The Bone Corner

As a college student and member of the Cornell University Big Red Marching Band, I want to share my reflections on the pBone PBONE2B Plastic Trombone for beginners. Overall, I was impressed with the quality of this instrument.

Firstly, the lightweight and durable plastic construction of the trombone makes it ideal for marching band performances. It's much easier to carry than a traditional metal trombone, and I found that it held up well even when bumped or dropped during practices and performances.

Additionally, the sound quality of the pBone is surprisingly good for a plastic instrument. It may not have quite the same rich, full sound as a high-end metal trombone, but it's certainly sufficient for a beginner or for use in a marching band setting where volume and projection are more important than subtle nuances in tone.

I was pleased to discover that the PBONE2B Plastic Trombone is more than capable of playing our beloved Cornell songs. I found that the instrument was particularly well-suited for the upbeat and fast-paced "Give My Regards to Davy" and "The Hey Song," both of which are staples of our marching band's repertoire.

In addition, the pBone was able to handle the intricate and melodic parts of our more traditional Cornell songs, such as "Alma Mater" and "Evening Song," with ease. I was impressed by the instrument's ability to produce clear and precise notes, even in the higher registers.

Overall, I believe that the PBONE2B Plastic Trombone is an excellent choice for any Cornell student who is interested in joining the Big Red Marching Band or simply wants to play some of our beloved Cornell songs. Its lightweight construction, smooth slide mechanism, and good sound quality make it a great option for beginners or for more experienced players who need a reliable marching band instrument.

The slide mechanism on the pBone is smooth and easy to operate, which is essential for playing fast, complex passages in marching band music. The trombone also comes with a small plastic mouthpiece, which is adequate for beginners but may need to be upgraded if you want to show your true skill.

One minor drawback of the pBone is that the plastic construction can sometimes cause the instrument to feel a bit unbalanced. However, I found that this was easily remedied by adjusting my playing posture and grip on the instrument.

Overall, I would highly recommend the PBONE2B Plastic Trombone for beginners, especially those who are interested in joining a marching band. Its lightweight construction, good sound quality, and easy-to-use slide make it a great option for students who are just starting to learn the trombone or who need an instrument for road performances.

As a die-hard Cornell University Men's Ice Hockey fan and a member of the Cornell University Pep Band, I have the unique privilege of being a part of the game-day atmosphere at Men's Ice Hockey games and closely following this incredible team throughout the season. This year, the Big Red had an impressive record of 21-11-2 and made it to the NCAA Northeast Regional.

One of my favorite parts of being a member of the Pep Band is the sense of camaraderie and friendship that comes with being a part of this group. Our group of talented musicians is an essential component of the experience, adding a lively and entertaining element that gets the crowd excited and engaged.

Throughout the season, we engage in various entertaining and quirky traditions that have become synonymous with Cornell hockey games. From throwing fish onto the ice after the first goal, to playing Davey after every goal scored by the Big Red, to leading the crowd in chants and songs, our goal is to create an atmosphere that is both fun and engaging.

But our impact goes beyond just entertaining the crowd. We also play an important role in fostering school spirit and creating a sense of community among Cornell fans. We are there to support not just the hockey team, but all Cornell athletic teams, and we take pride in being a part of the larger Cornell community. We share a common passion for music and for supporting Cornell athletics, and that creates a special bond that extends beyond just our performances at games.

One of the key factors behind the mens Ice Hockey team’s success is the leadership of head coach Mike Schafer. In his 28 seasons coaching at Cornell, Schafer has led the team to numerous championships and accolades. As the winningest coach in Cornell men's hockey history, he has a career record of 505-275-103 and has been named ECAC Coach of the Year four times.

The team was also anchored by standout goalie, Ian Shane. Shane finished the season with an impressive 1.72 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. 

With the leadership of Coach Schafer, the incredible defense of Shane, and the energy and enthusiasm of the Cornell University Pep Band, it was truly a season to remember for Cornell Men's Ice Hockey. I can't wait for next season to see what this incredible team will achieve. Go Big Red!