Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm eligible for UMBAA?

Any individual who has been a student member of any of the University of Michigan Bands and who supports the purposes and goals of the University of Michigan Band Alumni Association is a regular member of UMBAA.

What is a Member in Good Standing?

A member in good standing is a regular member who has paid annual or lifetime dues.

Can I attend UMBAA Board meetings?

Yes!  UMBAA Board meetings are held four or five times each year.  The meetings are listed in the Events section of the website.  If interested in attending, send an email to umbaa-president@umich.edu or umbaa-secretary@umich.edu so that you can be notified if the location, date or time of the meeting changes at the last minute.

Can I participate at Homecoming if I wasn't in the Marching Band?

Yes!  Anyone member in good standing of UMBAA can participate in Homecoming.  You may be able to borrow an instrument if you don't have one appropriate for carrying on the field.

Can I just show up and play in the UMBAA Pep Band?

No.  Attendance at the rehearsal(s) preceding the event is expected.  You need to be on the list for the event and possibly have a wrist band to get into Yost or Crisler.  Click here for more information.

What about the UMBAA Concert Band?

There are three sessions of the concert band each season - Fall, Winter and Spring.  Each session has about 8 rehearsals and a concert.  Attendance at all 8 rehearsals is recommended, but missing one or two is acceptable if you are comfortable with the music.  If you are just becoming re-acquainted with your instrument you can join us for rehearsals, but not play in the concert as long as the organizers have enough notice to make sure that all parts are covered.  Click here for more information about the Concert Band.

What is the Elbel Club and how is it different from UMBAA?

The Elbel Club is dedicated to the ongoing improvement and strengthening of the Michigan Marching Band program. Its members are friends, alumni and advocates of the University who recognize the value of the Marching Band experience and are essential to the program’s success.

The University of Michigan Band Alumni Association supports all University of Michigan Bands.  UMBAA provides scholarships to band students, hosts receptions after some UM Band concerts, sponsors a lunch for new MMB members during Band week, and hosts a golf outing for UMBAA members and friends to raise money for the scholarship endowment.  There is an UMBAA Pep Band that plays for athletic events when the student bands are on break and an UMBAA Concert Band that performs 3 concerts each year.

Anyone who has been a member or director of any University of Michigan band and supports the purposes of the association is a regular member of UMBAA.