FLAGS

 

The flag section is where anyone with a shared love for music performance in a collaborative and uplifting environment can find a community. We are a tight-knit family that thrives on positive energy! We support and encourage each other on and off the field, always trying to do our best to help others succeed.

Four rank leaders and one section leader make up the student leaders of the flag section. 

“The flag section is very inclusive and friendly. Within a day of joining I had made friends with just about everyone in the section and we were all super close!”

— Rebecca Knoops

Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to their instrument’s section leader for the 2024-25 season to ask questions about auditioning or to learn more about their section and the ensemble. Please use the subject line “MMB Prospective Member Questions” when emailing section leaders.

Natalie Radabaugh - mmb.flags@umich.edu

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FLAG SECTION FAQ

  • We rehearse on the same schedule as the rest of the band! Rehearsals are 4:45 PM - 6:15 PM M-F. We have sectionals until 7 PM on Tuesday nights. During the summer, we have workshops in Revelli Hall once every month. In the off-season, we have a collegiate level winter guard, MWE.

  • No! We teach our members everything they need to know, from basics to traditional Michigan songs.

  • Yes! You can find all of the audition specifics here.

  • We high step for pre-game and roll-step for halftime. Because of this, we recommend you work out during the summer to build up endurance!

  • Yes, you can check one out from Revelli Hall. Please include that you would like to borrow a flag in your email to our instructor, Joan.

  • While we historically do not spin rifles or sabres during half-time shows, anything can happen!

  • We are typically 38 people strong and one huge family. The flag section is full of people with a passion for the art and for helping their teammates. You will meet lots of life-long friends!

WHAT IS THE FLAG SECTION’s favorite…

 

part of band week?

 

Our favorite Band Week tradition is when the flags go behind Revelli hall and teach new members how to tape our flags, game day hair, and makeup. We have fun talking with each other about our time so far. It really helps new members de-stress before challenges and bond.

After our first spinning challenge, we get bubble tea at and relax with one another to de-stress and set the tone for the season.

 

rehearsal memory?

 

The best rehearsal tradition is at the end of practice when all of the flags meet in a circle around the 20-yard line. Joan talks to us for a few minutes and then we all put our hands in the center and yell “1, 2, 3, MFlags and Twirler(s)!”

 

pregame meal?

 

A favorite tailgate meal of ours is always tacos!

 

game day tradition?

 

Our favorite Game Day Tradition is Glitter Fairy! Before every game, the Glitter Fairy for the year puts glitter on everyone’s cheeks so we stand out on the field. This is such a beloved tradition that instruments have started coming to the flags to get glitter before games.

I really love the identification calls before we preform in the tunnel. Rank A screams at the top of their lungs and calls out their dot numbers and it is my favorite way to get pumped up on a game day when I’m nervous.