Past BMB Seasons
Thousands of BMB alums echo countless memories that make the Blugold Marching Band the vibrant, life-changing experience it has become. The BMB impacts lives and spawns unforgettable memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Below are the highlights of seasons since 2000 with a few pictures and videos to illustrate the legacy of a band that has grown from 60 to an astounding 450+ members.
(This page chronicles the growth of the BMB since 2000. Each year contains a video link of a show from that season.)
I’ve Been Everywhere
2023
DRUM MAJORS: Leyira Gininwa, Lilia Hazlett, Dylan Lehmann, Syd Martin
The BMB continued its success in 2023 with an incredible lineup of shows that included five Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, Youth in Music, BOA St. Louis, and a show at the Pablo Center.
Rihanna Opener: Where Have You Been, Don’t Stop The Music, Only Girl (In The World), The Monster, We Found Love, This is What You Came For
Elton John Ballad: Funeral for a Friend, Rocket Man, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Harry Styles Production: Music for a Sushi Restaurant
My Chemical Romance Closer: Welcome to the Black Parade
Livin’ On The Edge
2022
DRUM MAJORS: Daniel Modl, Leyira Gininwa, Noah Vander Loop
The 2022 season was one for the history books! An incredible lineup of shows included six Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, Youth in Music, International Fall Festival, a Board of Regents Concert, and a show at the Pablo Center. The crowning experience was a 21-day International Performance Tour of South America, the Panama Canal, and Central America with over 350 travelers!
Olivia Rodrigo Opener: Good 4 U
Adele Ballad: Skyfall/Go Easy on Me
Lil Nas X Closer: That’s What I Want, Montero (Call Me By Your Name), & Industry Baby (feat. Jack Harlow)
Anything Goes
2021
DRUM MAJORS: Daniel Modl, Matt Talley, Noah Vander Loop
2021 “Anything Goes” SHOW VIDEO
Classical Opener: Pagliacci (1892), Ruslan and Ludmila (1842), Verdi’s Requiem (1874), & Holst’s The Planets Suite: Mars (1914-17)
Percussion Feature and Elvis Ballad: I Can’t Help Falling In Love
Lizzo Closer: Truth Hurts, Good as Hell, Juice
The Power of Band
2020
DRUM MAJORS: Nathan Czech, Daniel Modl, Noah Vander Loop
WQOW ABC aired a 45-minute prime special "The Power of Band" on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The program traced the history, development, and future of the Blugold Marching Band. It also highlighted the band's diversity, use of technology, international trips, and response to COVID-19. Included in the special are segments of the 2020 fall performances, plus glimpses of past shows and international trips.
2020 “The Power of Band” Show Video
Panic! At The Disco Opener: High Hopes, The Greatest Show
Sia Production: Cheap Thrills, Chandelier
Disco Opener: Dancing Queen, I Will Survive
2020 BMB Roster
This is the Greatest Show
2019
DRUM MAJORS: Nathan Czech, Megan Hutera, Michael St’Ores
The 2019 season will always be a season to remember! Dr. Dickerson’s 20th year at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire was a celebration of the rebirth of the modern BMB. A tremendous lineup of shows included four Blugold homes games, Music Along the Chippewa, a performance in Green Bay, Youth in Music, the Chicagoland Marching Festival, a show at the Pablo Center. The crowning experience was a 21-day International Performance Tour of Australia and New Zealand with 402 travelers! At home or abroad, This is the greatest show!
2019 “The Greatest Show” SHOW VIDEO
Panic! At The Disco Opener: High Hopes, The Greatest Show
Sia Production: Cheap Thrills, Chandelier
Disco Closer: It’s Raining Men
Live While We’re Young
2018
DRUM MAJORS: Nathan Czech, Matt Hicks, Megan Hutera
2018 was the biggest and baddest year yet. The BMB reached 400 members, making it the largest band in the Midwest. Performance highlights for the year included: four Blugold home games, the opening of the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Downtown Eau Claire, the International Fall Festival, Music Along The Chippewa, Youth In Music in Minneapolis, the Bands Of America Super Regionals in St. Louis, and an indoor stage show in the new Pablo Center at the Confluence.
