Listen closely the next time your hear the University of Michigan Marching Band play college football’s greatest fight song, ‘The Victors.?
You just might be able to pick out Emily Jacobsen playing her euphonium.
The 2004 Oxford High School graduate and U-M freshman is a proud member of the university’s 417-member marching band.
She marched in her first half-time show on Saturday during Michigan’s homecoming game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Jacobsen, daughter of Brad and Teri Jacobsen, auditioned for the band and made the cut back in June during her freshman orientation. She’s one of 19 members who play the euphonium, which is a low brass instrument similar to the baritone, but more mellow in tone due to a larger bore.
As a member of the U-M marching band, Jacobsen must attend practice from 4:35 to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. On game day, the band gathers between 7:30 and 8 a.m. and marches until 10 a.m.
While the rigorous practice schedule can be ‘really stressful,? especially to a freshman still adjusting to college life, Jacobsen said it helps everyone perform to the best of their abilities.
On Fridays, band members audition to see who will march in the following Saturday’s game. This ensures members ‘try their best at all times,? she said.
On Oct. 1, Jacobsen made the cut to march in Saturday’s half-time show before a record-setting homecoming crowd of 111,518 people.
She said the whole experience was ‘amazing? and ‘the most exciting thing I have done here so far.? Although she was ‘very nervous? before the show ? ‘I didn’t want to screw anything up.? ? Jacobsen said she was ‘very happy? with her performance and ‘cannot wait? to get the opportunity to march again.
Jacobsen explained it’s ‘especially difficult? for freshman to earn the chance to march on game day because of competition from experienced upper classmen.
Although the euphonium section is relatively small with 19 members, Jacobsen’s one of only five freshmen. Only 12 euphonium players march in the game, so the competition can be pretty stiff.
Between 235 and 250 of the 417 band members march in the half-time show, she explained.
Jacobsen said performing at the games is an ‘adrenaline rush? and makes her ‘really feel like I’m part of the university.?
‘It’s very exciting,? she said.
Jacobsen said she’s enjoyed getting to know the people in the band, particularly her section, which has become like a ‘second family? to her.
‘It’s a small section, so we’re all pretty close,? she said. ‘We hang out a lot and watch the games together.?
Jacobsen’s next goal is to earn a spot marching in the pre-game performance, which is even ‘more of an honor? because band members must execute a ‘traditional lock-step? march.
‘It’s a lot more difficult and more challenging.?
Although she’s currently undecided regarding her major, Jacobsen said she’s leaning toward the field of education.