EVOLUTION OF THE MAIZE AND BLUE

 

2022 - PRESENT

 

The Michigan Marching Band is proud to reveal its new look! Created in partnership with Stanbury Uniforms, the MMB’s new design stays true to the iconic shield shape and shako design that are synonymous with the University of Michigan while adding new accents and colors for an updated look. We are taking the words, “Go Blue!” to heart with this design.

Our new uniform features

  • A brand-new blue shield with a reversible maize side for Maize-Out games

  • Trim on all sides of the shield to create a strong and defined look on the field

  • Custom buttons and maize piping were added to the collar and pauldrons to invoke a traditional uniform feel

This new uniform retains the classic maize cape over the right shoulder, solid blue pants, white gloves and spats with black shoes, and the iconic maize and blue plume on the shako. The reversible shield is also completely removable to keep the same alternate uniform design with the gold buttons down the front for Band-O-Rama and Michigan Drumline step show performances. The Flag halftime uniforms are produced and designed by Fred J. Miller Inc. The MFlags will keep the same Pregame jacket as in previous years. The Michigan Marching Band is so excited to take the field in our new look this Fall!

Thank you to all our alumni and friends who support the Michigan Marching Band. Our new uniforms are made possible through generous donations to the Michigan Marching Band’s Uniform endowment.

2005-2021

Crafted by Stanbury Uniforms, this uniform’s centerpiece is the Maize shield that has become synonymous with the Michigan Marching Band. A simplified version of the early 2000s design, this uniform featured a slimmer shield with tapered white and blue trim. The white piping was removed from the collar and pauldrons. The extra white accent around the wrist was also removed. The back of the uniform is all white with a large blue Block M, matching the one on the front. A maize cape over the right shoulder is also an iconic part of this uniform. The shako and plume were untouched, as it has also become an iconic and perfected design. This uniform also featured the Michigan classic white gloves, blue pants, white spats, and black shoes.

The maize shield is removable, and the alternate uniform underneath is worn by the Michigan Drumline for step show performances and by the full band for Band-O-Rama in Hill Auditorium. This all-blue design features custom gold buttons down the front, maize piping, and a maize Block M.

1994-2004

This design simplified the uniform of the 90s while keeping the iconic Maize shield centerpiece. The white trim around the shield was slimmed down on the sides and removed from the bottom. The large Block M was traded in for a smaller one over the heart, as well as redrawn to fit the University’s new branding. As for the sleeves, the Block M shoulder caps were removed and replaced with “Michigan.” Maize and white accents were also added to the cuffs. The plume stayed the same and the Block M on the shako was updated to match the new shape.

1985-1994

1985 brought us the first iteration of the Maize shield that the MMB is known for. It also brought back the white shoulder caps--without tassels--and replaced the lyre design with a Block M. Braided ropes around the shoulders were also added.

1975-1985

1975 saw the first introduction of the iconic Block M shako design the MMB still uses today. The white shoulder caps were removed and the lyre logo was replaced with “Michigan” and a Block M. The “vest” overlay from the previous uniform was replaced by a one-piece zippered jacket that extended below the waist.

1966-1975

In ‘66, a blue shield with a large maize Block M was added to the existing “tuxedo” uniform. Nothing else was changed about the base uniform or shako.

1962-1966

A desire to shift away from a more military-style uniform to a school-centric design led to the MMB’s most “band uniform”-like outfit since their inception. The “tuxedo” uniform was very different from the two previous designs, adding tassels and a shako-style hat.

1949-1962

In 1949, a plume was added to the officer’s cap, along with a larger Block M. The all-black jacket changed to a more policeman-style uniform with a white button-down shirt and tie underneath a black jacket. The jacket featured four buttons, a pocket with a pocket square, and accents around the wrists that read, “Michigan.” White spats were also seen for the first time with the black uniform shoes and back pants. The cape also changed to a folded design with a Block M, proudly representing Michigan from all sides of the uniform.

1923-1949

The MMB’s first official uniform featured an officer’s cap with no plume, a black jacket with shoulder-to-shoulder braids and tassels, and a short cape.