2018 “Live While We’re Young” SHOW VIDEO:
One Direction Opener: Story Of My Life, Live While We’re Young, What Makes You Beautiful
Beyonce Medley: Lose My Breath, Get Me Bodied, Halo
Justin Timberlake Closer: Bye Bye Bye, Sexy Back, Can’t Stop the Feeling
Guilty Pleasures
2017
DRUM MAJORS: Nathan Czech, Catherine Edgington, Devon Lawrence
2017 was a fun-filled season and the exuberant show aimed to please a wide audience. In addition to Blugold home games and Music Along the Chippewa, the BMB traveled to Chicago and Waukesha for the Chicagoland Marching Festival and the Waukesha West shows. At the end of the season, the band flew to Singapore, then cruised to Malaysia and Thailand onboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas before flying on to Bali to complete an exciting 19-day International Performance Tour.
2017 “Guilty Pleasures” SHOW VIDEO:
Disco Opener: Dancing Queen, I Will Survive
80’s Medley: Take on Me, Never Gonna Give You Up, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Closer: The Devil Went Down to Georgia
Turn Up The Crazy
2016
DRUM MAJORS: Catherine Edgington, Devon Lawrence, David Lofy, Andrew Nicholson
The 2016 season was a season to remember as the band fielded more than 350 members. Dr. Ward Miller (Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps) joined the BMB staff as a special consultant and helped to produce a show that showed a new focus and direction for the BMB. The band was the feature exhibition group for Bands of America Super Regionals in Indianapolis as well as Music Along the Chippewa. BMB was among the first bands to christen the new US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for Youth In Music.
2016 “Turn Up the Crazy” SHOW VIDEO:
Opener: Queen Fanfare/Victorious
Queen Production: Bohemian Rhapsody
Fall Out Boy Closer: Irresistible and Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
The BMB Goes Latin
2015
DRUM MAJORS: Devon Lawrence, David Lofy, Kara Metzger
The season of 2015 was by far one of the loudest and most interesting seasons at this point. The BMB chose a Latin theme to spice up the audiences and hopefully make them want to get up and dance. The wide range of performances included Youth In Music in Minneapolis, Music Along The Chippewa, Greendale, and Chicagoland shows. At the close of the regular season BMB carried the beat to Europe with a trip to Barcelona, Spain followed by a cruise around the Mediterranean with stops on several islands and in Italy on the Norwegian Epic.
2015 “The BMB Goes Latin” SHOW VIDEO:
Shakira Opener: Dare La La
David Bisbal Production: Oye el Boom
Ricky Martin Production: Lola, Lola
Gloria Estefan Closer: Oye
Cutting Edge Pop
2014
DRUM MAJORS: Nick Hansberry, David Lofy, Kara Metzger
2014 moved in a new direction for the BMB, culminating in a special exhibition performance at the Bands of America Super Regionals in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. In addition to the four Blugold home games and parade/stage show at the Eau Claire International Festival, the BMB performed a record number of high school exhibitions including Chippewa Falls, Cumberland, and Youth in Music. The BMB was also the focus of more media attention than ever with the production of the documentary "Pride [AND] Performance" and a nationally syndicated segment on "The Real Winning Edge" that featured our solo twirler, Briar Swann.
2014 “Cutting Edge Pop” SHOW VIDEO:
Lady Gaga Opener: Applause
Macklemore Production: Can't Hold Us
One Direction Production: Kiss You
Katy Perry Closer: Dark Horse, Firework
The Darker Side of Pop
2013
DRUM MAJORS: Ross Christianson, Sean Conway, Nick Hansberry
The 2013 season was packed full of excitement including Blugold home games, high school football games at EC North and Chippewa Falls, and contest exhibitions at Cumberland, Lincoln-Way Illinois, and Youth in Music. The BMB was also thrilled to perform at Chancellor James Schmidt's inauguration in November. At the end of the regular season members of the BMB flew to Tokyo, Japan where they spent two vacation days before proceeding to Singapore where they spent four days, then began a Performance Cruise Tour aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas. The BMB was a featured performing act on the roundtrip passage to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,2013 “The Darker Side of Pop” SHOW VIDEO: and Phuket, Thailand.
