[Updated December 23, 2020]
Individuals who participate in the UW-Madison Marching Band are enrolled in Music 42 (Varsity Band), which has a curriculum focused on improving individual playing skills, establishing and developing sight-reading skills, developing music memorization skills, developing and maintaining the embouchure, improving the individual’s grasp of essential elements of music, and refining the links between kinesthetic movement and music. Performing for athletic events as well as the general public is only a part of the course’s focus.
Given this, the Marching Band will continue to study music, rehearse, and prepare for the future. This is no different than what athletic teams will do; the Marching Band, just like the athletic teams it supports, will continue to train and its members will continue to hone their skills.
Information about auditions for the 2021-22 season will become available Spring 2021.
[Updated September 24, 2020]
Families, alumni, friends and supporters of the UW–Madison Marching Band,
On behalf of our students and staff, I wanted to reach out to thank you for your support during what I know are challenging times for us all and to share some updates about the band.
We learned this week that the Big Ten Conference has determined that bands will not participate in this year’s football season. The conference has reserved the right to revisit this decision later, but this is where things stand currently.
The Wisconsin Band was founded in 1885, at least nine years before football existed on this campus. Performing for the Badger Faithful in the greatest venue in all of college football is an honor and privilege that we do not take lightly. We look forward to a time where we can suit up and perform in support of our team and great institution.
While performing for football games is extremely important, this band program is more than that! We acknowledge the difficulties that have been placed upon us a result of COVID-19; however, we will operate under the current guidelines to the best of our ability.
While I’m sorry that I do not have better news to share regarding the football season, I’m pleased to share that we have been cleared to return to in-person instruction with our students. We are emphasizing the importance of continuing to follow the university’s COVID–19 protocols (physical distancing, masks, etc.). The staff and I look forward to seeing them out on the field very soon.
We remain committed to finding opportunities to contribute to our campus community and beyond. We do not have information yet about performances during winter sports season or the spring semester. We will continue to communicate with you as we learn more.
Again, thank you for all you do to uplift our members and our band as a whole.
On, Wisconsin!
Dr. Corey Pompey
Director of Athletic Bands