Saturdays are always a long day for
everyone involved with Badger football, and the Wisconsin Band is
no exception. There is breakfast (often at Mickie's Dairy Bar an
hour before rehearsal), rehearsal (usually four to five hours
before kick-off), the
Union South pre-game concert(an hour before
kick-off), pre-game, half-time, the
Fifth Quarter and finally the march back to the Humanities
Building where dismissal occurs. The
staff and
Drum Major take their places
above the Band while the members congregate in the area above the
Humanities courtyard right outside the entrance to the Dvorak
Gallery. Dismissal commences with the
Mellophone Section Leader
calling out the names of the Field Assistants,
Mike and the Drum
Major all of whom are recognized by the Band with a
skyrocket. The
team, fans and, most importantly, the Band are collectively
recognized.
Mike then takes time to reflect upon the week that was, game day and what is in store for the next few weeks (more hard work) and then turns the Band over to the Drum Major who calls the Band to attention and leads the Band for the singing of Varsity. The Band is called to attention again and the Drum Major proceeds to motivate the Band for the upcoming weeks with a speech and a slogan. The Band repeats the slogan and is finally dismissed.
Especially touching is the last dismissal of the year. There is hardly a dry eye among the graduating seniors who have just marched their last game in Camp Randall Stadium. The graduating seniors join the staff and Drum Major above the band as the underclassmen recognize them with a special song and then perhaps the most emotional rendition of Varsity you will ever hear is sung by the entire group. The band is dismissed while hugs and congratulations abound as the graduating seniors bid farewell.