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

Join us for this free, in-person talk on August 13, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Cambridge Community Library. No registration is required for the talk. This event is part of the Cambridge Library Senior Luncheon. To register for the noon luncheon before the event, call Kerry at CAP at (608) 423-8142 and pay $5 at the door.

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.

You may also like the following events from Badger Talks:

• This Saturday, 9th August, 08:30 pm, Universe in the Park: In-Person Badger Talk at Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville, WI in Cassville
• This Saturday, 9th August, 08:30 pm, Universe in the Park: In-Person Badger Talk at Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI in Baraboo
• Next Monday, 11th August, 08:30 pm, Universe in the Park: In-Person Badger Talk at Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, WI in Fish Creek

Also check out other Entertainment events in Cambridge, Music events in Cambridge, Concerts in Cambridge.