A wide selection of ensembles to choose from
Our Band Program offers a wide selection of ensembles for students of varied abilities and interest levels. Concert Band, Marching Band, University Bands, Varsity Band, and Wind Ensemble give numerous performances at every level, from UW–Madison athletic events to professional music conferences and tours. Band ensembles regularly perform repertoire ranging from classical, standard band literature to premieres of contemporary works.
Wind Ensemble
Scott Teeple, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday and Wednesday 3:45-5:45 PM, Friday 12:00-1:00 PM
Course Number: 660-040
Prerequisite: Audition required.
Description: The Wind Ensemble comprises some of the most outstanding wind and percussion majors in the Mead Witter School of Music and other gifted non-music majors who are selected by audition. The ensemble presents performandes of the finest wind repertoire, regardless of instrumentation of period. The Wind Ensemble’s instrumentation fluctuates based on the repertoire. The ensemble actively commissions new works from world-renowned composers and regularly performs with internationally acclaimed soloists and guest conductors.
Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Wind Ensemble may audition, regardless of degree path.
Concert Band
Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:10-3:05 PM
Description: Concert Band is comprised of both music majors and non-majors who perform standard symphonic band repertoire, chamber repertoire, and orchestral transcriptions. Concert Band regularly hosts guest conductors and faculty soloists.
Course Number: 660-041
Prerequisite: Audition required.
Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Concert Band may audition, regardless of degree path.
University Bands
Rehearsal Schedule: 7:00–9:30 PM, one night per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
Course Number: 660-043
Prerequisite: No audition required.
Description: Three University Bands are available to non-music majors with an interest in making music. All three University Bands rehearse one night per week and share two concerts each semester, performing a variety of repertoire.
Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in University Bands may enroll, regardless of degree path.
Marching Band (Fall)
Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 3:30-5:30 PM
Course Number: 660-042
Prerequisite: Audition required.
Description: Anyone who has ever been a member of the Marching and Varsity Bands won’t hesitate to tell you that the four years they participated were some of the most exciting times in their life. High points over the years include appearances in the Rose Bowl and performances in Tokyo, Tampa, San Antonio, Nashville, Tucson, El Paso, Birmingham, Shreveport, and New York City. Travel includes visits to Big Ten stadiums throughout the Midwest, as well as Lambeau Field to perform during Green Bay Packers games. In Madison, the Marching Band performs weekly in Camp Randall Stadium for more than 80,000 fans during Badger football games. Keeping with tradition, up to 50,000 fans regularly stay after the conclusion of the games to enjoy the famous Fifth Quarter.
Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Marching Band may audition, regardless of degree path.
Varsity Band (Spring)
Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Wednesday 3:30-5:30 PM
Course Number: 660-042
Prerequisite: Audition required.
Enrollment in Varsity Band is limited to those who have successfully auditioned and previously participated in fall Marching Band.
Description: Varsity Band performs concerts each season throughout Wisconsin. The annual Varsity Band Spring Concert for thousands of fans at the Kohl Center is the most rewarding. The concert has featured many renowned guest artists, including jazz legend Richard Davis, percussionist Steve Houghton, violin virtuoso Vartan Manoogian, trumpeter Stan Mark (lead trumpet, Maynard Ferguson Orchestra), opera star Kitt Reuter-Foss, world-champion steel pan soloist Liam Teague, and more.
Various athletic pep bands also play an important role in the band program and on campus. The Badger basketball and hockey teams attract fans to the Kohl Center, and in recent years, Wisconsin has enjoyed a long history of post-season tournament action.
Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Varsity Band may audition for Marching Band in the fall, regardless of degree path. Enrollment in Varsity Band is limited to those who have successfully auditioned and previously participated in fall Marching Band.
Summer University Band
Scott Teeple, conductor
Summer University Band (Music 43)
Open to UW–Madison students and members of the community
No audition required
Registration:
Click here to register
Registration fee: $75 for community members
UW–Madison students: Complete the registration form and finalize enrollment in Music 43 through the UW Course Search & Enroll system. If you do not want credit for the course, you will be asked to pay the community member cost.
Schedule:
June 2-June 25, 2025
Rehearsals Monday and Thursday from 7 pm-9 pm at the Hamel Music Center
Concert on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7 pm
Additional information:
Community members are responsible for providing their own instrument to participate in the ensemble. The Mead Witter School of Music does offer some instruments for rent, but availability is limited, and rentals cannot be guaranteed for community members. If you are interested in renting an instrument, please contact Dan Brice at dan.brice@wisc.edu for further details and availability.
