How do I get into the MMB?
I'm a sophmore in high school and I was just wondering how I get into the Michigan Marching band. I play the bass trombone, but i don't think that should be a problem. If any of you fellow band geeks out there would give some insight that'd be great.
thanks!
September 9th, 2010 at 9:39 PM ^
Get accepted to Michigan.
September 9th, 2010 at 9:43 PM ^
that would defenitly help alot
September 9th, 2010 at 10:53 PM ^
You should spell better than this guy in your essay though.
September 10th, 2010 at 1:45 AM ^
FYI, the word 'definitely' has the word 'finite' in it.
Remember that and you'll never misspell it again.
September 9th, 2010 at 9:44 PM ^
Is that Freddy Mercury from Queen?
September 9th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
Practice, Practice, Practice.
I think.
September 9th, 2010 at 9:42 PM ^
Purchase an outfit like the one in manwiththemoves' avatar.
September 10th, 2010 at 8:53 AM ^
with Hard Gay?
September 9th, 2010 at 9:42 PM ^
The first poster has step one: Get into Michigan.
After you do that, you will audition on the last day of your summer orientation. Since incoming freshmen will be "orienting" on numerous days during the summer, you will audition in front of an electronic recording device, so the MMB professors can compare everyone on your instrument at the same time.
You will play a chromatic scale to demonstrate your range, then play a couple prepared excerpts of your choosing that will demonstrate contrasting musical styles (i.e. a fast marcato section and perhaps a slower legato section).
At the end of the summer, the professors will screen the auditions and e-mail the results usually at the very end of July or beginning of August.
September 9th, 2010 at 9:46 PM ^
as bad as i thought it would. the only thing thats not good is that my school doesnt have a marchingband. So i'd have no idea how to march the right way or anything
September 9th, 2010 at 9:51 PM ^
The other students may have a slight advantage, but it's definitely doable. I knew MMB members who never had a marching band at their school as well. You don't learn the marching fundamentals until the last two weeks leading up to the first game, where you work from dawn to dusk at rehearsals. The great equalizer is the style of marching. Many high schools (including my own) solely did corps style glide step (roll from heel to toe), but the most challenging part for everyone is the traditional and high steps the MMB uses during pregame, so basically everyone starts out on the same page there.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:26 PM ^
The initial audition historically rarely says no.
As for not marching in high school... it shouldn't be too much of a hardship. The performance block auditions on a weekly basis are very challenging especially for first year MMB kids whether or not they have been in a high school band or not.
My best advice: If you want to have a better chance at marching more often in your freshman year, be in good physical shape. Lots of cardiovascular workouts and leg exercises that focus on quads and calves. Lungs and legs... you'll be a big step ahead of the learning curve that way.
The pregame show is more physically demanding than it might look.
September 10th, 2010 at 1:12 AM ^
I'd actually say you have a slight advantage, honestly. You have absolutely no means of comparison to how you're used to doing things. So often you hear kids say "well, in my high school band..." But those are the kids that have problems trying to overcome what they've learned and think is "right." You'll have no bad marching habits to break, no hard-engrained instincts to overcome, no system of whistles or commands or ways of turning or anything else to block out... You're a blank slate. Michigan's style of marching is not the same as your typical high school band, even for halftime.
The overall key for you will to get in as good of physical shape as you possibly can. That's one thing I really regret about my MMB experience. While I was in great shape, I wish I had been in greater shape. Get your leg muscles as strong as you possibly can, and do everything you can do to keep them that way. It will make marching and learning how to march incredibly easier, not to mention perhaps protect you from the inevitable, hobbling injuries we all seemed to end up with after 4 years. I sometimes joke the MMB should have some sort of retirement medical plan--we're all screwed up in one way or another after graduation.
Good luck! And don't hesitate to contact the band administration NOW to get your foot in the door. The current Drum Major was in contact with the band director when he was in -middle school.- I'm not kidding. He was on the radar for a long, long time. Shoot an email to one of the professors, ask for advice, get your name in front of them. It won't hurt in the least.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:08 AM ^
I didn't have problems during those 4 years, but my knees are shot now. They sound like bubble wrap when I crouch and I hope I'll be able to walk when I'm 50. Thousands of sets of entries on pavement probably didn't help.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:24 AM ^
Yep, that bubble wrap noise... I sound like a UPS Store getting out of bed in the morning.
