Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad: Difference between revisions

The ''Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad'', or '''LGMB''', is a student-run band consisting chiefly of University of Toronto engineering students. The LGMB is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of [[Skule|Skule™]] spirit along with [[Skule Cannon | Ye Olde Mighty Skule™ Cannon]] and the [[Brute Force Committee]] (BFC). The LGMB is notable for its open membership policy and sometimes audacious appearances at events.

The LGMB tries to play an assortment of Skule-spirit, drinking, Christmas, and generally offensive songs. Choice of pieces is typically spontaneous; the [[Bnad Leedur]] will start playing, and the rest of the group joins in or not. Certain scheduled events, such as the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, require the bnad to refrain from certain items that are considered unsuitable for young children or society in general. As well, certain actions, events, or locations typically require certain songs to be played. For example, the "Walking Song" is played when the bnad walks, "Wipe Out" is played when the bnad returns to the Bnad Room through the archway on the west side of Hart House, and "[[Godiva's Hymn]]" is played in the presence of Ye Olde Mighty Skule Cannon.

The Bnad Leedur may play any "melody" instrument he/she is competent at. In recent years, most Bnad Leedurs have played the trombone, trumpet, or saxophone, however, they have also been known to play instruments such as the guitar or sousaphone. The [[D(r)umb Majur(k)]] plays snare drum without exception, but may improvise by playing any other instrument, object, or person as a drum during certain pieces.

The [[LGMB Rant]] is the official introduction of the Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad. It consists of a series of events, exploits, accolades, and descriptions strung together into a rhyming list that is performed by the Bnad Leedur, who is required to memorize the rant word for word, at major Bnad events such as Matriculation, Cannonball, and Gradball. At the end of the year, the Bnad Leedur may extend the rant to include significant events of their term.

The LGMB's first uniform consisted of a few red military jackets and pith helmets. The uniform along with their first bass drum, two tenor drums, cymbals and a drum major's baton were courtesy of La Prairie's resourcefulness and his military connections. Those who didn't wear military jackets were often seen in the traditional leather jacket of the engineering faculty. Later, members began to wear their decorated hardhats to events. The first public appearance of the LGMB was at the Annual Homecoming Parade on the back of a flatbed truck. [http://archives.library.utoronto.ca/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?AC=GET_RECORD&BU=http%3A//archives.library.utoronto.ca/dbtw-wpd/textbase/175image/&TN=175image&SN=AUTO2465&SE=1158&RN=4&MR=10&RF=175report&DF=175expanded&RL=0&DL=0&NP=3&ID=]

In the 1970s, at the beginning of [[F!rosh Week|University of Toronto Frosh Week]] each year, the LGMB met on the lawn in front of the Ontario provincial legislature. There with engineering, law, medical and arts first year students they received a speech from the presiding Premier of Ontario. During the ceremony the band played several "standard" selections as well as the engineering cheer song.  

About the same time, just before their 1977 album, a new uniform began to appear. Along with the engineering jacket and decorated hardhat, members wore hockey shirts adorned with the LGMB logo on the front. These shirts were originally mostly yellow with blue and white accents. (The [[Skule]] colours are blue and gold.) This design was updated to mostly blue with yellow and white accents in 1993.

In 2000, the LGMB sat in the audience for a showing of Jonovision. They were mentioned briefly by the host Jonathan Torrens. The LGMB also made it onto Breakfast Television on September 3, 2002. Also in 2002, the LGMB continued its subway opening traditions by riding on the opening subway of the Sheppard Subway line.

*1977: ''Band With the Runs'' [[http://skulepedia.ca/archives/media/1977%20-%20Band%20With%20The%20Runs.zip Download]]

*1989: ''Never Mind the Football Game,  Here's the Lady Godiva Memorial Band'' [[http://skulepedia.ca/archives/media/1989%20-%20Never%20Mind%20the%20Football%20Game.zip Download]]

*1999: ''Let Go Me Bongos!'' (CD) [[http://skulepedia.ca/archives/media/1999%20-%20Let%20Go%20Me%20Bongos.zip Download]]