University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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PROUD TO PERFORM The Intensity, The Uniformity, The Rhythm By Chelsea Anderson With a crisp fall breeze and the resounding rhythm of the Michigan Marching Band reverberating around campus, game day was ready to begin. Arriving at least four hours prior to kick-off, the band members assembled in Revelli Hall to prepare themselves for their big day. One of the coolest things is the parade over to the stadium, said Matthew Strok, junior LSA general studies m ajor. We have different cheers and movements and it ' s really impressive to watch. The best is for the bowl games. However, there was much more to the Marching Band than playing at football games. The year-round commitment to the band included band camp, weekly practice, the Crisler Concert, and this year, a special performance invitation. The Michigan Marching Band returned to Ann Arbor 10 days prior to the start of classes for 12 hour band camp practices. During this time, the band had intense practices where they learned and perfected their formations and music. Once the academic term began, practices were held Monday through Friday from 4:45 to 6:15, in addition to game-day Saturday mornings. Unique to this season, the Marching Band was invited for an exhibition performance at the Pontiac Silverdome during the Michigan Being in the band enhances the student experience and connects you to the University.You know you ' re a Wolverine. ' Competing Bands Association State Finals. The Marching Band also released their newest audio recording entitled Victor ' s Valiant on CD this fall. In accordance with Michigan tradition, the 300-plus members were held to the highest caliber. As the Michigan Marching Band Seal says Non tarn pares, quam superiors, meaning Not as good as, Better than , the band functioned in similar fashion. Members competed for the 235 available slots for pre-game performances. The reserves were established several years ago and serve to challenge their peers to play at their highest level. Each week, auditions were held for the performance, and that performance block would vary from week to week. Other forms of tradition stemmed from the infamous position of drum major. The back bend has become tradition over the past few years, especially without the hat, said Matthew Cavanaugh, drum major. It has become a standard by the crowd, they won ' t go crazy unless you take the hat off. It took Cavanaugh two years to learn the trick. In reflection on his involvement in the Michigan Marching Band, Strok said, Being in the band enhances the student experience and connects you to the University. You know you ' re a Wolverine. Marching Band 157