2013 “The Darker Side of Pop” SHOW VIDEO:
Bruno Mars Opener: Locked out of Heaven
Fall Out Boy Production: My Song's Know What You Did in the Dark
Brittany Spears Production: Toxic
Train Closer: 50 Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s Get Loud
2012
DRUM MAJORS: Nick Hansberry, Bryan Kujawa, Bret Van Nuland
2012 was the most exciting season yet for the BMB. The band performed four Blugold home games, a parade and stage show at the Eau Claire International Festival, an exhibition at Music Along the Chippewa contest, and another exhibition at the Youth in Music Grand Championships in the HHH Metrodome. The finale came in late October with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri to perform at the Bands of America (BOA) Super Regionals. The BMB was one of just two collegiate bands invited to BOA St Louis and performed to what may be the most enthusiastic and responsive audiences in BMB history. Over 9,000 high school students and fans stood and cheered continuously throughout the show.
2012 “Let’s Get Loud” SHOW VIDEO:
Enrique Iglesias Opener: I Like It
Jennifer Lopez Production: Let's Get Loud, On the Floor, Papi
Shakira Closer: Objection Tango
Music of the Decades
2011
DRUM MAJORS: Gabe Stejskal, Bret Van Nuland, Matt Winarski
The 2011 season included five Blugold games, exhibitions in Naperville (IL), Menomonie (WI), and the Youth in Music (MN). added a new dimension that will become a regular activity on the BMB schedule - cruising! After a full regular season of football games, contest exhibitions, and a trip to Chicago 170 of the 300 BMB members traveled to Rome where they boarded a cruise ship and set sail for Greece, Turkey, and Israel. Members of the BMB were featured performers on the Costa Serena cruise ship where they played three concerts to capacity crowds (seating 1350) and standing ovations.
2011 “Music of the Decades” SHOW VIDEO:
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
Latin Divas and Dudes
2010
DRUM MAJORS: Stefanie Berkopec, Bret Van Nuland, Matt Winarski
2010 was an exciting season as the BMB added several new venues to its already full performance slate. The band traveled to North Central College (IL) for its first away game since 2004 and performed at the Warrens Cranberry Festival. One of the highlights of the season was the halftime show for the Minnesota Vikings vs Miami Dolphins game in September.
2010 “Latin Divas and Dudes” SHOW VIDEO:
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
Get Your Groove On: Music You Can Dance To
2009
DRUM MAJORS: Stefanie Berkopec. Mike Renneke, Bret Van Nuland
2009 was another record-breaking year in terms of total enrollment (272), the number of applications (300+), and variety of performances. After a full home season, members of the BMB traveled to Europe where they performed stage shows in Venice, at Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
2009 “Get Your Groove On: Music You Can Dance To” SHOW VIDEO:
Kool & the Gang Opener: Celebrate, Get Down On It, Jungle Boogie
Production I: Love Rollercoaster
Production II: Shout
Closer: Play That Funky Music
Greatest Songs of the Rock Era
2008
DRUM MAJORS: Michelle Kochan, Brad March, Mike Renneke
In 2008 the BMB gave more performances than ever before including shows in Chicago, Minneapolis, Green Bay, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and five appearances on campus. A record breaking 232 BMB members rocked out to classic rock tunes that had the audience singing along.
2008 “Greatest Songs of the Rock Era” SHOW VIDEO:
Guns 'n Roses Opener: Welcome to the Jungle
Kansas Production: Carry On Wayward Son
Styx Production: Renegade, Mr. Roboto, Come Sail Away
Bon Jovi Closer: You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Livin' on a Prayer
“What’s Hot” A Collection of Popular Music From Around The World
2007
DRUM MAJORS: Jacob Boyle, Michelle Kochan, Mike Renneke
In 2007 the Blugold Marching Band performed in 8 cities and 4 countries for a combined audience of more than 200,000 people. The “What’s Hot” theme was designed for international audiences in Italy, Greece, and Vatican City. The band performed field exhibitions in Chippewa Falls, Waukesha, and the Metrodome then premiered its stage show in Zorn Area before taking it to Vatican City, Rome, Florence, and Athens.
2007 “What’s Hot” SHOW VIDEO:
Opener: Bat Country
Production: Yassou Maria
Ballad: If You Were Here
Closer: Lola, Lola
STAGE SHOW
All selections from the Field Show plus:
Slad (Poland), Dream On (USA), Asereje (Spain), Numa Numa (Romania), Sexy Back (USA), Cup of Life (Latin America)
“Shut Up And Dance!” The Music Of Aerosmith
2006
DRUM MAJORS: Jacob Boyle, Phil Salwasser, Phil Snyder
The 2006 season featured the BMB's highest energy performance yet. The music of Aerosmith rocked not only the 192 member BMB but the crowd as well. The performance schedule included trips to Irondale, Chippewa Falls, and the Youth in Music Championships in the Minneapolis Metrodome.
