1980 through 1989

Lisa Drouillard - 1980

When I was in the band, the sixth bus was known as the 'Glock Bus.' There were a number of stories about what went on on that bus; they were an infamous crew, and Eric Becher really didn't like them much. Their bus was also associated with the equipment truck, since many of the Glocks were also on the equipment staff. We were on our way back from the Ohio State game, which we had lost, meaning we wouldn't be going to the Rose Bowl. We were all really down about it and it didn't help that it was after midnight, we were all exhausted, and we knew when we got to the band hall, we'd have to unpack and put away all the instruments, unstuff the music folders, and file all the music away in the library. On our way home, somewhere near Toledo, Eric realized that we only had 5 buses. He was now really angry; Bus 6 was known to take side trips to pick up cases of beer and liquor, and he was sure that's what they were up to. We had a band member who was really sick, and since they lived in Ohio, were being picked up by their family. This delayed our buses even more, and it was now REALLY late. We pulled up at the band hall much later than anyone had expected to arrive, and could see that the lights were on inside. The equipment truck was sitting on Hoover Street, completely empty. In wonder, we all stepped off the buses, one by one, and into the band hall. The hall was clean, and every chair had been neatly stacked. Every instrument and every piece of music was put away, and as we walked into the main hall, we could see the Glocks in a group in the center. When enough of us were in the hall, they began singing, "The Yellow and Blue". We joined in. Many hugs were shared at its conclusion; we were all beyond grateful for our Glocks. We were so happy and relieved that we could go right home to sleep. Eric even smiled and, speaking to the most senior Glock, said, "You shouldn't have left the group of buses, but I'm glad you got everything put away." They were a wild bunch, but they were the epitome of band spirit. And silliness. And occasionally, something illegal. But they sure made band fun.

Terence Martin - 1980

During the Becher years, it was common practice to rehearse singing our parts to work on dynamics, phrasing, etc. During the 1981 Rose Bowl vs. Washington, both bands were housed in the same dorm on the UCLA campus and shared the same cafeteria. It was a U-W band tradition to always sing its fightsong when they ate together. While this became tiresome and annoying to us, nothing was said to them, but a plan was hatched. One of the pieces we played that year was Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend" and it had received lots of rehearsal singing time. At the next meal, as soon as the U-W band started singing, we all rose silently and gathered. Once they had finished, we did a full multi-part vocal performance of "Funeral for a Friend", and then quietly returned to our seats. A standing ovation ensued.

Diane Schattenberg - 1983

The "mother of all road trips" was the bus ride for those of us not in the performing block at the 1984 Sugar Bowl. On the one hand, it was great since EVERYONE got to go to the bowl game. On the other hand...after 24 hours on a bus, we had no water (a story that has been related earlier) in our hotel. New Orleans had experienced a cold spell just before we got down there, so most of the city was without water. The cold spell was still hanging on, but it was still warmer than Ann Arbor! I have some good memories as well - visiting the French Quarter, the paddlewheel boat ride, things like that.

The other "road trip from Hell" was the 1987 Hall of Fame Bowl. I think it was the first time it was held in Tampa - the organizers didn't have their logistics worked out very well. We had a parade through dimly lit streets, playing to the homeless and others in a questionable part of town - while the alumni and football team were about 10 miles away in a 5-star hotel waiting for the band to show up. Our entire train of buses getting LOST...we started singing the tunnel song with the words "Where are we? Where are we? Where are we? I don't know!" Marching more and longer parades than in Pasadena (yes, it really IS possible...) Playing a pep rally at Ybor City, and being encouraged by the "Lord High Mayor" to look at the sky and say "Don't Rain!" But - on the flip side, we DID stay at a high-end golf resort, with real bedrooms and a full kitchen (including a blender...!), the weather was gorgeous, and...WE WON!!!!!!!

Patrice (Comeau) Stewart - 1982

Sugar Bowl 1984 – No running water in all of New Orleans. No one could shower or flush toilets for 3 days. Everyone wore baseball hats and some people even took baths in the swimming pool.

The members of the clarinet section got in “big trouble” for designing section shirts that said “The Best are in the back!” (1984)

Laura McTaggart - 1988

Just a fond memory…every Saturday morning before a home game, we’d have “tuba breakfasts” in Revelli Hall, eating bagels as we polished our tubas. We used to get the maize & blue bagels from the Bagel Café on South University (it’s not there anymore).

Mark Burnham - 1985

When Michigan hosted the KKY TBS National Convention and watching all the Band Directors from around the country watch in awe as Dr. Revelli walked into rehearsal. They were giggling like Rock Star fans saying, "Did you see that - that is Dr. Revelli"

Figuring out how to do the somersault during Temptation for the very first time ever. Jim Ludwig and I were joking around about doing a cartwheel - When one of us said somersault - we looked at each other and said - "Hey, we can do that!"

Doug (1986) and Carole (1988) Franklin

1988 Hall of Fame Bowl Trip. Plane home kept getting delayed at last minute. Ended up 24 hrs late (most of us had already sent our luggage, turned in our room keys and were of course in our travel dress clothes). Thank goodness for the rooms we still had, the party store across the road, and the shuttle buses that go us to the party store!

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