Meet the New Michigan Marching Band Drum Major

M-Live introduces MMB Drum Major 53, McKenna Thayer 

They finally did it! Michigan Marching Band on Ice!

The Michigan Hockey Pep Band normally sits in the stands. For the first time the band made it down to the ICE. (But not on skates - how to do that is not yet worked out.)

This group is billed as the Michigan Marching Band and they do march and the drum major is there and even did the backbend. 

"Lets Go Blue" Links

Michigan Today has a story about "Lets Go Blue" that is worth reading (and listening - it includes a podcast with Albert Ahronheim!)

I made some comments on Michigan Today and posted some related things in other places, but I am too busy and/or lazy to  repeat them here, so for now here are the links:


Michigan Today - How We Went Blue


AboutBand - A Band Tradition for 40 Years


Michigan Band Vintage Flashback - Michgian Hockey Band - A True Story

MMB drummer hanging upside down

Getty images has an amazing photo of an MMB drum line guy playing his quad drums while hanging upside down! I put it in my "Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue" blog and you should go there to see the MMB photographs.

Also, don't miss  Maize and Blue donuts and the Birth of "The Yellow and Blue".

NY Philharmonic (and friends) in the Big House

The big day has come and gone, and is now in the news.

AP College Football shows Alan Gilbert on the podium (wearing #1 in Maize and Blue.) The article describes the performance and the NY Phil activities at the University of Music School of Music, Theater and Dance.

From AP College Football: Alan Gilbert, music director of the New York Philharmonic, conducts members of his brass section along with the Michigan Marching Band during a halftime of the Michigan-Northwestern game in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

The Michigan Daily article  quoted Director of the Michigan Marching Band, John Pasquale: "“The students’ reaction is why we teach — seeing their faces as they were playing is a highlight of my career thus far,” he wrote. “The (Michigan Marching Band’s) performance was fantastic and we are so proud of them.  What they accomplished is testament that Michigan has the best and brightest students in the world. It was a great day for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and Michigan Athletics. It was a great day for the legacy, tradition and spirit of Michigan.”

The MMB Video version will be available eventually, but this video of the finale gives a good idea of the impressive sound and the crowd's appreciation.

"In Concert" doesn't even begin to describe the Michigan Marching Band at Crisler Center!

Sunday Nov 17, 2013 at 5pm will "Take the Floor" at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.The MMB Newsletter said that the band will play highlights from the 2013 season and Michigan favorites. Yes, they will certainly do that. HOWEVER if you look at photos from last year's show you will see MUCH more than that. For one thing,  there are photos of the band staff dancing to the Bulwinkle song. PLUS the drum line, flag line and dance team all there, adding to the action!

But don't run off and look at photos now. It's only 2 days away, so it's time to tell everyone you know to take a carload of young people to the MMB Crisler Concert. Kids LOVE the band (admission for under 11 years old is only $3.) 

Here is the poster - pass it on!

Beyoncé & Rolling Stone & the Michigan Marching Band

Perhaps we have transported to an alternate universe. Everyone including Rolling Stone had something to say about the Michigan Marching Band's Sept 7 show: Beyoncé.   Performed at halftime for U-M vs Notre Dame "Under the Lights II," the second ever U-M football night game. AND the first time in history that the lights were turned OFF for halftime. 

A description of the show and links were featured on beyonce.com

This Michigan Daily story has a lot of behind the scenes details:  "Marching Band members say Beyoncé show was one-of-a-kind".
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Here is Beyoncé's intro video that played on the big screen;




The MMB video crew put this together. It's the full show starting with the press box view with closeups of Beyonce, the Michigan Dance Team and MMB dancing.



Here's another video from the crowd.




Has Rolling Stone ever mentioned marching bands before? I don't know, but even they something to say about the MMB and the Beyoncé show as the the grand finale of "10 Best College Marching Band Cover Songs"

The famous Drum Major photo returns to it's origin in LIFE magazine.

The famous MMB drum major photo popped up in May and it's not even time for football. It was part of a slide show of classic photos in Time magazine on-line.

A couple of years ago MICHIGAN TODAY had an interesting article about it.

I thought it would be interesting to see what else I could find out about it.

Digitaljournalist.org has a quote from the photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt, about the events leading up the the moment of the photo.

This photo first appeared in LIFE magazine in 1950. And I FOUND IT!  In Google Books, Life Magazine Oct 30, 1950  It is on page 108. You can go directly there, or scroll though 107 pages of  1950 news and some very vintage 1950 advertising.

There was also a famous photo exhibition and book called The Family of Man. I have a copy of the book and need to dig it out, so I will save that for another day.

Happy International Tuba Day!

Today is International Tuba Day (happens every year on that first Friday in May.)