September 10th, 2010 at 11:47 AM ^
Completely agree with bando. The bad habits I had ingrained in me from high school marching corps style is what got me cut from the Purdue band another chair/traditional step band. I couldn't overcome the muscle memory from high school to learn chair step. Since you are a blank slate you will be step ahead of many people. Stay in shape too. I ran high school cross country and track and was in very good shape. I always believed band was more demanding than cross country and track, especially when you are in a band marching 200+ bpm.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:01 PM ^
Word on the street is Michigan will be dropping the trombone from the marching band after this season.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:18 PM ^
As a former bass trombone player in the MMB, this is great to hear!
The MMB has room for up to 6 bass bones. Stay in band, keep playing. The summer before you arrive, work out, run, bike, be in good shape. Marching is taught from the ground up starting the first day. Even if you don't make the performance block right away [the select group you see on the field], you still get to wear the uniform and play in the stands.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:41 PM ^
I couldn't agree with you more. I encourage anyone interested to give it a go. Some of my best college memories were in the MMB and Hockey Band (standing relatively in front of you as a matter of fact (goal count)).
-MMB Trumpet 2001-2004 & Hockey Band Trumpet 2001-2005
and a +1
September 10th, 2010 at 9:58 AM ^
Well, the Phillies won!
September 10th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
I upvoted because I'm pretty sure this is a "watching Family Guy on the bus" reference.
September 10th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
This has more to do with opposing team player introductions.
Somehow, there was always a Phillies score in Jeremy's paper. Even in January...
September 10th, 2010 at 12:02 PM ^
And the snow in North Dakota is black. Hockey Band is a glorious land of unexpected wonders.
September 10th, 2010 at 12:04 AM ^
Worked for me for 4 years in the trombone section. Just ask JeremyB.
You'll probably spend a lot of time in the reserves your first year, but bass trombones get to sit in the front row at Michigan football games, so there's that.
September 10th, 2010 at 8:46 AM ^
Good advice here, but to be honest, Krentler didn't play all that loud. He's all hot air.
(+1 for Bob)
September 10th, 2010 at 9:56 AM ^
You're way too old for us to have marched together, but I can vouch for the fact that playing as loud as possible at all times gets you far in life.
Especially during M Fanfare. God help you if you hold back one ounce during M Fanfare.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
I'm not sure if Scotty B enjoys people playing as loud as they can.. Nix demanded that you play loud but with good tone, which I support. But Scotty B enjoys musicality a little too much for my taste. Especially when you're trying to play for 113,000 people.
I enjoyed playing difficult music, but I want to be HEARD.
But, could be different for those precious Bass Trombones.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
MMB rules!
September 10th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^
KNIBB HIGH FOOTBALL RULES!
September 10th, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
San Dimas High School football rules!
September 9th, 2010 at 10:44 PM ^
Ditto ditto ditto...
The only thing I have to add here is that I joined the band having had absolutely zero marching experience previously. "Band Week," the 2ish weeks leading up to football season are spent teaching and re-teaching marching fundamentals, and that is where everyone gets equalized. Hardly anybody can do a proper traditional or lock step the first time around, so you don't feel too left behind.
Assuming you're pretty good at your instrument, the biggest challenge for you will likely be marching and playing at the same time. Learning how to glide in all steps and not bounce your lips all over the mouthpiece is something that is hard to master, especially when you're trying to still step on the beat with a certain step size. It can be done, and if you really work at it you can be as good as anyone else.
You have a long way to go as a sophomore in High School, so enjoy that while you can! Get good grades, do well on your SAT/ACT's, and we'll be seeing you on the field soon enough! The MMB typically sends out a brochure to all incoming freshmen, so you don't even have to worry about figuring out who to contact.
September 9th, 2010 at 11:44 PM ^
I marched from '89 to '92, so I'm a bit further back, but most all the comments I would make are the same.
It is true that not a lot were weeded out due to messing up on the audition. Then again, only people pretty committed to playing were likely to try out. The musicianship in the band is EXCELLENT, so do stay committed to playing and practicing. It IS important to be good musically to see the field.
The same is true for the physical part. It is true that everyone starts on a level playing field, but as indicated above, the ones who make it are also the ones who are very fit.
The literature the band distributes typically says something like, "New band members always comment that they can't believe how physical marching band can be" when describing the need to work out and be in shape going into the season. Even after reading that, you won't believe it until you experience it.
