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There are lots of smiles at the show. 4/19/2024 dwm
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It was our eighth time seeing the University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert since we moved to Madison.
Starting in 2015 we haven't missed one of their high-energy shows in the Kohl Center, This was the third under the direction of Corey Pompey.
Approximately 250 students make up the band as members of the drum line or carrying a clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, flugelhorn, mellophone, trombone, euphonium, or tuba.
Our seats were on the floor in the middle of the hockey ice or the basketball court.
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During one of the Kohl Center classics. 4/19/24 dwm
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The floor seats meant our view was occasionally blocked by someone walking up the aisle but made up for that with a closer vantage point than from the seating bowl.
The show always has a nice mix of music to keep everybody interested. One medley, called "Taylor's Version," had nearly half the Kohl Center screaming when it was introduced as the last set of the evening.
Taylor, of course, is Ms. Swift. A world-wide phenomenon and probably the most popular artist on earth right now. You could hear a loud chorus of young voices singing along on Shake it Off and I knew You were Trouble.
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Director Pompey introduces the next song. dwm
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Taylor's songs were fine but I'll admit to enjoying the six tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra and the classic rock anthems just a bit more.
The advantage of sitting on the floor was seeing the band up close when they marched off the bleachers and into the audience.
Bucky Badger was out of reach but tuba, trumpet, and euphonium players were next to us as they danced the chicken dance and played When You Say Wisconsin.
This was the 48th concert (which would have been the 50th if not for COVID-19). Every year a lot of band alumni are in the seats. When former director Mike Lekrone was introduced, he received a standing ovation, for his role in starting the show and his 50 years as band leader.
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In the 5th Quarter, anything goes. 4/19/24 dwm photos
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Corey Pompey has brought his own style to the concert, using assistant directors and coordinators to direct some of the pieces and including members of the band in selecting the works they play.
Before we lived in Madison and lived elsewhere in the state we traditionally watched a televised version of the Varsity Band shown on Wisconsin Public Television.
Our seat location meant we couldn't see announcements on the video board hanging over the court which is usually where the air date for the PBS broadcast would appear. Presuming that tradition continues, it should be shown in early May.
Here are a few more of my shots from the 2024 UW Varsity Band Spring Concert, April 19, 2024.
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The crowd and the band are ready for the show to begin. 4/19/2024 dwm
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On some numbers the assistants served as extra hands for the director. dwm photo
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Windows on a suite create a crazy reflection of the image on the video board. 4/19/24 dwm
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It's always impressive listening to an extended drum solo. 4/19/24 dwm
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A few of the 23 tuba players.
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Players playing while walking around. 4/19/2024 dwm
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Cheerleaders join part of the show, just like they do in Camp Randall. 4/19/24 dwm
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Pyrotechnics make the evening more explosive. 4/19/24 dwm
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You better know the words to the alma mater, even if you didn't go to UW. 4/19/24 dwm
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Percussion includes shaking small maracas. 4/19/2024 dwm photo
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| At the end, there's no good-bye, just a 'see you soon,' until next year. 4/19/2024 dwm |
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