My contribution to this year's celebration is my favorite sousaphone photo.

Sousaphone Siesta by Jane Namenye

I took this at break time during a Rose Bowl rehearsal, probably in 1978.  In those days the Michigan Marching Band stayed in a dorm on the UCLA campus and rehearsed on the IM sports field.

More info about International Tuba Day on the Tuba Day web site.

It's time for MMB at the Superbowl Stories

Here is Diana Ross during the national anthem at Superbowl XVI in 1982..

Diana Ross at Super Bowl XVI from biography.com

 Now if you could pan the camera over to the right you would see the Michigan Marching Band (standing at attention and possibly singing along.)  It's right here in black and white in this photo I took for the Michigan Marching Band 1981-82 yearbook.

Now, this was not the first MMB encounter with Diana Ross. On day-before-the-Superbowl-Saturday, the band got to experience a unique and interesting rehearsal at the Silverdome.

The first part of the adventure was getting there. No Greyhounds for this short trip to Pontiac. We took U-M buses (like the ones that circled around and went up to North Campus.) They did the job OK until hitting the solid ice rink that was the Silverdome parking lot. The bus I was on did a spectacular 10 mile/hour skid. The driver remained calm and willed the bus to stay straight, but otherwise had no control whatsoever. We also remained calm but also said "wheeeee" and other enthusiastic things. The bus eventually ran out of momentum and the thrill ride was over.

Time to enter the Silverdome. It was very quiet and a bit dark. This was due to a video being made in the press box. The band got to practice standing on the field doing nothing. Not really nothing - quietly socializing and making up funny jokes about doing nothing in the empty Silverdome the day before the Super Bowl.

Then Diana Ross arrived with her entourage of about five people, one of whom was a woman whose sole function seemed to be carrying the fur coat.

They stood on the sidelines, also doing nothing. Or maybe they were making up funny jokes about being in the Silverdome with a marching band doing nothing. (We will never know.)

Finally, quiet time was over and rehearsal commenced. With the MMB lined up and one end of the field, a fife and drum corps at the other end, Diana Ross took the 50 yard line and picked up the microphone. She said, "Sing with authority, sing with me", then performed the Star Spangled Banner in her own special way. Then she went through it again. And again. After 3 times through, a band member said to me, "listen" and pointed out something fascinating. There was a very slight irregularity in one note -- not unpleasant, but not something that was intentional. And it was exactly the same every time. We came to the conclusion that this was a recording. And it was just like that at the for-real Superbowl pregame too, but she did it so well, that nobody would realize this without hearing it over and over.

After pregame was over the Michigan Marching Band and Diana Ross went their separate ways (and I managed to be in the right place to get this paparazzi shot of her waving to the crowd.)

Go see the rest of the yearbook photos of the Michigan Marching Band at Superbowl XVI.

That was fast! John John Pasquale named to direct MMB

On January 23, 2013, the wait was over only after two weeks. Dr. John Pasquale was announced to be the successor to Professor Scott Boerrma as Director of the University of Michigan Marching Band.

Here is the announcement in the University Record. I think it's a little dry, but I'm putting this one first because the subheading of the University Record is "Office of the Vice President for Global Communications" which sounded very impressive.

This one is more exiciting: The Michigan Daily has responses from MMB members and John Pasquale.

And here is the announcement from the Michigan Marching Band e-news:

FROM PROF. MICHAEL HAITHCOCK
Dear MMB Alumni and Friends:
I am pleased to announce that John Pasquale has been named the new Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Bands, and the Donald R. Shepherd Chair in Conducting.  During the past five years, Dr. Pasquale has proven himself to be a person with the necessary musical and leadership skills for this important appointment.  In addition, he has earned the respect as well as admiration of students, faculty, administrators, alumni, parents, and donors.  It was only a matter of time before John Pasquale was leading a major college marching band and I am delighted that the University of Michigan will continue to benefit from his ongoing service to our campus and musical community.
With this transition complete, we will begin a full national search for a new assistant director of the MMB.  This process will unfold throughout the winter term in hopes of having an appointment made by the annual MMB spring meeting.  There are legal processes that must be followed since this is a faculty appointment and a faculty search committee will guide the process.  Students will have a chance to work with and interact with each finalist.
In the meantime, I hope you will join me in congratulating Dr. Pasquale.  June 1st is the official date of Dr. Pasquale's appointment.  He and Dr. Boerma are hard at work on making a seamless transition and I am confident the MMB will be well prepared for next season.
Best Wishes and Go Blue!
Michael Haithcock
Director of Bands, Arthur Thurnau Professor of Music


