When you have 200 people who you consider your children, sometimes overwhelming worry for their well being can be misconstrued by others that have no clue what all goes on behind the scenes. Know this is lengthy, but I have such a tremendous respect for David Willson. I've seen first hand how much he cares and how much he invests in each individual. He doesn't care how good you are, how smart or rich you are, he treats everyone equally and like they are the most valuable person in the band.
I know this was 10 years ago posted but to let you know how much he worries about us, one game one of our guard girls had made it to the grove and he waited 15 min and then started and you could see the worry on his face. Two days later she was found in her boyfriend’s closet dead. After that, we made sure we would always be at least 15 min early so he didn’t have to worry even more. He just retired and they had his celebration this past weekend and I was unable to attend and have cried a lot since. He is still like a father figure to all of us. We almost lost him back in 2021. We were all worried he wasn’t going to make it but he did and is doing well. Thank you for posting this. ❤❤❤
He gets really nervous on game days. So many things that can and have gone wrong. Of all the people there, he is actually THE MOST interested. He is the best band director you will ever meet. And loves those kids, this band more than anyone. Come out to a practice anytime and he'll be happy to show you his love for this band and what makes this band the best band you'll ever have the privilege to see.
Hope you completely enjoyed the whole experience! I grew up in Pearl, MS and that was my dream...but parents moved to Florida when I was in middle school.
I really hate they took away from dixie with love. That was always one of my favorite moments when Ole Miss comes to town. It's just like Alabama without Rammer Jammer or Tennessee without Rocky Top. It just doesn't work.
For anyone who is "offended" by the playing of Dixie, I say to you, then don't listen. Maybe I don't like some of the stuff you listen to. Get over it.
Just think how you would feel every Saturday morning if you were responsible for 200 plus kids and their safety who were packed in a small space surrounded by thousands of drunken fans for 20 years. You would be surprised the amount of things that it all entails. For example a few years ago, we experienced a student not showing up for game day because she had been murdered. The band has experienced violent fans throwing objects at them as well as punches.
When you have 200 people who you consider your children, sometimes overwhelming worry for their well being can be misconstrued by others that have no clue what all goes on behind the scenes. Know this is lengthy, but I have such a tremendous respect for David Willson. I've seen first hand how much he cares and how much he invests in each individual. He doesn't care how good you are, how smart or rich you are, he treats everyone equally and like they are the most valuable person in the band.
I know this was 10 years ago posted but to let you know how much he worries about us, one game one of our guard girls had made it to the grove and he waited 15 min and then started and you could see the worry on his face. Two days later she was found in her boyfriend’s closet dead. After that, we made sure we would always be at least 15 min early so he didn’t have to worry even more. He just retired and they had his celebration this past weekend and I was unable to attend and have cried a lot since. He is still like a father figure to all of us. We almost lost him back in 2021. We were all worried he wasn’t going to make it but he did and is doing well. Thank you for posting this. ❤❤❤
Currently an Auburn student, but a native of Mississippi and a long time rebel fan. Thank you for posting this. Hotty Toddy.
they need to bring back From Dixie With Love. its just not the same without it.
makes me miss being in the band!! one of my favorite parts if game day. :)
He gets really nervous on game days. So many things that can and have gone wrong. Of all the people there, he is actually THE MOST interested. He is the best band director you will ever meet. And loves those kids, this band more than anyone. Come out to a practice anytime and he'll be happy to show you his love for this band and what makes this band the best band you'll ever have the privilege to see.
I miss being in this band..fun times!
just got home from my ole miss rebel orientation :) i will be in band this year and i am SUPER excited :D HOTTY TODDY
Hope you completely enjoyed the whole experience! I grew up in Pearl, MS and that was my dream...but parents moved to Florida when I was in middle school.
How did it go?
Back when Ole Miss had an identity. Now they are just a shell of a school with too many lost traditions.
Steve Barnett's Daughter In Law is a Band Director In Southaven for Middle School and High School and I know every warm up in this video.
Well I think it's his Daughter In Law but He came to Southaven Middle School last year to watch 8th Graders play which I was In.
+Stephen Eichelberger Barnett sounds familiar
4:10
I miss the Colonel. 😘
Does anyone know where I could find a high quality mp3 of the Grove set before From Dixie with Love and Dixie Fanfare was banned?
I really hate they took away from dixie with love. That was always one of my favorite moments when Ole Miss comes to town. It's just like Alabama without Rammer Jammer or Tennessee without Rocky Top. It just doesn't work.
For anyone who is "offended" by the playing of Dixie, I say to you, then don't listen. Maybe I don't like some of the stuff you listen to. Get over it.
Very cool. Thanks for clarifying.
Isn't that Steve Barnett's arrangement of the last song on here??
"The Grove" and the ground looks totally parched.
Just think how you would feel every Saturday morning if you were responsible for 200 plus kids and their safety who were packed in a small space surrounded by thousands of drunken fans for 20 years. You would be surprised the amount of things that it all entails. For example a few years ago, we experienced a student not showing up for game day because she had been murdered. The band has experienced violent fans throwing objects at them as well as punches.
Neat show but why does the band director looked so disinterested?