STRATEGIC ENDOWMENTS

Instruments are the life-blood of the Michigan Marching Band; we can’t perform without them. The MMB supplies all of the instruments used by our members to ensure a matching look and sound for the Band on the field. It also ensures that Marching Band members and their parents do not face the additional financial burden of supplying an instrument.

The instruments owned by the MMB are among the finest available, but their constant use outdoors for rehearsal and performances, as well as the year-round use in the various Athletic Bands necessitates their repair and replacement on a regular basis. As a result, there will always be a critical need for funding in this area.

Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) are vital to the ongoing success of the Marching and Athletic Bands program. They are the hands-on educators who work one-on-one with our students to provide a quality experience. From late August to early April they perform important teaching functions with the Marching Band and conduct various Athletic Bands that add spirit and enthusiasm to Michigan’s athletic arenas.

Michigan competes nationally with many other programs for top teaching talent. Providing graduate support allows us to attract the finest instructors to interact with our students.

Currently, there are 79 endowed scholarships available for the members of the Michigan Marching Band. The students are the strength of the program – without them, there would be no Band. They are the spirit that cheers Michigan teams on to victory. Marching Band members spend over 30 hours a week in rehearsal, in addition to their academic schedule! This makes it extremely difficult for them to work part-time jobs to help pay for their education. Increased scholarship support for our students is one of our highest priorities.

Donors can create a new endowed scholarship or make a gift to one of the existing funds.