Mike's Last (Band) Stand

Professor Michael Leckrone enjoys
flying above the crowd during the
finale.  4/12/2019  dwm photo

If you live in Wisconsin - chances are you are aware of the marching band associated with the big state school in the Capital City.

Maybe you've seen them march in Camp Randall; on TV; or perhaps you were fortunate to see them live at the annual Varsity Band Concert.

Just consider yourself lucky if you were in attendance at one of the first 45. 

That's because Director of Bands Michael Leckrone is hanging up his conductor hat after 50 years at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1975 the first one was held in Mills Hall.  Two years later it moved to the Fieldhouse to accommodate the demand for tickets.  A second night was added in 1988, a third in 1994.  Four years later, the band moved to the large Kohl Center where the band filled one side of the arena.

Mike likes to make an entrance at
the show's start. 4/12/19 (dwm)

When Leckrone announced before the 2018 football season he was going to retire at the end of the academic year - the venerable Band marked a lot of 'final moments."

There was the last football home game, last bowl game, final pep band performances at hockey and basketball games, and the final Varsity Band concert.  I ordered our tickets within an hour of them going on sale. 

The Varsity Band.       4/12/19 (dwm)

All three nights sold out fast.

Out of 45 performances, we've seen five in person.  When we lived in north Wisconsin between 1993 and 2005 we saw edited versions of the show on Wisconsin Public TV.  Back then we agreed that if ever had the opportunity to see it live, we would jump at the chance.

Its been a Badger-blast!

Mike and the Leckrone family band.
4/12/2019   dwm photo

The show is always fast-paced.  There is a good dose of numbers you will hear at the football and basketball games.  There are featured soloists - usually alumni or musicians with Wisconsin connections - who take the stage. 

The band also does its rendition of musicals - this year "The Music Man" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" were featured. 

Mike changed jackets several times,
this one for The Music Man number,
and introduced the woman who made
all the coats. 4/12/19 (dwm)

My highlight was when when Leckrone's son, Erik, and grandchildren - Michael Mitmoen and Raychel Wilson joined him on stage. 

Raychel, a high school junior, sang "Me and Bobby McGee" with a lovely and powerful voice.  Grandpa Mike created a duet at the end of the song, singing "You are My Sunshine" to her.  It was the emotional high point of the evening, bringing the crowd to its feet with sustained applause.

The band and its director may be best known for the Fifth Quarter.  It was introduced during the 1978 football season.

At the time, Wisconsin didn't have a very good team.  At the end of the game, the scoreboard clock re-set to 15:00 and the quarter changed from 4 to 5 the band took over the field and never lost.

Bucky and the Drum Major lead the crowd
in singing Swingtown.         4/12/2019     dwm photo

It happens during each concert.  The band leaves the stage - playing in the aisles, on their backs or in small groups around the arena - while never missing a beat.

The Chicken Dance is performed - this year they set a new record, playing it in 34.1 seconds.  At least that's what Conductor Leckrone said.

It was amazing.  Amazing that an 82 year old has so much energy and 278 amazing student musicians stay right with him.

It is sad to see Mike go, but with many thanks for how far the Badger Band came during his 50 years at the helm and wonder about what we'll see at the Band's 46th show in 2020.

If you missed the Varsity Band Concert - or want to see it again - Wisconsin Public TV will show much of the Friday, April 12 show on Saturday, May 4 starting at 7 pm CDT.