Student Leadership
Drum Majors
The most visible student leaders on the field are the Drum Majors. The BMB has a proud tradition of excellent drum majors who assist in running rehearsals and who guide the ensemble in performance.
Over the past several years an astonishing number of BMB members have held prestigious drum major positions in major drum & bugle corps including, Madison Scouts, Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Bluecoats, Colts, Carolina Crown, and River City Rhythm.
Responsibilities
The Drum Majors have many responsibilities that make the BMB function effectively.
Coordinate Section Leaders
Unify marching and music style issues
Consult with directors about rehearsal needs
Conduct the band in performance
Perform duties as assigned by directors
Execute rehearsal protocol
Drum Majors
Simeon Doyen
Rice Lake, WI
4th Year, Instrumental Music Education
Danté Mulkey
Farmington, MN
4th Year, Instrumental Music Education
Grace Neuenfeldt
Manitowoc, WI
4th Year, Instrumental Music Education
Simeon Doyen is a 4th year majoring in Instrumental Music Education. He is originally from Rice Lake, WI where he served as a drum major for three years in his high school band. He has also observed, collaborated, and taught with music educators at Chippewa Falls Middle School, Cadott Elementary School and the adaptive music program at the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Eau Claire.
At UWEC, Simeon is now a member of the French Horn studio and enjoys playing many other instruments, including the steel pan. He has performed with the UWEC Wind Symphony, UWEC Symphony Orchestra, Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra, UWEC-BC Communiversity Band, and the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra. In his free time, he enjoys socializing with friends, running, road cycling, and being involved in the intramural volleyball teams here at UWEC. This will be Simeon's fourth and final year in the band after previously marching as a member of the mellophone section for two years, and serving as a drum major last season.
"I can't wait to see the number of goosebumps the band gives me this year, last year was insane! Go BMB!"
Danté Mulkey is a 4th year majoring in Instrumental Music Education. He grew up in Farmington, MN. Beginning his music career in middle school on baritone, then shifting to trombone in high school, then furthering his education on euphonium at UWEC. Danté shares a wide experience of teaching private lessons to family members and relative students, teaching/conducting rehearsals in many other towns within some distance of Farmington, Co-Hosting Your Classical Minnesota Public Radio, as well as sharing his own experience conducting as a drum major, experience in musical theater, and conducting/directing rehearsals as a music director assistant his senior year of high school. Then pursuing more conducting/arranging and leadership with BASSically Brass (Tuba and Euphonium ensemble) . Many awards and accommodations follow Danté as he continues his musical search of the pursuit of happiness.
Focusing on the nonmusical aspect of Danté, he loves the outdoors/sports, animals/his pets, laughing and entertaining, and finally people/community. This next season following will be Danté’s fourth season with BMB and his eighth marching season all time.
“I am once again humbled and honored to continue working with all of the wonderful folk that reside within the BMB and will always be of service whenever and wherever I can be for these fine folks. I give all the love and praise to my family and those close to me for guiding me to where I am and where we are going! See you out there folks.”
Grace Neuenfeldt is 4th year majoring in Instrumental Music Education. She is originally from Manitowoc, WI. Grace is a member of both the Flute and Piano Studios at UWEC and has played flute and piccolo in the Symphony Band and Wind Symphony. She is also the president of the Blugold Athletic Band and a member of both the National Band Association and the Collegiate National Association for Music Education. In her free time, Grace enjoys cooking, any outdoor activity, and spending time with friends. This will be Grace's fourth season in the band after previously serving as a rank lieutenant for the piccolo section.
"I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve as a BMB Drum Major! I can't wait for this upcoming season to see what we put on the field!"
Section Leaders
Section Leaders are perhaps the most important link in the student leadership chain. They are responsible for most of the individual teaching as well as camaraderie within their section.
Duties
Verify participation of every member during the summer and prepare each member for camp
Coordinate Rank Lieutenants and assign duties
Assign parts and drill numbers
Teach marching fundamentals
Conduct music sectionals
Distribute information, announcements, music, and drill to section members
Section Leaders - 2026
PICCOLO:
CLARINET:
ALTO SAX:
TENOR SAX:
TRUMPET:
MELLOPHONE:
TROMBONE:
BARITONE:
SOUSAPHONE:
SNARE:
TENORS:
BASS:
CYMBALS:
COLORGUARD:
DANCE:
Rank Lieutenants
Rank Lieutenants are teaching assistants for both marching and music rehearsals. They help incoming members with their transition from high school to college marching band.
Duties
Assist Section Leaders with forms, alignment, and marching fundamentals
Teach fundamentals in sub-sections
Assist Section Leaders in music rehearsals.
Contribute to the overall esprit de corps of the section
Rank Lieutenants - 2026
PICCOLO:
CLARINET:
ALTO SAX:
TENOR SAX:
TRUMPET:
MELLOPHONE:
TROMBONE:
BARITONE:
SOUSAPHONE:
Administrative Assistant
Em McCabe
Rochester, MN
Em McCabe is a sophomore majoring in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Gerontology. She is originally from Rochester, MN. She finished her first season as a manager for the Blugold Marching Band this past fall and will begin her first year as the Administrative Assistant this spring. Outside the BMB, they are part of the American College of Healthcare Administrators and Honors Student Council. She spends her free time volunteering for St. Croix Hospice, doing yoga, creative writing, and hiking. They are excited to make more connections with students in every section and contribute to the band's continued growth and success.
Duties
Serve as liaison between various housing/hotel and charter bus companies
Design and execute the move-in and Registration Day experience
Manage Instrument, Uniform, & Merchandise inventories
Support the Head Manager on rehearsal and performance day logistics
Collaborate with the Directors and Head Manager on various tasks to ensure the operational success of the ensemble
Chief Manager
Sam Wisse
Eau Claire, WI
Sam is a senior majoring in Business Management, with a certificate in Arts Administration. This will be his fourth year in the Blugold Marching Band in the fall, and his third year as the Chief Manager. Being able to stay involved with music through the marching band has been a dream come true for Sam while he is pursuing a degree outside the music department. He loves the hands-on experience of leading a team and working with others to find operational success in the BMB. Sam is from Eau Claire and likes to enjoy the vast amount of scenery the city has to offer (when it’s warm out). In addition to his involvement with the BMB, he also holds a leadership position within the Blugold Esports organization, and travels with the group to various competitions. He’s thankful for all the wonderful people he’s met in the BMB so far and looks forward to creating more connections in the 2026 season!
Duties
Directs the team of Undergraduate managers to ensure logistical success
Develops rehearsal and performance logistical procedures
Support the Administrative Assistant with registration day, tour, and inventory management tasks
Collaborate with the Directors and Administrative Assistant on various tasks to ensure the operational success of the ensemble
“The BMB has provided me with lifelong friendships and connections. I’m able to share the experiences that the BMB provides with the people around me which creates a strong group bond. I also have been provited with unique experiences, such as writing the drumline’s music, that has allowed me to grow and develop not only as a person but also as a writer.”