User:EliasWebb/Draft of BMB page

The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Blugold Marching Band
File:Blugold Marching Band logo.png BMB logo
School	University of Wisconisn Eau Claire
Location	Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Founded	ca. 1960
Director	Randal Dickerson
Members	310
Fight song	"Onward to Victory, The Blugold Fight Song"
Uniform
[[File:Dark navy blue jacket and pants, gold and white stripe down sides of pants, gold buttons on front of jacket, Wisconsin patch on left sleeve. Yellow and white sash with word "BLUGOLDs" across chest. Yellow braid on left shoulder. Yellow cape on left shoulder. Black shoes with white spats. White gloves. White hats with blue and yellow stripe and white plumes.|frameless|upright=1.25|center]]
Website	www.blugoldmarchingband.com

The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Blugold Marching Band (often called the Blugold Marching Band or BMB) performs at Blugold football games, as well as contest exhibitions, and other selected performances. Recent performances have included NFL and Blugold away games, festivals, stage shows and international peformance tours. The marching band, under the direction of Dr. Randall Dickerson, has undergone a major transformation since the early 2000's. When Dr. Dickerson took over the BMB there were only 60 members, now the band marches over 300 members.

Style

The BMB has a very distinctive style which mixes traditional marching with high energy dancing. The band performs at many high school competitions as the final exhibition performance before scores are announced. This mix of traditional and dance really energizes the crowd and shows the high school kids how much fun marching band can be.

Marching style

When marching the band typically uses a relaxed leg roll step when moving forward. The winds typically continue to roll step when moving sideways, however they usually rotate their upper bodies to face front field resulting in what is known as sliding. Most of the time the drumline moves by crabstepping in which they face forward while walking on their toes.

Dancing

It is very rare for the BMB to stand still while playing. Even when there is no change in formation, the BMB is almost always moving whether they're just rocking out to their music or putting their instruments down and dancing. Some sections have become well known for their movements such as the Sousas and Cymbals.

Music

This mix of marching and dancing would not be very effective if not for the music. Each year the band plays fresh arrangements of well known songs which fit into an overarching theme. These arrangements are always high energy and keeps the audience excited throughout. Arrangements by Dr. Dickerson have included everything from classic rock to current pop songs and have even included the arrangement of LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem which went viral when performed by the Ohio state marching band.

Recent Themes

2010 Latin Divas and Dudes

• 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

2011 Music of the Decades

• 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

2012 Lets Get Loud

• Enrique Iglesias Opener: I Like It
• Jennifer Lopez Production: Let's Get Loud, On the Floor, Papi
• Shakira Closer: Objection Tango

2013 The Darker Side of Pop

• Bruno Mars: Locked Out Of Heaven
• Fall Out Boy: My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)
• Brittney Spears: Toxic
• Train: 50 Ways To Say Goodbye

2014

• Lady Gaga: Applause
• Macklemore: Can't Hold Us
• One Direction: Kiss You
• Katy Perry: Dark Horse

History

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Composition of Band

Drum Majors

The BMB is led by three drum majors. Each year drum majors are chosen through a strict audition process in which their conducting and leadership skills are evaluated. Anyone can audition for drum major, but usually the results favor those with more experience in the band. It is not uncommon for an individual to remain drum major multiple years in a row.

The drum majors direct the band both on and off the field throughout the season. Typically the field show consists of four songs and the drum majors will change podiums between songs so they each get one song on the main podium with the lead drum major getting two. The main podium is set up on the 50 yard line while the other two are usually on the two 30 yard lines. Going along with the style of the BMB the drum majors are rarely standing still and conducting rigidly, numerous drum majors have nearly fallen off the podiums due to dancing while conducting.

Drum majors are very highly regarded by other members of the BMB as they play a vital role in directing the band not only musically, but also logistically.

Traditions

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Uniforms

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External Links

http://www.blugoldmarchingband.com/

http://www.uwec.edu/