I'm reading a lot of really indignant responses to some pretty asinine comments, but as a former MMB member and ridiculously huge Michigan fan, I feel like there is a point being missed.
The band members who comment here are obviously huge Michigan fans. So there is no need to go on about how much you yourself are All In... at 4:45, look around you, and try to ascertain whether or not every single one of your peers is All In and ask yourself, why are they here? if the answer is simply because they wanted to be in band, they have no place on that most sacred of all college fields. What always has been impressive about the MMB was their dedication to Meechigan.
the Marching Band is one of the luckiest groups on campus. They get to give 2 hours of time every day, and enough mental and physical dedication to rival the rest of their 16 credit schedule all towards Michigan Tradition, specifically football. Can you say that everyone in your section, from piccs to the drumline, has that attitude?? or can you peg those who will whine about being tired, or not having time to memorize their music, or... anything!
The MMB demands respect because at the end of the day, no matter what, they are ready to bleed maize and blue for their University, and on Saturday not even a pack of wolverines could keep them from Taking that Field.
Now, look down the field at your leader and Drum Major. you know he feels the same, otherwise you wouldn't have voted for him.
and look up to the tower at your director. can you say he feels the same? or does he play for the sake of playing, with the hopes of moving up the band director roster to someday have a 'real' directing position? it's a shame that 'marching band director' has become a stepping stone. turning a marching band into a concert band is just silly.
I've read a lot about volume vs. intonation... and that is what made the Michigan Marching Band the best in the country. who says there has to be one or the other? The MMB was able to push beyond what should have been in the realm of the possible and fill up the Big House without sounding like a waste of wool and metal. the range of the MMB should be forte and louder. In row 39 sect 26 not hearing any of the band during HALFTIME is absolutely unacceptable. its true that playing super quiet will make your loud moments seem that much louder... unless you can't hear either of them.
Prof. Boerma does a lot of talking. too much. the Michigan Marching Band is the only one anyone wants to hear. so dammit, let's hear you. you aren't in band so any director can tell you what to do, you're in band because it's the absolute in Michigan fan-dom. you Take the field first. you set the stage for the game that follows. in enemy territory, you are the spearhead, leading not only your team, but your school towards it's tradition of excellence. you are not just there for a show and a free apple. remember who you play for.
We play for Michigan.
Recent Comments