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University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert: 35th Anniversary Special
With dazzling lights, advanced pyrotechnic effects, a flying bandleader and
all of the favorite Badger songs, the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Varsity Band returns to Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) for the annual
spring concert. Become
a member and receive a DVD copy of this year's show.
University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert: 35th Anniversary Special
Michael Leckrone discusses the work that goes into creating each year's University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert, how the tradition of his "flying" entrances began and why this annual show means so much to the band members and its die-hard fans.
Under the direction of Michael Leckrone, this year's show celebrates the 35th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Varsity Band's spring concerts with Badger spirit favorites, energetic medleys and Broadway retrospectives.
The three-night event draws more than 25,000 fans to the Kohl Center in Madison where Badger fans are treated to the familiar strains of "Varsity," "On Wisconsin," "Songs to Thee Wisconsin" and "You've Said it All."
WPT will present highlights from this year's concert, which features a collection of talented guest artists and selections from the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Guest artists include Randy Sabien, Alli Foss, Cat's Pajamas and Emily Whelan. Sabien is an acclaimed jazz violinist whose work has covered the music of the Swing era all the way to the rock 'n' roll of the Allman Bros. He makes his home in Hayward. Foss is a native of Madison who has made her name as a vocalist and dancer in productions across the United States. Cat's Pajamas are a talented four-member acapella group that includes two former UW Varsity Band members. Vocalist Whelan is a former UW-Madison music student who has gone on to international opera acclaim.
Watch streaming video from past programs
Be more Tuned In went behind the scenes at the Kohl Center to speak with Mark Pender, trumpeter and vocalist from Late Night With Conan O'Brien's Max Weinberg Seven. Watch Mark's insightful two-part interview in our inaugural Be more Tuned In Videocast.
Traditions
Bridge over Troubled Water (1:39)
Bucky shows his chops (3:20)
Mark Pender (3:08)
Stars and Stripes (2:19)
Spring Fever
The first concerts (2:39)
Band as family (1:35)
Dramatic entrances (1:53)
Band marriages (1:26)
Auld Lang Syne (1:54)
BECOME A MEMBER of
Wisconsin Public Television
and get a UW Varsity Band DVD. Watch streaming video clips below with RealPlayer.
