As the University of Wisconsin football team prepares for the Music City Bowl, UW’s marching band continues its halftime-show preparation as well, despite recent news that the bowl’s halftime will be dedicated to something other than the band.
The marching band is typically used to playing before the game, during halftime and during the “fifth quarter.” However, bowl executive director Scott Ramsey announced that the halftime and pregame will instead be used to present more than 2500 trophies to Nashville Youth Sports Leagues as part of a community youth initiative.
Less than a day after being notified, band members are expressing displeasure and frustration.
“For the most part, everyone is disappointed by it,” UW senior and band member Kellen Hassell said. “At the same time, we want to go down there and support the team … That’s why we show up every day.”
Hassell also noted how especially disappointing this decision is for seniors because it is their last chance to perform as part of the band.
Despite disappointment, many band members have expressed a desire to travel to Nashville to support the team, regardless of whether they will be allowed to play.
“The way I feel is that we need to be there to support the team, and I don’t think anyone ever questioned not going,” said Nick Jelinski, UW senior and drum major. “We’re going to go and support the team and whatever happens, happens.”
During the week approaching the bowl, the marching band will participate in other events leading up to the big game. A battle of the bands has been spoken of as well as a “halftime” show performance at some point during the week.
“From what I’ve heard right now, we’re going to do some kind of performance down there regardless of what happens,” Hassell said. “Just because of the uproar we think people will come to it.”
However, band members have given mixed reactions to the other events of the week, with many expressing excitement and others saying that the field performance is really what matters to them.
“The whole thing leading up to the bowl is always really exciting. They did that last year in San Antonio,” UW senior and band member Heidi Christensen said. “It just got people pumped for the game … It’s fun but it isn’t the same. It’s definitely not a replacement.”
Although tradition in the simplest sense, a band halftime show, will be missing from the Music City Bowl, the possibility of a traditional “fifth quarter” performance has not yet been completely ruled out. A UW contingent of sorts will be present in Nashville this week to discuss final details of the band’s contributions to the game and the possibility of a fifth quarter.
“Bowl games and halftime are the best performances of the year … We always get a standing ovation,” UW junior and band member Megan Beebe said. “It’s something that the band members will remember for the rest of our lives. It’s as big of a deal as it is to the football players to play in the game.”
Beyond the performance, many acknowledge the irony of the Music City Bowl lacking musical performances.
“It just seems odd to me that the Music City Bowl won’t have the band performing,” Hassell said. “I think they are intending for us to go in uniform, in the stands and do cheers.”
Bowl organizers were in Madison today to officially invite the Badgers to the bowl, set for Dec. 31. Coach Barry Alvarez was present to accept the invite.