FROM PROF. JOHN PASQUALE
Dear MMB Alumni and Friends:
It is with great excitement that I accept the position of Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Bands, and the Donald R. Shepherd Chair in Conducting.  I am humbled by the University’s expression of confidence in charging me with this wonderful responsibility.
In the past five years, serving as Assistant Director of Bands, I have gained a profound appreciation and respect for this institution, its students, alumni, and supporters.  The care and commitment of our constituents is unparalleled and it has left a lasting impression on me, personally and professionally.  The University of Michigan is such a special place; I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has afforded me. When offered this promotion, the exuberance and awe I experienced at that moment cannot adequately be expressed in words.  There is no doubt in my mind that the University of Michigan is where I want to be!
I take very seriously the responsibility of upholding the storied legacy and strong tradition of excellence associated with the University of Michigan Band Program and look forward to contributing to it and cultivating it for many years to come.  With the help of the MMB Family, I know that this will be a remarkable journey and am confident that we will accomplish great things together as we continue to carry on the time-honored tradition of being the “Leaders and Best.”
Let’s get started. . .
Go Blue!!!
Dr. John D. Pasquale

---------------------------------------------
My thanks to Professor Boerma and congratulations to Dr. Pasquale!
-Jane Namenye

Michigan Marching Band Director, Scott Boerma to be Director of Bands at Western Michigan University

Professor Scott Boerma will be moving to Western Michigan University in August 2013 to take over as Director of Bands. 

Since the announcement on January 8, Professor Boerma has been in the news around Michigan.

Michigan Daily article has quotes from Professor Boerma, Professor Haithcock and several members of the Michigan Marching Band.

Photo of Boerma and the Tubas at Ann Arbor.com.

News from the Kalamazoo end of things can be found in Mlive.com's Western Michigan University hires Michigan's Scott Boerma to replace retiring Director of Bands Robert Spradling    

More from Prof Boerma in Mlive.com  "Scott Boerma, UM marching band directror, calls new job at WMO a 'blessing'."  and WMU's Western Herald's University of Michigan marching band director will serve as new director of bands at WMU 



Here is the announcement from the Michigan Marching Band e-news:

"Today Professor Scott Boerma announced his resignation as Director of the Michigan Marching Band to students in their post-bowl wrap up meeting.  Dr. Boerma is leaving UM to take his "dream job" as Director of Bands at his alma mater, Western Michigan University.  While we are all very sad Professor Boerma will leave us, we are thrilled that his dream has come true.  Western is very fortunate to have a person of Scott's musical talent, leadership skill, and personal warmth to guide their band program into a new era.   A letter from Dr. Boerma is below within this communication.
 

"As with any transition, the question of 'what's next' looms.  While I can not directly answer the question at this point, a process is already underway to identify the future leadership of the MMB.  The person we seek will have the necessary musical talent, the desired leadership skills, and a personality that will serve the students and our varied constituents well. 

"Please join all of us in extending our sincere thanks to Scott Boerma for his dynamic leadership over the past six years."   Michael Haithcock, Director of Bands 

FROM THE DIRECTOR
 

 Dear MMB alumni and friends,

It is with very mixed feelings that I am reaching out to you to announce that I have resigned my position as the Donald R. Shepherd Associate Professor of Conducting and Director of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, effective June 1, 2013.  I have accepted the position of Director of Bands at Western Michigan University, my undergraduate alma mater.  In this role, I will oversee WMU’s entire band program, conduct the top concert ensemble, and teach conducting and wind repertoire.  This step represents a logical progression of my career, and I’m excited about the new challenges ahead.

I have truly loved my six years at the University of Michigan.  I am honored to have played a role in the history and tradition of excellence that is a hallmark of this great institution and these exemplary ensembles, and I am excited to watch the MMB and Athletic Bands continue to thrive.  I will sincerely miss the students, colleagues, alumni, and donors that I’ve had the good fortune to get to know.  I am a better person because of my time with you, and I will cherish the fantastic memories I take with me.  Our alumni and donors have been so very kind to me and supportive of my efforts with our great students.  I thank you wholeheartedly for that.

Please know that I have been laboring over this decision for several weeks, and it was truly a difficult one to make.  I am blessed to have been at UM for these six wonderful years.  I wish you all the very best, and I sincerely hope that we will all stay in touch in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Boerma
Donald R. Shepherd Associate Professor of Conducting
Director of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands

Michigan Marching Band 2011 Crisler Arena Concert Poster - PASS IT ON!

Here is the 2011 Michigan Marching Band Concert at Crisler Arena poster!

Download this and e-mail it to your family and friends in Michigan, and any UM Alumni groups in your city. And post it on your favorite social network.

You can print it out and pin it on the bulletin board at work, at the corner store or your refrigerator.

