Marching bands combine forces for epic Game of Thrones tribute

“From the rival kingdoms of Ann Arbor and Happy Valley, the Michigan Marching Band is forming an alliance with the Penn State Blue Band.” So intone the announcers at Michigan Stadium this past Saturday, where those bands came together for a spirited tribute to the music of Game of Thrones, complete with horns, drums and lock-step precision to shame the Unsullied. It’s a really fun halftime show. Check it out:

I love the little scripted moments. The announcers even read a couple of lines from “The Rains of Castamere.” Then at 4:50, they read the official episode description for “The Spoils of War,” in all its glorious vagueness. “Cersei makes plans to expand her military; Arya arrives at the Winterfell gates; Daenerys weighs her choices.” That’s far and away the best use of an episode description I’ve ever seen.

And of course, how can you not love the dragon made of people at 5:37?

If you’re wondering, here’s the set list:

• “Main Title”
• “Rains of Castamere”/”Light of the Seven”
• “Reign”/”Spoils of War”
• “Winds of Winter”/”Mhysa”

I’m a little surprised that a Stark-centric theme like “Goodbye Brother” didn’t show up, but who am I complain about something this entertaining? I’m glad the Michigan Marching Band and the Penn State Blue Band were able to set aside their blood feud to make this happen, with thanks to Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi.

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