Atherton Award Recipient
Daniel Modl, 2022

Daniel Modl
Alto Saxophone & Drum Major

Daniel Modl is currently a Ph.D. student at Oklahoma State University in the APA-Accredited Counseling Psychology program. At OSU, Daniel serves as Assistant to the Director of Training and a Graduate Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate course. He currently sees clients at the Counseling and Counseling Psychology Clinic on the Stillwater campus. Daniel is involved in research with the Stalking and Interpersonal Violence Lab with projects related to intimate partner violence in the LGBTQIA+ community and on college campuses. Daniel holds interests in training and supervising new counselors in multicultural competence and counseling ethics. He currently is pursuing clinical opportunities at college counseling centers and at VA medical centers.

Daniel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in psychology and music in December of 2022. Daniel was in the alto saxophone section for BMB for two seasons and drum major for three seasons and two international trips. He also served as a conductor for the Blugold Varsity Band for several seasons. Daniel studied classical saxophone and orchestral conducting as a music student at UWEC. He was co-founder of the Taurus Saxophone Duo as well. Daniel was a teaching assistant in undergraduate research methods and abnormal psychology courses. He was a research assistant in the Diversity, Prejudice, and Intergroup Relations Lab as well. He has worked in the Dean of Students Office and took an internship at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.

Outside of UWEC, Daniel marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps as a drum major for four seasons. He has performed in community bands such as the Troppo Big Band. Daniel is a vocal advocate for international travel and cultural immersions for everyone, but especially students. He has been to 20 different countries on 5 continents. He is looking forward to his next trip outside the US.

Daniel is co-winner of the 2022 Atherton award with his best friend, Max Ellison.

“My experience with the Blugold Marching Band was the highlight to my undergraduate career in the Music and Theatre Department at UWEC. The phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ comes to my mind when I reminisce about my time in BMB, and truly, it is. Being able to perform, travel, and become immersed with individuals from various backgrounds was a beautiful way to allow personal growth to occur for me. Without BMB, I would be missing the friends I have now along with the incredible experiences I had with the international trips. To anyone considering whether or not you should apply or audition, here is my advice: DO IT! The worst that could happen is you fall in love with BMB and have to say goodbye at the end of your degree. Even then, there is always alumni band!”