Tap Your Toes at Band-o-Rama 2008

Betsy Goolian

October 2008

It started out as Varsity Night in 1936 as a fundraiser for the Michigan Marching Band, an all-campus talent show that usually featured a visiting guest artist. Under William D. Revelli’s directorship, Varsity Night transmogrified into Band-o-Rama as a showcase for the Marching Band’s Rosebowl material. This Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Hill Auditorium marks the 42nd Band-o-Rama and the theme is Toe Tappers.

Now Band-o-Rama features performances by the Concert Band, under the baton of Rodney Dorsey, and the Symphony Band, led by Michael Haithcock, director of university bands. They’ll have you wishing you could dance in the aisles with performances of a medley of rhythmic roof raisers. But wait! Don’t go there! Keep those aisles open for the grand finale, when the world famous Michigan Marching Band bursts through the double doors and marches down the aisles, high stepping it to the beat of the drum line, as they assemble on stage for a run-through of the best of the best from halftime shows. This is a chance to see the MMB up close and personal—as they bring down the house! You’ve heard them at Michigan Stadium but wait until you hear how their sound fills up Hill Aud. They will bring down the house!