Several decades ago a drum major in a Michigan University Band tossed
his shining baton high over the goal post. This stunt was copied by
nearly every college band in this country. A tradition exists at Ann
Arbor that at each football game the drum major must thus throw his
baton on high _and catch it_ if the Michigan team is to win.
The University of Michigan Band was first mentioned in the school
annals of 1844. It was then an organization of nine men. From that
time through three score years and ten the band led an intermittent
existence. In 1895 it was recognized officially when the Board of
Regents ordered the band to furnish music at football games, during
Commencement week and for other social events. Three years later the
Athletic Association purchased the first uniforms for the musicians.
Captain Wilfred Wilson in 1915 became a member of the faculty, to teach
band instruments and conduct the band of seventy members. The next
director, Mr. Larson, who served for one year, was followed by Nicholas
Falcone. His work was very successful through a long period.
William D. Revelli succeeded Falcone in 1935 and under his skillful
leadership the University of Michigan Band has become outstanding
among all University bands of the country. “A model band” it is called
by one of the most prominent conductors in the United States.
This organization is composed of three units: the Wolverine Marching
Band, Varsity Band and the Concert Band. There is a combined membership
of more than 250.
The Marching Band admits no women players. The other two units accept
both men and women, but only those who are extremely competent can
become members of any division of this university band. In addition,
each member must meet all scholastic requirements and pass the physical
examination. The Varsity Band is, of course, a feeder for the Concert
and Marching Bands. The Wolverine Marching Band has established a wide
reputation for perfect precision in marching and in making intricate
formations on the football field.
The University of Michigan’s Symphonic Band numbers about one hundred
members. It is rated throughout the United States as an unusually fine
concert band. Dr. Edwin Franko Goldman, the famous New York bandmaster
has said, “The University of Michigan Symphony Band stands without a
peer among college bands.”
A late issue of a national magazine is quoted as saying: “It steps
fastest and plays best of the college outfits that provide music and
spectacle on football fields. The Michigan College Marching Band is
to today’s football what frosting is to cake. The brassy music and
resplendent uniforms are as spirited a part of the spectacle as the
game itself.
“In the past few decades the country’s 500 college and university bands
have perfected a type of music and military choreography that by now
has become a specialized American popular art form.
“This art form reached a peak at the University of Michigan--Revelli.”