7 - My community

When I logged into the blog to write my post, I immediately noticed Alisha's post about the Big Red Marching Band. This is because I am a member as well (what are the chances of two bandies in the same blog?), so I figured it would be a perfect community to discuss. However, I do not want to post the same thing or add to a post that already does a very good job at describing its relationship to Haythornwaite and Social Network Analysis, so I've decided to go a similar (but sometimes different in terms of theory) route and discuss my membership in the Big Red Pep Band.

The Big Red Pep Band is, like the marching band, a student-run musical ensemble which devotes itself to playing at basically every sporting even besides varsity football (most famously, we play regularly at hockey games). One important thing to note is the carry-over from BRMB members to the pep band. Due to the fact that the pep band's season starts later than marching band, many of the marching band members decide to do both and join pep band from word of mouth. This is not to say that new members aren't welcome and don't join. They do (this plays into common ground which will be discussed later), but there exists a likelihood that new members who are not in marching band might be slightly more confused at first. Also, contrary to marching band, the members do not engage in several social activities a year. This could be because there are more events per year in pep band, so the social aspect seems almost implicit, but I think a large part of this is due to the fact that there are so many dual band members.

Another interesting thing to mention is the lack of online presence, especially in contrast to the marching band. There is a facebook group, but it is not regularly maintained. A site existed several years ago, but has since ceased to function. Like marching band there is a listserv, but the pep band does not have listservs for each section. This may be because pep band is typically smaller and has a limit to those who can attend some events (hockey is capped at 51 members at home games, and 25-41 at away games). Haythornwaite's idea of a social network is created early through a different community and the relationships carry over into a new community.

This also plays into another aspect of Haythornwaite's theory: common ground. Clearly, many of the members share common ground as being members of another existing community. There is also usually an added interest in the sports we perform at, and mostly in creating what is known as the "Lynah atmosphere" at hockey games. Aside from this, there is the simple common ground of playing an instrument, and a desire to learn and perform music.

Lastly, reciprocity also exists in the pep band. Aside from electing student officers (the manager and two conductors per semester, for example), the band also demonstrates this amongst the community. In simple terms, the band gives an atmosphere to a game (whether it's at hockey, lacrosse, or some other sport), and the community responds either by applauding or approaching us to give compliments. In some instances, the teams have shown their gratitude after a big win (the lacrosse team was notable for this last year) by saluting us directly. This all gives many of the members a sense of accomplishment and pride in return for providing entertainment and spirit.