"Moments of Happiness: My History with the UW Marching Band": In-Person Badger Talk in Verona, WI

Name: "Moments of Happiness: My History with the UW Marching Band": In-Person Badger Talk in Verona, WI
Start: 2025-03-13T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Verona Public Library

Schedule

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025 at 06:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Verona Public Library | Verona, WI

Join us for this free, in person talk on March 13 at 6:30 PM at the Verona Public Library. Registration is required. Register though this link: https://verona.librarycalendar.com/event/badger-talk-mike-leckrone-14641.
When Mike Leckrone became director of the Wisconsin Marching Band, interest in the program was low. By creating a new, demanding marching style, “stop at the top”, a pre-game run on, and the development of the band’s “fifth quarter” post-game performances, he emphasized showmanship and turned the program around. Mike will share an overview, including funny anecdotes and stories, regarding the evolution of “The greatest band in the land.” He will discuss his history as an educator, leader and motivator, and explain the journey of development of the UW Spring Band Concert from a modest performance for 400 loyal fans in 1975, to a three night extravaganza drawing in more than 35,000 people.
Presenter Michael Leckrone is the former Director of the Marching Band and Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin. A native of Indiana, Mr. Leckrone received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Butler University in Indianapolis and has continued his studies at the doctoral level at Indiana University. Before coming to Wisconsin he taught at his alma mater, where he developed one of the finest marching bands in the Midwest. He is in constant demand as a clinician, guest conductor and adjudicator for concert and marching bands throughout the United States and Canada, and his experience also includes considerable professional work as an arranger, composer and performer.