BMB History

Growth

In the Fall of 2000, a modest 60-member, mostly student-run organization has evolved into a dynamic 400+ member collegiate marching band that travels and performs on the world stage. During its first years, the group struggled to build numbers but a major image transformation in 2003 suddenly started a massive enrollment boom which continues to push its boundaries even today.

Performances

The Blugold Marching Band is one of the largest and most active marching bands in the Country. Regular performances include shows at Blugold home football games, contest exhibitions, NFL shows, International tours, and many other selected events.

Style

BMB has developed a new, more energetic form of marching that combines the precision and artistry of drum and bugle corps with the high energy level and style of some of the great show bands of the south. This new style continues to evolve and results in a powerful and exciting show that is sure to enliven any crowd.

Fieldshow History

Thousands of BMB alums echo countless memories that make the Blugold Marching Band the vibrant, life-changing experience it has become. The BMB impacts lives and spawns unforgettable memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Below are the highlights of seasons since 2000 with a few pictures and videos to illustrate the legacy of the band.

Queens of Pop

2025

The BMB welcomed new Director, Dr. Kara Metzger, and performed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships event in Indianapolis for the first time in its history (the band had done BOA Regionals before, but not Grand Nationals). The Stageshow moved into the Sonnentag Event Center for the first time and was a great success.

Opener: Royals (Lorde) & Cruel Summer (Taylor Swift)

Production: Judas & Abracadabra (Lady Gaga)

Ballad: Pink Pony Club (Chappell Roan)

Closer: TEXAS HOLD ‘EM & Love on Top (Beyonce)

Pop Guys and Dolls

2024

Opener: Locked out of Heaven & Runaway Baby (Bruno Mars)

Production: Dance the Night (Dua Lipa)

Ballad & Closer: I Will Always Love You, Jolene, & 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton)

I’ve Been Everywhere

2023

The BMB continued its success in 2023 with an incredible lineup of shows that included five Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, Youth in Music, BOA St. Louis, and a show at the Pablo Center.

Rihanna Opener: Where Have You Been, Don’t Stop The Music, Only Girl (In The World), The Monster, We Found Love, This is What You Came For

Elton John Ballad: Funeral for a Friend, Rocket Man, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

Harry Styles Production: Music for a Sushi Restaurant

My Chemical Romance Closer: Welcome to the Black Parade

Livin’ On The Edge

2022

The 2022 season was one for the history books! An incredible lineup of shows included six Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, Youth in Music, International Fall Festival, a Board of Regents Concert, and a show at the Pablo Center. The crowning experience was a 21-day International Performance Tour of South America, the Panama Canal, and Central America with over 350 travelers!

Olivia Rodrigo Opener: Good 4 U

Adele Ballad: Skyfall/Go Easy on Me

Lil Nas X Closer: That’s What I Want, Montero (Call Me By Your Name), & Industry Baby (feat. Jack Harlow)

Anything Goes

2021

Classical Opener: Pagliacci (1892), Ruslan and Ludmila (1842), Verdi’s Requiem (1874), & Holst’s The Planets Suite: Mars (1914-17)

Percussion Feature and Elvis Ballad: I Can’t Help Falling In Love

Lizzo Closer: Truth Hurts, Good as Hell, Juice

The Power of Band

2020

WQOW ABC aired a 45-minute prime special "The Power of Band" on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The program traced the history, development, and future of the Blugold Marching Band. It also highlighted the band's diversity, use of technology, international trips, and response to COVID-19. Included in the special are segments of the 2020 fall performances, plus glimpses of past shows and international trips.

Panic! At The Disco Opener: High Hopes, The Greatest Show

Sia Production: Cheap Thrills, Chandelier

Disco Opener: Dancing Queen, I Will Survive

2020 BMB Roster

This is the Greatest Show

2019

The 2019 season will always be a season to remember! Dr. Dickerson’s 20th year at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire was a celebration of the rebirth of the modern BMB. A tremendous lineup of shows included four Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, a performance in Green Bay, Youth in Music, the Chicagoland Marching Festival, a show at the Pablo Center. The crowning experience was a 21-day International Performance Tour of Australia and New Zealand with 402 travelers! At home or abroad, This is the greatest show!

