New MMB Uniforms!
By popular demand (expressed on this site), the biggest feature is a reversible shield — which allows for a different look for Maize Outs.
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:09 AM ^
New men's basketball uniforms?? (Click link)
Shoot...MMB!
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:30 AM ^
Same. Disappointed.
Yeah, I thought this was about the basketball uniforms.
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:13 AM ^
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:35 AM ^
This is Michigan Fergodsakes!
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:31 AM ^
That website is also super awesome, btw. I knew there were some subtle changes to the uniform since my days in the band in the 1994-2004 era, but this lays them out great.
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:37 AM ^
You were in the band for 10 years?
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:39 AM ^
sure felt like it, but no, i was only there from 99-03.
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:59 AM ^
Doctor, doctor?
Gimme the news
I was also in the MMB during that era (95-98 seasons) and I'm surprised and disappointed that they don't mention that we also had reversible shields in the 90s. It was white on one side and maize on the other. We used to wear the white for away games/bowl games but after the '96 Outback Bowl loss it was decided that the white shields were bad luck and we never used that side of them again.
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:41 AM ^
My freshman year was the last for the worst uniforms in MMB history--those that were replaced in 1985. The band was strapped for cash in the late '70s - early '80s. Credit Eric Becher for both restoring the band's performance on the field and restoring relationships with donors. Every band since owes him a debt of gratitude. Here is an example of the band performing fabulously well at the Silverdome under his direction in spite of hideous uniforms and instruments of oddly assorted colors (just look at the sousaphones). Even if you are not a big fan of the band, I think you will enjoy the video. Old school but well done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr38pp74IVI
April 23rd, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
In case you are hesitant on clicking, the video depicts:
1. A young Carl Grapentine
2. A cute MMB girl getting her ankle taped
3. A performance that caused Howard Cosell to give up trying to talk at a Monday Night Football halftime because the band was too loud. So America listened to the Michigan Marching Band instead. True story.
Also included is the late, great John Stout directing from the other side of Eric Becher. John arranged this version of Russian Christmas Music.
I was actually on the sideline for this performance and the crowd reaction was everything a band wants it to be. They started out as usual by not paying attention, but the crowd grew totally silent and paid attention halfway through. By the end, they gave as loud an ovation as I have ever seen. It gave me goosebumps and still does to this day.
Performing that day was one of the great privileges of my life. Thanks for sharing.
And yes, John Stout was a good guy and I still do work with the company he founded. I sort of had a sense that more people would be attracted by "cute girl" than by John Stout. No offense intended to a very talented Michigan man.
No offense taken - just wanted to add to the story.
My personal opinion has been that yours was the last great era for the MMB and that it's been declining precipitously since. The MMB used to rock the house and garnered enormous respect. Now it seems to have been passed by, uninspired, dated. Please tell me I'm wrong. I haven't been to a home game in recent decades (yikes!) so my opinion is no longer informed. So how is it these days in your opinion?
(I might add, my opinion was never an assessment of the band members who invariably worked hard and followed the lead of the director.)
Ugh. I shall refrain from comment, aside from a general "I largely concur."
Revelli always said, "The best way to judge my marching band is to close your eyes." There is some wisdom in that, although it is not the whole truth. I guess it is an art form, and one just needs to enjoy the artistry. That's my best apologetic, FWIW.
And the individual band members have always been a very hard-working lot. Total respect for students who get zero monetary return for countless hours of effort in support of the team. (Well, free attendance at games = some monetary value)
Ah, that's too bad. I never understood band directors who think the fans want to see the band corps-walk into some inexplicable curvy loopdy-loop and stand still to play a symphony piece in the middle of a freeking football game. That's hubris, is it not?
April 23rd, 2022 at 12:20 PM ^
Compared to other band uniforms I think they look pretty sharp.
In general I think band uniforms have a dorky, quasi-military look to them. I'd like to see some new design ideas and a shift of focus to the musical talent in that organization.
The 1989 throwbacks are my favorite (basketball). Related they need to go back to the small center logos.
Hey! I am in the 1975-1985 picture!
April 23rd, 2022 at 10:34 PM ^
Let me guess... 1982???
Not a fan. Why mess with perfection?