Since 1976, the Wisconsin Band has
concluded their final home half-time show of the season in the
same manner ... with the On Wisconsin Finale. The music and
the movements for this tradition stem from the finale of a
production first presented on November 17, 1973, which was
entitled "The Band Goes Abroad." Since then the Band has used the
arrangement as a musical signature not only for the final home
game, but also for a number of significant yearly events,
including the annual Spring Concert.
The routine remains basically unchanged. While playing a maestoso version of On Wisconsin, the Band moves into a series of vertical lines. On cue, the lines flow rapidly into the letters ON WIS. As the arrangement nears its conclusion, the musicians high-step toward the audience. There is a long drum roll and a knee bow as the public address announcer assures: "We never say goodbye ... simply we'll see you next year ... and ON WISCONSIN!"
The finale never fails to elicit a standing ovation from the partisan Badger crowd and a very emotional reaction from all the graduating seniors who have just marched for the last time in Camp Randall Stadium.
Listen to the On Wisconsin Finale [mp3 format 948K]