Panic! At The Disco Opener: High Hopes, The Greatest Show

Sia Production: Cheap Thrills, Chandelier

Disco Closer: It’s Raining Men

2019 BMB Roster

Live While We’re Young

2018

2018 was the biggest and baddest year yet. The BMB reached 400 members, making it the largest band in the Midwest. Performance highlights for the year included: four Blugold home games, the opening of the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Downtown Eau Claire, the International Fall Festival, Music Along The Chippewa, Youth In Music in Minneapolis, the Bands Of America Super Regionals in St. Louis, and an indoor stage show in the new Pablo Center at the Confluence.

One Direction Opener: Story Of My Life, Live While We’re Young, What Makes You Beautiful

Beyonce Medley: Lose My Breath, Get Me Bodied, Halo

Justin Timberlake Closer: Bye Bye Bye, Sexy Back, Can’t Stop the Feeling

2018 BMB ROSTER

Guilty Pleasures

2017

2017 was a fun-filled season and the exuberant show aimed to please a wide audience. In addition to Blugold home games and Music Along the Chippewa, the BMB traveled to Chicago and Waukesha for the Chicagoland Marching Festival and the Waukesha West shows. At the end of the season, the band flew to Singapore, then cruised to Malaysia and Thailand onboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas before flying on to Bali to complete an exciting 19-day International Performance Tour.

Disco Opener: Dancing Queen, I Will Survive

80’s Medley: Take on Me, Never Gonna Give You Up, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Closer: The Devil Went Down to Georgia

2017 BMB ROSTER

The 2016 season was a season to remember as the band fielded more than 350 members. Dr. Ward Miller (Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps) joined the BMB staff as a special consultant and helped to produce a show that showed a new focus and direction for the BMB. The band was the feature exhibition group for Bands of America Super Regionals in Indianapolis as well as Music Along the Chippewa. BMB was among the first bands to christen the new US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for Youth In Music.

Opener: Queen Fanfare/Victorious

Queen Production: Bohemian Rhapsody

Fall Out Boy Closer: Irresistible and Thnks Fr Th Mmrs

2016 BMB ROSTER

The BMB Goes Latin

2015

The season of 2015 was by far one of the loudest and most interesting seasons at this point. The BMB chose a Latin theme to spice up the audiences and hopefully make them want to get up and dance. The wide range of performances included Youth In Music in Minneapolis, Music Along The Chippewa, Greendale, and Chicagoland shows. At the close of the regular season BMB carried the beat to Europe with a trip to Barcelona, Spain followed by a cruise around the Mediterranean with stops on several islands and in Italy on the Norwegian Epic.

Shakira Opener: Dare La La

David Bisbal Production: Oye el Boom

Ricky Martin Production: Lola, Lola

Gloria Estefan Closer: Oye

2015 BMB ROSTER

2014 moved in a new direction for the BMB, culminating in a special exhibition performance at the Bands of America Super Regionals in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. In addition to the four Blugold home games and parade/stage show at the Eau Claire International Festival, the BMB performed a record number of high school exhibitions including Chippewa Falls, Cumberland, and Youth in Music. The BMB was also the focus of more media attention than ever with the production of the documentary "Pride [AND] Performance" and a nationally syndicated segment on "The Real Winning Edge" that featured our solo twirler, Briar Swann.

Lady Gaga Opener: Applause

Macklemore Production: Can't Hold Us

One Direction Production: Kiss You

Katy Perry Closer: Dark Horse, Firework

2014 BMB ROSTER

The Darker Side of Pop

2013

The 2013 season was packed full of excitement including Blugold home games, high school football games at EC North and Chippewa Falls, and contest exhibitions at Cumberland, Lincoln-Way Illinois, and Youth in Music. The BMB was also thrilled to perform at Chancellor James Schmidt's inauguration in November. At the end of the regular season members of the BMB flew to Tokyo, Japan where they spent two vacation days before proceeding to Singapore where they spent four days, then began a Performance Cruise Tour aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas. The BMB was a featured performing act on the roundtrip passage to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand.

