I have seen some ideas about the lack of volume on Cherokee, and one was that without the end zone seats, the sound gets lost. That go me to thinking.
Our band swings their horns when playing Cherokee. The thought is by swinging half one way, and half the other way, the volume is not effected.
However, the reason Cherokee used to be heard louder was because the Band played it loud, and straight across the field into the opponents stands, then the sound bounced back and could be heard by the home side. When the band swings their horns, the sound goes off it two directions with NOTHING to have it bounce back off of and be re-directed to the home side.
I did hear a few notes bounce back off the new building being built behind the field house.
I know the kids may not want to stop swinging their horns, but THAT will make a difference in the volume heard on the home side, especially sec D, E, & F.
Turning slightly towards the scoreboard will help too, if you play it without swinging the horns.
Band Kid...perhaps you could mention this and try it.