REVIEW: Band-O-Rama

A week ago, I ran into an acquaintance in a dining hall. This particular acquaintance happens to be in the Michigan Marching Band, always there at those lively Saturday home games. However, I’m not one for watching football, so I’ve never gone to any of the games. I felt a bit guilty because I’d told this person before that I’d love to see her perform, yet I’ve never bothered to go to a game. So then, I ask her if the band ever has a separate concert where they perform, because I would really like to see them in action.

That’s how I ended up on a damp Sunday evening, holding up my umbrella when I had previously been adamant not to, outside Hill Auditorium. I was ready for Band-O-Rama.

My nice boots are darkened by wetness and I feel a slight sense of trepidation as I walk in. Despite being a musician myself, I had never actually been to a concert before; along with that, there were more families and elderly people than students, making me feel out of place. Nonetheless, I took pleasure in the grand auditorium’s warmth and my elevated seat on the balcony.

The event began with the Concert Band; they performed two pieces: the playful Huapango, followed by the vibrant Aurora Awakens. I often think I’m a better writer than musician, so thinking in metaphors comes easier than thinking musically, which is why to me the beginning of Huapango drew the image of floating birds through its pulsing rhythm. Eventually, there was a quiet pianoforte moment played by the horns and flutes that gave the effect of sound coming out of a radio. Next, came Aurora Awakens, which was described to be inspired by Aurora the Roman goddess of beauty and light, “heralding the coming of light.” The band mimicked such a theme dazzlingly, as they produced vibrations that brought to mind the rising of a dreary dawn. The flutes fluttered like waking eyelashes. Then, the xylophone twinkled like skittering critters, transitioning the lazy dawn into an energetic morning. By the sound of the audience’s applause at the end, it was not hard to conclude that the closing piece was a favorite.

Next, the Symphony Band came in, opening with Festive Overture with triumphant fanfare. At this point, I realized that the flutes may be my favorite with the way they rolled like soft waves and encapsulated the sound of fairies. Soon after, was Come Sunday, which is split into two movements, “Testify” and “Shout!”; the announcer said that the piece is a union of “jazz, blues, and R&B,” and surely, the influence was prevalent. The beginning was marked with a smooth saxophone riff, and later, the flutes repeated it in a manner that mirrored chorusing children (insert more audience applause). The “Shout!” segment moved on from the smoothness into the catchiness that signifies a blues or R&B tune, spurring the audience to clap along. Finally, the Symphony Band ended just as triumphantly as they began with Victors Valiant, a familiar tune to anyone who frequents University of Michigan football games.

There was a brief intermission before the Michigan Marching Band’s turn (my whole reason for coming in the first place), so I took the time to explore Hill Auditorium — or at least whatever was on the floor I was on. In turn, I was pleasantly surprised by the display of many violin and viola-esque instruments (the violinist in me thrilled with interest). The exhibit was titled “Fancy Fiddles” (while I appreciate the alliteration, I still feel the name to be a bit lackluster — but I guess I shouldn’t talk because I can’t think of a better one). Inside glass display cases were many foreign and antique instruments that followed the general theme of having wound strings and bows.

After a fifteen-minute detour, I was back in my balcony seat anticipating the arrival of the Michigan Marching Band. I had only seen them perform once before during a pep rally and I was excited to re-live the experience. The audience seemed hyped as well, as members trickled onto the stage, flexing their endurance with a sequence of uniform high-knees. They played a multitude of medleys that are usually performed during football games. Flags lined the lower audience isles during the energy invoking M Fanfare and the mocking and haunting Temptation. Pop culture significant tunes were included with the likes of Hamilton’s “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch,” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” The audience was invited to be as sonorous and spirited as the band with claps and dancing.

At some point in the middle, there was a feature performance by the marching band’s drumline. Despite a majority of the whole band being gone from the stage, the drums were just as loud and impressive. The motions of their hands were a spectacle in and of itself.

The show ends with a second performance of The Victors. Later, as I trickled out with the rest of the audience I overheard enthusiastic words of praise to which I silently agree.

When I’m out again, ready to head back to my dorm, it was still raining. Holding up my umbrella was irksome and a hassle against the cold wind, but I found that I really didn’t mind it as much as before.

REVIEW: Band-O-Rama: Let’s Go BOO!

 

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance here at Michigan is renown for their fantastic faculty and wonderful performing ensembles. Band-O-Rama, an annual showcase of the School’s wind ensembles gave us a mouthful of praise for these ensembles.

The night started off with the University Concert Band, led by Courtney Snyder, as they played a Sousa-esque march in ‘Michigan on Parade,’ ‘Blues for a Killed Kat,’ and Mackey’s Redline Tango.’ The University Symphony Band soon took over. Under the direction of longtime Director of Bands, Michael Haithcock, The Symphony Band played a few excerpts from works such as Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Snow Maiden,’ and Puccini’s ‘LeVilli.’ To finish it off, they played a rousing rendition of the great ‘Victor’s Valiant.’

Intermission

The crowd came to a hush as the drumline entered the stage. They were standing in their traditional set when the lead snare started giving taps, signaling that the band was about to enter.