Bruno Mars Opener: Locked out of Heaven

Fall Out Boy Production: My Song's Know What You Did in the Dark

Brittany Spears Production: Toxic

Train Closer: 50 Ways to Say Goodbye

2013 BMB ROSTER

2012 was the most exciting season yet for the BMB. The band performed four Blugold home games, a parade and stage show at the Eau Claire International Festival, an exhibition at Music Along the Chippewa contest, and another exhibition at the Youth in Music Grand Championships in the HHH Metrodome. The finale came in late October with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri to perform at the Bands of America (BOA) Super Regionals. The BMB was one of just two collegiate bands invited to BOA St Louis and performed to what may be the most enthusiastic and responsive audiences in BMB history. Over 9,000 high school students and fans stood and cheered continuously throughout the show.

Enrique Iglesias Opener: I Like It

Jennifer Lopez Production: Let's Get Loud, On the Floor, Papi

Shakira Closer: Objection Tango

2012 BMB ROSTER

Music of the Decades

2011

The 2011 season included five Blugold games, exhibitions in Naperville (IL), Menomonie (WI), and the Youth in Music (MN). added a new dimension that will become a regular activity on the BMB schedule - cruising! After a full regular season of football games, contest exhibitions, and a trip to Chicago 170 of the 300 BMB members traveled to Rome where they boarded a cruise ship and set sail for Greece, Turkey, and Israel. Members of the BMB were featured performers on the Costa Serena cruise ship where they played three concerts to capacity crowds (seating 1350) and standing ovations.

1970s, Journey: Anyway You Want it, Don't Stop Believing, Separate Ways

1980s, Michael Jackson: Bad, Thriller

1990s, Smashmouth: Walking on the Sun, AllStar

2000s, Beyonce: Survivor, Say My Name, Single Ladies, Crazy in Love

2011 BMB ROSTER

Latin Divas and Dudes

2010

2010 was an exciting season as the BMB added several new venues to its already full performance slate. The band traveled to North Central College (IL) for its first away game since 2004 and performed at the Warrens Cranberry Festival. One of the highlights of the season was the halftime show for the Minnesota Vikings vs Miami Dolphins game in September.

Ricky Martin Opener: She Bangs, Livin' da Vida Loca

Shakira Production: Hips Don't Lie, Whenever Wherever

Gloria Estefan Production: Conga

Enrique Iglesias Closer: Bialamos, Rhythm Devine

2010 BMB ROSTER

Get Your Groove On: Music You Can Dance To

2009

2009 was another record-breaking year in terms of total enrollment (272), the number of applications (300+), and variety of performances. After a full home season, members of the BMB traveled to Europe where they performed stage shows in Venice, at Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Kool & the Gang Opener: Celebrate, Get Down On It, Jungle Boogie

Production I: Love Rollercoaster

Production II: Shout

Closer: Play That Funky Music

2009 BMB ROSTER

Greatest Songs of the Rock Era

2008

In 2008 the BMB gave more performances than ever before including shows in Chicago, Minneapolis, Green Bay, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and five appearances on campus. A record breaking 232 BMB members rocked out to classic rock tunes that had the audience singing along.

Guns 'n Roses Opener: Welcome to the Jungle

Kansas Production: Carry On Wayward Son

Styx Production: Renegade, Mr. Roboto, Come Sail Away

Bon Jovi Closer: You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Livin' on a Prayer

2008 BMB ROSTER

“What’s Hot” A Collection of Popular Music From Around The World

2007

“Shut Up And Dance!” The Music Of Aerosmith

2006

The 2006 season featured the BMB's highest energy performance yet. The music of Aerosmith rocked not only the 192 member BMB but the crowd as well. The performance schedule included trips to Irondale, Chippewa Falls, and the Youth in Music Championships in the Minneapolis Metrodome.

