The Band is Back

The 2022 Badger Varsity Band in concert.
4/22/2022 dwm photo

 The pandemic cancelled the Badger Varsity Band concerts in 2020 and 2021.  We haven't missed a show since 2015 and it felt good to be back in the Kohl Center to hear the University of Wisconsin band put on a show.

 The Covid-19 imposed hiatus came in the middle of a transition from long-time director Mike Leckrone to Corey Pompey.

 Leckrone was a force of nature and a popular director who developed the show into an annual sell-out and special broadcast on state public television.  He served as director 50 years.

Pompey is a worthy successor.  From the moment he walked on stage, his energy and enthusiasm for the kids, the band, and the show was contagious.  

Badger Band Director Corey Pompey.
Photo of Scoreboard inside arena. 6/22/21 (dwm)

It was a fun show with selections from Queen, Backstreet Boys, Darius Rucker, and traditional march music in addition to On Wisconsin, the Alma Mater, and wedding staple, the Chicken Dance.

The band was the star of the show and several assistants and teaching assistants were credited with arrangements and choreography.

A long-time crowd favorite is the concert version of the band's Fifth Quarter performance after every Badger home football game.

It's a sight as members of the band spread across the arena floor.  Some gather in small groups while playing; others lay down and play; others are dancing, all the while staying in time and on the beat as they played.  

We stood, cheered, sang along, and applauded the performance - we no sooner got in the car after the final encore when we agreed want to be there for next year's show.

Bucky Badger joins the percussionists and the full band on the final number. 6/22/2022 (dwm)