I'm with the Michigan Marching Band; follow along for a football gameday

By

• Mike Mulholland | mmulholl@mlive.com

MLive.com photographer Mike Mulholland spent the day with the Michigan Marching Band during the Wolverines' game against UNLV on Sept. 19, 2015.

ANN ARBOR -- The University of Michigan Marching Band has a storied tradition of being one of the nation's best. So what's it like on a football gameday?

*****

7 a.m. -- Rehearsal at Elbel Field

On most gamedays, the Michigan marching band starts their day across from Revelli Hall at Elbel Field with rehearsal. The field also is occupied by marching band alumni and family members for tailgating.

Due to inclement weather Saturday, the band moved their rehearsal to Oosterbaan Field House before breaking for lunch.

*****

10 a.m. -- Preparations at Revelli Hall

The morning rain has passed, but clouds still hang over Ann Arbor as percussionists warm up in the parking lot, some watching their reflections in the cars.

Inside Revelli Hall, brass members pack into a hallway as they share laughs, put on their uniforms and give one last look over their instruments.

The band consists of about 400 members in all, with most of them packed into the a large room waiting for percussion to perform on the steps outside the building.

*****

10:30 a.m. -- Precussion Step Show

The sounds of a drumline are heard throughout the area, drawing people from tailgating over to watch the source of the noise. Hundreds of people pack around the steps, awaiting the gameday routine.

The drumline enters the front of Revelli Hall from the back parking lot via a small alley. Traditionally, the group plays "Temptation" and "Hawaiian War Chant."

After the performance, family and friends meet with percussionists for greetings and photos, while others spread down the street in preparation for the march to Michigan Stadium.

*****

11 a.m. -- March to Michigan Stadium

The band is led by Matt Cloutier, who currently is in his first year as drum major.

The roughly 20-minute march from Revelli Hall to Michigan Stadium takes a trip down Hoover Avenue to Greene Street and finally into the parking lot.

Once in the shadow of the stadium, the band plays an expedited version of "Victors," which is commonly known as "Parking Lot Victors."

*****

11:40 a.m. -- Pregame: Band takes the field

With kickoff less than a half hour away, the band files into the stadium tunnel. Each member receives a high-five from Cloutier as they pass by. They stay packed to the right side as the football team exits for one last trip to the locker room.

The band enters the field in single file before splitting off into a block "M," led by the sound of the drumline.

Cloutier follows two twirlers down the 50-yard line before running to the 20-yard line for the famous backbend.

*****

Halftime: Michigan 21, UNLV 0

As the Wolverines head to the locker room, the band waits to take the field.

Hosting high schoolers from around the state, they put on a "Legends" show. Songs from Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder and others are featured.

*****

Final: Michigan 28, UNLV 7

The Wolverines improve to 2-1 under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh.

After the game, there's another performance with high school bands -- with a uniform twist. It's tradition to turn hats backwards after a Michigan victory.

-- Follow MLive's Michigan coverage on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram