hat/cap, place hand over heart, and sing along. If there is a live performance of the National Anthem, remove hat/cap, place hand over heart, and listen while singing the Anthem to yourself, if you so choose." It is very simple to do it right.

[MNSnowman]

FWIW, Dick the Announcer (who I like just fine) generally invites folks to sing along regardless of whether it's being sung by others or not. IIRC, ditto when the Gopher men's hockey team plays.

If we're not careful, this thread will surpass the "Iowans caught in bathroom" thread on the football side. :eek:

[Bad Gopher]

You're no prude. That was over-the-top offensive and embarassing. I wonder what the visiting players and their party thought. We don't come off well as a community with jerk-holes pulling crap like that. I'm pretty liberal about people expressing themselves, but disrespect to the flag and the country is a horse of a different color. I've always felt that should be some sort of criminal offense.

Thumbs down to you, Barnyard animals. Booooo. Middle finger.

[Goldengopher]

Next time maybe we should all just be dead quiet and kind of zone out like all the other zombies in the place right?

now that might not be such a bad idea tubbytownusa. it was really sad to see those kids trying to finish the anthem with the student section, of which i am a part, acting like immature 7th graders. i agree with you that it wasn't everybody but nobody said anything including me. i am sorry. And i apologize to the university, to the fans and especially to those kids.