2006 “Shut Up and Dance” SHOW VIDEO:
Opener: Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees), Janie's Got a Gun
Production: Love in an Elevator, Just Push Play
Ballad: Dream On
Closer: Shut Up and Dance, Walk This Way
The Music of Gloria Estefan
2005
DRUM MAJORS” Tim Baumann, Theresa soules
The 2005 Blugold Marching Band season was undeniably the best season to that point as the BMB performed at four Blugold football games, Music Along the Chippewa, the Greendale Marching Festival, the EC North vs EC Memorial game, and the Parade of Nations. BMB membership stood at all all-time high of 171 members. Carson Park was the scene of one giant Miami - South Beach party when the Blugold Marching Band took the field. It was the most fun season ever as the BMB partied to the music of Gloria Estefan. The 2005 season was also the beginning of a new BMB tradition - staged choreography in sections and pull-out dance groups.
2005 “The Music of Gloria Estefan” SHOW
Opener: Turn the Beat Around, Everlasting Love, Get On Your Feet, 1-2-3
Ballad: Reach
Closer: Oye
The Music Of James Brown
2004
DRUM MAJORS: Tim Baumann, Theresa Soules
In 2004 the hardest working band in Wisconsin teamed up with the hardest working man in show business to bring audiences the music of James Brown. The Blugold Marching Band took its new funky factory image to a higher level. A major component of the band's makeover was the addition of the band's makeover was the addition of a new dance line. Six members of the University Dance Team joined the BMB to enhance the James Brown theme. Alongside the dancers was a new star in the BMB crown - featured twirler, Emily Schneider. The musical program included excerpts from many of James Brown's hits.
2004 “The Music of James Brown” SHOW
Opener: Gotta Gimme Some More, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag.
Production: Its a Man's World with Georgia on My Mind
Closer: I Got You, Living in America, reprise of Georgia.
Old School Michael Jackson
2003
DRUM MAJOR: Branden Atherton
The 2003 season was dubbed "Bigger and Better Than Ever!" with good reason. It was the first time the Blugold Marching Band topped 100 members. It also marked the beginning of a new era in BMB energy. The Michael Jackson show featured many of Michael's hits but concentrated on his earlier years from Jackson Five through the 1980s. The band updated its image in 2003 by replacing its 17-year-old uniform accessories with more modern ones. A cape was added and the old shoulder nests were replaced by shoulder cords and a Wisconsin patch. The old yellow plume was replaced by a taller white plume.
2003 “Old School Michael Jackson” SHOW
Opener: I’ll Be There, Don’t Stop til You Get Enough, Billie Jean
Ballad: Man in the Mirror
Closer: Beat It, PYT
Hits of the 70s
2002
DRUM MAJOR: Branden Atherton
During the first few rebuilding years the BMB experimented with various forms of rock music. Although the band was still small there was a growing enthusiasm and for the first time, the group had several non-music majors.
2002 “Hits of the 70s” SHOW
Opener: We Are the Champions, 25 or 6 to 4
Production: We Will Rock You
Closer: Mr. Roboto
Tower of Power
2001
DRUM MAJORS: Lindsey Andress, David Snyder
In many ways, 2001 “Tower of Power” SHOW 2001 was the most difficult year because there was mixed reaction to trying to create a marching band within the ranks of music education majors. A small group of students bought into the idea but the rest were content to leave the group as it was. 2001 saw the purchase of six silver sousaphones, doubling the size of the section. The musical program was arranged for the band by George Brozak.
2001 “Tower of Power” SHOW
Opener: Soul With a Capital "S"
Percussion feature
Closer: What is Hip?
The Show That Started it All
2000
DRUM MAJORS: Jill Johnson, Jennie Jacobson
Fall of 2000 was Dickerson's first year at UW-Eau Claire and the handful of people who signed up for marching band weren't sure what they were in for. No one knew the roster until the first day of classes so the band had to begin designing the first show at the first rehearsal. There were 36 wind players and 13 drummers. Drum Majors and Color Guard members were chosen on the spot and the musical program was a hodgepodge of what could be found in the library. The band was ambitious enough to attempt two difficult arrangements but never got beyond a few simple drill moves.
2000 “The Show That Started it All”
Opener: Pegasus
Production: Children of Sanchez
2000 BMB ROSTER