Video: New practice turf puts bounce into Michigan marching band's steps

By Angela Cesere Staff Photographer

Posted on Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 5:57 a.m.

Gone is the parking lot the Michigan marching band practiced on for years. In its place is a plush practice field at Elbel Field.

The turf is easier on knees and ankles, and morale among band members is high, director Scott Boerma said.

"This is just a dream come true," junior Kayla MacLennan said. "There definitely is a little bit of a bounce to it. ... Your feet are just spoiled. It's like walking on a cloud."

The band will practice today at 10:30 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m. and at 10 a.m. Saturday before the Western Michigan at Michigan football game.

Angela J. Cesere is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at angelacesere@annarbor.com. Follow AnnArbor.com photography on Facebook at AnnArbor.com Photo and on Twitter at @AnnArborPhoto.