The MMB onstage at Hill Auditorium
The MMB onstage at Hill Auditorium, Courtesy of the MMB

Soon after, around 300 disciplined Michigan Marching band men and women rushed onto the stage from the aisles, in a style in which their thighs were parallel with the ground (this style is usually referred to as ‘entries’).  The aerobic exercise these people were getting could be deduced from the visible sweat pouring from their faces. It was impressive to say the least. A seemingly grueling two and a half minutes went by, as all of the members made their way onstage. After everyone was in their calculated spot, director John Pasquale gave a large motion downbeat, signaling the band to play the M Fanfare. Audience members that were aware of the tradition associated with the playing of the M Fanfare raised their right fist in a reverent salute, while the unaware soon followed suit. The culmination of the last fermata led right into a playing of The Victors, thus fully grabbing and engaging the audience for the rest of the night. Over the course of the MMB’s performance, they played songs from their recent halftime shows, such as Kesha’s ‘Timber,’ Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,’ swing tunes such as Christina Aguilera’s “Candyman,” Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’ (yes, that one!), and the traditional ‘Little Brown Jug.’ A real treat, as always, was when the Drumline came center stage to play their cadences and specific repertoire. In addition to giving the brass a break for their embouchure’s sake, the Drumline cranked out highly impressive performances of their parade cadence and step show, showcasing their high level of talent and expertise to an eager audience. The event then closed off with the standard combination of ‘Temptation’ and ‘Hawaiian War Chant,’ “because you can’t have one without the other,”  and a beautiful rendition of the Alma Mater followed by ‘The Victors.’

PREVIEW: Band-O-Rama: Let’s Go Boo!

10606016_10152643572407696_2520569326846976706_n
Band-O-Rama poster courtesy of The SMTD

Who: The University of Michigan Marching Band, Symphony, and Concert Bands

What: Band-O-Rama concert

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: Friday, October 31st, 8 p.m.

Price: $5-$18 for adults, $5 for students

Some of the best bands in the land take the stage at Hill Auditorium this friday. Come out and watch as the the school of music’s symphony and concert bands play fantastic concert music under the direction of Michael Haithcock and Courtney Snyder. Stay for Drum Major Jeff Okala and the famed Michigan Marching Band, as they perform their halftime repertoire and traditionals that any fan of the maize and blue will enjoy. The night is primed to be an event where we can all stand in pride and say, “Go BOO!’

You can go here for the Band-O-Rama facebook event. Also, be sure to check out some of the MMB’s halftime shows. If you’re  more of a fan of concert repertoire, take a look at what will surely be one of the highlights this saturday, Bilik’s Victor’s Valiant.

REVIEW: Band-O-Rama

The Michigan Marching Band graces the stage at Hill Auditorium.
The Michigan Marching Band graces the stage at Hill Auditorium.

Last night at 100-year-old Hill Auditorium, the bands of Michigan converged onto one stage for Band-O-Rama. While the first half of the show felt like a typical band concert with the concert and symphony band performing signature pieces, the second half featuring the marching band really riled up the crowed while performing fan favorites from this year’s shows and previous seasons. Perhaps my favorite part of the show was listening to Carl Grapenstine, “The Voice of the Michigan Band” for 44 years, announcing each number. He’s the man behind introducing the band at home football games, so to hear and see him looking dapper at Hill Auditorium was quite the treat.

Each song was selected with the show’s theme “This is Michigan!” to highlight student musicians accomplishment through music. Indeed, the concert and symphony segment of the program did just that. My favorite number from the concert band was their performance of “Summon the Heroes” composed by John Williams, which reminded me of Olympic fanfare used at the London games last year. The symphony band piece concluding piece “Victors Valiant” rounded out their segment quite well, with Michigan themes heard sprinkled throughout.

Once the stage was cleared for the marching band to arrive, my excitement levels grew. The best part about Band-O-Rama is being able to hear music from the half-time shows without the roaring crowds of Michigan Stadium. Hill Auditorium amplifies the music and lets concert goers become immersed in the awesome renditions. Highlights from the Beyonce show of the Notre Dame game, the sing-along at homecoming and Motown favorites graced the bill for MMB’s first half, among many other pieces. The drum line split up their set with a few choice numbers to keep the energy going in the auditorium. In MMB’s second set, they continued with hit after hit including stadium favorites “Sweet Caroline” and “Temptation.” Additionally, the band cleared part of the stage for the man of the show to walk through. Michigan football coach Brady Hoke thanked the Michigan Marching Band for their continued support of the football program and received an honorary band alumni membership.

Overall, I enjoyed the marching band portion of the program more than the concert and symphony band portion likely because the MMB’s exposure is far greater than the other two. Nevertheless, all bands present did a fine job of supporting the “This is Michigan!” theme. On a fall Saturday night, it doesn’t get any better than Michigan band.


The Michigan Marching Band will appear again in concert at the Crisler Concert November 17. Until then, catch them on the field at the next home football game against Nebraska on November 9.

PREVIEW: Band-O-Rama

Photo courtesy of MMBs facebook page
Photo courtesy of MMB's facebook page

Who: The University of Michigan Marching Band, Symphony Band and Concert Band

What: Band-O-Rama concert

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: October 26, 7:30 p.m.

Price: $5-$18 for adults, $5 for students or free with a Passport
The University of Michigan Marching Band, Symphony Band and Concert Band will take the stage at Hill Auditorium this Saturday for their annual Band-O-Rama concert featuring music from half-time shows and Michigan fan favorites. All the bands on one bill will be rallying behind Michigan spirit in support of the theme, “This is Michigan.” Come to the Hill to hail blue at Band-O-Rama this Saturday night.

For a free ticket, pick up a Passport to the Arts at your residence hall community center or the Office of New Student Programs on the first floor of the LSA building to redeem at the Michigan League Ticket Office.
Like the Michigan Marching Band on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, watch performances on their official YouTube channel, or visit their official website. Purchase tickets for the show here.