It would be awesome for Band Alumni to pass this around to family and people they know -- especially families with little kids. This year the concert is in the afternoon and it will end early enough that it's possible for families to drive across the state and make it home before the kids' bedtime. I get the impression that the normal promotion for the concert concentrates on Ann Arbor, so getting it known in areas a bit farther away could help bring in new people -- more friends for the Band and more little guys thinking "I'm going to do that some day!"

SO, pass it on!

This Week's MMB Halftime: "Viral Video"

In the 1970's, Michigan Marching Band director, George Cavender was fond of saying: "It's never been done before!" I wonder what he would say about this show MMB will be performing Saturday at the UM vs Nebraska game!

From the Michigan Marching Band e-newsletter Nov 17, 2011

“Heeeyyyy… Chaaaarlie……!”

Have your friends said this to each other, but neither of them is named Charlie? Have you heard a stranger sobbing about seeing a double rainbow on a sunny day? Do your kids dance around the house shouting about ‘double dream hands,’ but you wonder what they could possibly mean?

The MMB has selected the most popular viral videos to feature in Saturday's show, each of which have been viewed by tens-of-millions or even hundreds-of-millions of people.

The MMB is prepared to teach you to dance “Double Dream Hands.” They will play along with some of the most popular viral music videos like “The Gummy Bear Song,” “Trololo,” and “Double Rainbow.”

By integrating video clips, creative formations, dancing, and music, the MMB will make sure you are up to speed with your friends and neighbors, and maybe even able to teach them a thing or two! Make sure not to miss Saturday’s educational and highly entertaining halftime show

------------------------------------------------------------------

POST-GAME UPDATE! MMB Viral Video Halftime Show VIDEO!

The only thing I need to post about Patrick Fleming

MMB alumnus Andrew Lapin wrote exactly what I was thinking, so I'll let him say it in Patrick Fleming and the Bands Who Miss Him.

First Halfitme Show for 2011 Season? MMB does MTV

From the Michigan Marching Band e-newsletter Sept 1 2011:

THE SHOW

A new coach and a new Drum Major aren't all that’s changed in Michigan Stadium; two incredible LED video boards have also been installed at each end zone. They're 85 feet wide which is 40-percent larger than the previous screens. What better way to highlight them than by tying music and video together in the 1st halftime show?

This Saturday the MMB presents "MTV's Greatest Hits." On August 1, 1981 MTV (The Music Television Station) was launched. The original purpose of the channel was to play only music videos, but this pioneering cable network launched a whole new entertainment medium, and the halftime performance will cover three decades of music, from "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits, "Take On Me" by A-ha, "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel, "Addicted To Love" by Robert Palmer, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Vogue" by Madonna, and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. You’ve probably never heard Madonna and Nirvana in the same tune, but MMB Director and music arranger Professor Scott Boerma dares to push the envelope for such an adventurous and wide-ranging show like the one you will see on Saturday.

If You Didn't Make it to Homecoming in Ann Arbor...

MMB Photo Video wasted no time and had 600 photos of the 2010 Blast from the Past on their web site on Sunday afternoon! More were added on Monday so it's over 800 photos of the MMB and Alumni Band.

The web site lets you view groups of photos and click on the thumbnails to see any photo in a larger size. Plus it has a slideshow viewer and of course you can order prints of the photos - even poster size.

The MMB Photo Video Home Page is www.mmbphotovideo.com

To find out right away when new photos are available, follow @mmbphotovideo on Twitter or MMB Photo Video on Facebook.

Here's the MMB Photo Video web site with a nice shot of the flags:

More from the U of M vs U Conn Game

I don't have any idea who this Mr. Knowitall is, but he seemed to be enjoying himself at the Big House! His blog has photos of the stadium and band.


Want to watch the pregame show? Here it is! YouTube MMB Pregame Sept 4, 2010 Mich vs U Conn


And another Michigan Marching Band pregame video.

Michigan vs U Conn - What You Didn't See of the MMB

Photos of the Michigan/Connecticut football game on September 4 are now up on the MMB Photo-Video site M v. Connecticut page You can view the photos (all 304 of them!) and purchase them on-line.

Michigan Marching Band alumni and fans who saw the game on TV or even in person will see a lot they missed of the Band. The MMB Photo Video team is always right where the band action is!

2010 Michigan Marching Band

The 2010 Michigan Marching Band season has started! (OH, it's FOOTBALL season?)

News articles and blog posts about the MMB are also starting to appear.

Here's one is about Band Week from
Ann Arbor Journal

Interesting note about "traditional" marching vs "high step". The high step used to be traditional marching and the drum and bugle corps glide step was something new. That was a while ago!

On the subject of traditions, the following blog mentions one I hadn't heard of: at the first Michigan Stadium rehearsal the new band members run in while the veteran members play The Victors. This part is at the end of the post. Before that is the tale of how the
Ann Arbor Beer Wench happened to be there.