Opener: Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees), Janie's Got a Gun

Production: Love in an Elevator, Just Push Play

Ballad: Dream On

Closer: Shut Up and Dance, Walk This Way

2006 BMB ROSTER

The Music of Gloria Estefan

2005

The 2005 Blugold Marching Band season was undeniably the best season to that point as the BMB performed at four Blugold football games, Music Along the Chippewa, the Greendale Marching Festival, the EC North vs EC Memorial game, and the Parade of Nations. BMB membership stood at all all-time high of 171 members. Carson Park was the scene of one giant Miami - South Beach party when the Blugold Marching Band took the field. It was the most fun season ever as the BMB partied to the music of Gloria Estefan. The 2005 season was also the beginning of a new BMB tradition - staged choreography in sections and pull-out dance groups.

Opener: Turn the Beat Around, Everlasting Love, Get On Your Feet, 1-2-3

Ballad: Reach

Closer: Oye

2005 BMB ROSTER

The Music Of James Brown

2004

In 2004 the hardest working band in Wisconsin teamed up with the hardest working man in show business to bring audiences the music of James Brown. The Blugold Marching Band took its new funky factory image to a higher level. A major component of the band's makeover was the addition of the band's makeover was the addition of a new dance line. Six members of the University Dance Team joined the BMB to enhance the James Brown theme. Alongside the dancers was a new star in the BMB crown - featured twirler, Emily Schneider. The musical program included excerpts from many of James Brown's hits.

Opener: Gotta Gimme Some More, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag.

Production: Its a Man's World with Georgia on My Mind

Closer: I Got You, Living in America, reprise of Georgia.

2004 BMB ROSTER

Old School Michael Jackson

2003

The 2003 season was dubbed "Bigger and Better Than Ever!" with good reason. It was the first time the Blugold Marching Band topped 100 members. It also marked the beginning of a new era in BMB energy. The Michael Jackson show featured many of Michael's hits but concentrated on his earlier years from Jackson Five through the 1980s. The band updated its image in 2003 by replacing its 17-year-old uniform accessories with more modern ones. A cape was added and the old shoulder nests were replaced by shoulder cords and a Wisconsin patch. The old yellow plume was replaced by a taller white plume.

Opener: I’ll Be There, Don’t Stop til You Get Enough, Billie Jean

Ballad: Man in the Mirror

Closer: Beat It, PYT

2003 BMB ROSTER

Hits of the 70s

2002

During the first few rebuilding years the BMB experimented with various forms of rock music. Although the band was still small there was a growing enthusiasm and for the first time, the group had several non-music majors.

Opener: We Are the Champions, 25 or 6 to 4

Production: We Will Rock You

Closer: Mr. Roboto

2002 BMB ROSTER

Tower of Power

2001

In many ways, 2001 was the most difficult year because there was mixed reaction to trying to create a marching band within the ranks of music education majors. A small group of students bought into the idea but the rest were content to leave the group as it was. 2001 saw the purchase of six silver sousaphones, doubling the size of the section. The musical program was arranged for the band by George Brozak.

Opener: Soul With a Capital "S"

Percussion Feature

Closer: What is Hip?

2001 BMB ROSTER

The Show That Started it All

2000

Fall of 2000 was Dickerson's first year at UW-Eau Claire and the handful of people who signed up for marching band weren't sure what they were in for. No one knew the roster until the first day of classes so the band had to begin designing the first show at the first rehearsal. There were 36 wind players and 13 drummers. Drum Majors and Color Guard members were chosen on the spot and the musical program was a hodgepodge of what could be found in the library. The band was ambitious enough to attempt two difficult arrangements but never got beyond a few simple drill moves.

Opener: Pegasus

Production: Children of Sanchez

2000 BMB ROSTER