It's All About the Blue, Baby!

Hello Again, Everyone!

Well, this week the University of Michigan Wolverines played the University of Wisconsin Badgers with a rather unexpected result. With Michigan projected to lose by 6 points they actually won the game in the 4th quarter with a final score of 27-25!!

So, in honor of Michigan's first triumph of the Big Ten's season (the Big Ten is the division of football that the University of Michigan is a part of) I introduce to you the Michigan Marching Band. Founded back in 1896 by a young man who wanted to create a band for the University, it was initially an entirely student-run organization. With no support from the University and only thirteen members the band quickly became one of the most popular groups on campus, playing for all sorts of sporting events. Under the leadership of Dr. William Revelli (from 1935-1971) the band grew in size and took on a new spirit. Eventually the home of the Michigan Marching Band (MMB) became Revelli Hall, named in Dr. Revelli's honor (under whom my own father played!). To read more about the history of the Michigan Marching Band click here!

To this day the Michigan Marching Band is one of the most popular organizations on campus and it actually is a class that you must register for and receive credits for on your transcript. The marching band practices every day at 4:45pm on Elbel field during the football season in preparation for every home game. Each week the band prepares a new show which includes new songs, formations and even dances and these shows have ranged from Bobby Darin to Michael Jackson to Monty Python to video game music and even to Boy Bands! The band follows their Football Saturday tradition of a rehearsal in the morning and then "Step Off" which is when the band leaves Revelli Hall and marches over to The Big House, the football stadium. Along the way the band members recite many different chants including "It's Great To Be A Michigan Wolverine!" "Go Michigan! Beat the [Insert Opposing Team's Mascot]!" and my favorite "It's All About The Blue, Baby! Yeah! What?!" To watch part of the the march to the stadium with the band click here! After each game the band gathers on the field for their post-game show where they play their traditional songs including:

Temptation

Hawaiian War Chant

Let's Go Blue

In fact the band is so popular that here is a feature done about the band. Check it out!

The Michigan Marching Band is truly an Ann Arbor experience so the next time you are in town be sure to stop by and see the band because it sure is great to be a Michigan Wolverine! Go Blue!


It's All About the Blue, Baby!!!