“On, Wisconsin!” anniversary events continue

It wouldn’t be an occasion without cake, song, proclamations and merriment, and two events continuing the “On, Wisconsin!” anniversary celebrations will satisfy those requirements as the Badger Band and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Concert Choir honor the song.

The Badger Band and the Wisconsin Union will hold a birthday bash on the steps of the Memorial Union at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first performance of the song as Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will declare it “On, Wisconsin! Day.”

“‘On, Wisconsin!’ is bigger than the campus, bigger than the state, bigger even than my trombone section,” quips Michael Leckrone, director of UW Bands. “In all seriousness, though, it’s much more than a march. The song has spread enthusiasm about music in general and the state of Wisconsin in particular worldwide. We’re proud to be its ambassadors.”

Other event highlights include a sing-along, special guests, cake and a birthday gift from the band to the public: a special ticket offer for the band’s annual Varsity Band Concerts next April 15-17 at the Kohl Center. From 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (or as long as they are available) on Nov. 10, 100 tickets in prime locations will be sold through the band Web site. Tickets are $20 each, with a limit of four. They won’t be available again until Feb. 1. For more information, visit http://www.badgerband.com.

The UW–Madison Concert Choir will give a harmonious and vocally nuanced nod to “On, Wisconsin!” at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in Mills Hall at the Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St., when it premieres an arrangement of the song written by Jerry Hui, a doctoral composition student.

Also on the program are Motets by Otto Olsson, Charles Villiers Stanford and Orlando Gibbons; “Lamentations of Jeremiah” by Alberto Ginastera; “Behold! I Build a House” by Lukas Foss; and Swedish and American part songs and folk songs. With the exception of the work by Foss, the entire program is sung a cappella.

During spring break 2009, the Concert Choir toured Germany and France for nine days, performing in Munich, the Freiburg cathedral (in Madison’s sister city), Notre Dame Cathedral and the Madeleine church in Paris, and Chartres Cathedral. The 35-member choir is under the direction of Beverly Taylor, director of choral activities at UW–Madison.

The Concert Choir will participate in the annual Winter Choral Concerts at 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Ave. Both concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the School of Music Web site.