Then again, you won't believe the tunnel, M-Fanfare, playing The Victors after a touchdown, or the grass in Pasadena until you experience those things either. GOOD LUCK! and stick with it.
September 10th, 2010 at 12:28 AM ^
1. Didn't see this information in the OP, but hopefully you can work with a private teacher. If you currently see one, talk to him/her about this goal, and they'll be able to help.
2. Whether or not you have a private teacher, seek opportunities to play for/work with the best people you can--if you live near any city of decent size, see if you can find a member of the local orchestra, contact them, and ask for a one-time lesson--these can be eye-opening experieces.
3. Choose your excerpted repertoire at least six months in advance, memorize it, and prepare to a level Bo would be proud of. (Be obsessive with the metronome and with this tool: http://www.seventhstring.com/tuningfork/tuningfork.html.)
4. Play in front of everyone you can at every opportunity possible--ask your teacher if you can perform for the band, play for family and ask for critique, get your friends together and play for them. Create the most unnerving/stressful situations possible and practice calming your mind and focusing on what you need to do. Run up and down a flight of stairs and then give yourself only two breaths before playing.
5. The most important part--love what you're doing for every second you do it.
September 10th, 2010 at 8:52 AM ^
All of this will make you a better musician, yes, but don't think you need some kind of classical trombone training to get into the band. And six months of practicing an audition piece seems a little extreme.
You play bass bone, they need bass bones. This is working for you already. Work on your range and your tone, and make sure you don't freak out when you have to audition in front of people. You'll probably be fine.
September 10th, 2010 at 1:47 AM ^
Speaking of marching bands, I'm watching the 1986 UM-ND game on BTN right now and it's striking how amateurish both bands at the game sound. The MMB has come a long way since then.
September 10th, 2010 at 9:07 AM ^
Define "amateurish."
Ain't nothing amateurish about this:
September 10th, 2010 at 11:35 AM ^
My god... look at Carl's hair!
September 10th, 2010 at 11:44 AM ^
I'm really glad we made those stop.
I think I saw someone drop one in the hollow M.
September 14th, 2010 at 12:30 AM ^
My fourth year, awesome to see. Actually brought a little lump in my throat, recalling that surge out of the tunnel.
September 10th, 2010 at 7:33 AM ^
There's a ton of great advice here: get into Michigan, be musically proficient, be physically in shape, be ready to get worked, bleed Maize and Blue, etc etc. The last little detail that I would do is join the mailing list from the MMB's website during your senior year. That way you'll have an avenue to keep in touch, to some degree, with the band's administration. This will help ensure that you get scheduled an audition during your orientation.
Good luck, Go Blue!
September 10th, 2010 at 7:59 AM ^
Bandos, raise your hand if you practiced with the Ramon Johnson Marching Fundamentals videotape they sent you over the summer.
Oh, and ALSO raise your hand if your parents, upon meeting the Drum Major (Whitmore my freshman year), blurted "Well, MY son was the Drum Major in high school!". Face. Palm.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:04 AM ^
Yeah... it seemed like 1/3 of the band was a drum major in their respective high school band. It's almost as prevalent as NHS membership in the general U-M student population, it seems (which is a LOT, ja?).
September 10th, 2010 at 8:25 AM ^
will never have sex with a woman and then go clothes shopping at Old Navy.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^
since my time in the MMB, but definitely first and foremost is musicianship- you have to really know how to play your instrument, the competition based on that alone has always been incredible. Learning how to march, etc. is the easier part. Work hard an good luck- being in the MMB was definitely one of the key experiences of being in college!
I find it pretty incredible that some have mentioned knee problems and such after being in the band for 4 years- we used to march high step all the time, not just in the pregame, and you really had to be in shape. Old timers will tell you a lot of Band Week consisted of doing "sweeps" of high-step marching up and down the practice field, slowly at first, then at increasing tempos. No one in my co-hort has had any unusual knee or lower extremity problems.
September 14th, 2010 at 12:23 AM ^
What'd you play?
I'm late to this thread and only really logged in to comment on the one up-thread who thought the band sounded amateurish at the Fiesta bowl against Nebraska. Sacrilege! He's probably simply surprised to have actually heard the band. Kids these days...
Oh, my knees are fine, but my toes/feet are pretty painful - I think it was the entries. Or running the stadium stairs to get in shape for them...