The Band that (unfortunately) Wouldn't Die
Barry Levinson's documentary aired on ESPN recently, invoking bitter emotions of the Colts departing Baltimore for Indianapolis in 1983 (26 years ago if you're counting). We here at MarchingRavens.com question why the band was chosen as the focus for this type of documentary when it was the spirit of the Baltimore fan that brought the NFL back to Baltimore, not a small group of band members that assembled once or twice a year for 13 years.

February 8th, 2007 NEWS:

Z CELEBRATES COLTS WIN!
Inside sources tell of a huge Super Bowl party for Z's favorite NFL Owner, Jim Irsay. Memories of the old great Colts marching band lived on. The Ravens band leader was a little dismayed that his group was not invited to either the Ravens Super Bowl or the recent Colts Super Bowl, but that's OK, his buddy Irsay brought one home for him (and Coach Dungy) and that's all that counts. Remember, Jimmy boy is just misunderstood, he had no choice! It is why he currently holds all Colts history and records pre-1983 captive. He has no choice people!

MAY 25th, 2006 NEWS:

TROUBLE IN BAND LAND?
Inside sources say that band director John Ziemann is barely keeping his head above water trying to recruit for new band freeloaders. M&T and the Ravens have been applying heaving pressure to get new recruits to join but for some reason the pool of 13 year olds has been dwindling as of late. Word has it the number of band participants need to be nearly doubled to appease M&T and the Ravens but that is looking less and less likely as the days go on. At this point it seems the demise of the band is all but imminent in the future seasons to come, let's see how well it goes over with the fans as their (relocated) seats are left largely unfilled yet the names on the PSL waiting list quickly pile on.

MAY 20th, 2005 NEWS:

We have just been informed the band will be losing many seats this upcoming season. I can't help but thank all the support we have received for this new development. Steve Bisciotti is a much smarter business man and realizes that a slow phasing out of the Bands seats will be better then a quick, sudden relinquishment. We applaud him for his business savy nature and look forward to less and less band members taking up seats as the years go on. Sections 113 and 115 have been taken over and placed in the hands of paying fans. Score the first battle to MarchingRavens.com and its supporters.

UPDATE: Thanks for all the recent support from the BaltimoreSun.com Ravens forum!
Some comments:
"..the size of the band seems ludicrious (almost 300?) and the revenue being lost must be substantial"
"I think the band is an absolute joke"
"During the game I dont even know that they are there"
"They aren't very good and really don't add to the game day experience"
"Those seats they take up should be sold to fans"