ANN ARBOR (WWJ) -- The University of Michigan Marching Band is planning a spectacular and respectful tribute as they take the field on Saturday during the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
“We Remember” will be the “most elaborate, extravagant and spectacular live program college football fans will see that day," according to the U of M website.
John Pasquale, who has directed the U of M Marching Band since 2013, spoke with WWJ’s Sandra McNeil about the show, and promised it will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
“There has been nothing like this that’s ever been done before from a college marching band,” Pasquale said.
The Big House will be completely dark during the special showcase, which was produced with the Los Angeles-based company Durant Design, and will feature songs from “Hamilton,” “West Side Story” and more.
Each of the marching band’s 400 members will carry some type of light, such as high-powered flashlights, glowing orbs, illuminated umbrellas and more.
Lasers, ultraviolet light and other effects will also be incorporated for visual effects, while 275 marchers will spin flags, twirl batons and play instruments.
“It’s going to be this extravaganza of light in a completely dark stadium,” Pasquale explained.
Additionally, 80 volunteers made up of Michigan Marching Band alumni, students from U of M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and members from the Pioneer High School Marching Band will also be featured in the show.
Pasquale was a young teacher in Texas when the planes hit the towers two decades ago.
He says he hopes the musical tribute will help remind Americans how everyone came together during that devastating time.
“[It’s] a story of the strength and resiliency of America through a terrible tragedy,” he said.
The University of Michigan Marching Band’s “We Remember” halftime showcase will happen on Saturday when the Wolverines take on the University of Washington Huskies at 8 p.m. in Ann Arbor.
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