Blake Brdak has been chosen to lead the 2023-24 Michigan Marching Band.

“Getting to know the students was the best part,” Zamora said. “Learning about what made students click. And it showed up in their schoolwork. They were more confident in their work. We would adjust the curriculum to give the students a valuable learning experience that was on pace with them.”

"I have also become much more outgoing. I wouldn't do public speaking, and now I am giving speeches and talking to people. It's something I still struggle with but I've improved a lot because I have that community. I am TBS president. I am roommates with the KKPSI president. It's super awesome to have that tight-knit family that wants the best for the band and works really hard."

"I loved chemistry and I've known I wanted to be an engineer since middle school," Ellis said. "I love the problem solving and the artistry involved in making the solution work in the best way possible.”

"It's so collaborative, so encouraging and there's so little judgement. There is no animosity—only love. Everyone wants to see one another improve.”

It's 7am on a gameday Saturday in Ann Arbor. The city is woken up by echoes of The Victors; the band has taken the field. But even before a single note has been played, there is activity on Elbel. The Michigan flags have been hard at work since 6am. Among them is sophomore Amy Tan.

“We all stood in silence during [the sirens]. People stopped their cars and got out into the street; everything came to a standstill.”

“It was so interesting to watch as all of these scientists worked with government officials to tackle a huge public health issue. I saw all of the work that went into studying diseases and I was so enthralled with that world; I wanted to be a part of it.”

"I really like being able to share my tricks and share my art with the world," Duquette said. "Seeing other people's art forms has always been very inspirational to me, so I wanted to give back.”

"Nothing prepares you for the energy inside the tunnel and nothing prepares you for the energy outside the tunnel," Zhang said. "But we find ways to support one another, from the very quick tap on the shoulder for good luck, to the man at the mouth of the tunnel yelling 'left left left.'"

Rachel Zhang chosen as Drum Major #57 of the Michigan Marching Band