Marching band takes ‘Fifth Quarter’ to nation’s capital

“When you say ‘WIS-CON-SIN,’ you’ve said it all!”

The throngs of visitors attending the Smithsonian American Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 3, will hear that message loud and clear when they have a chance to experience a popular modern-day Wisconsin tradition – the UW Marching Band’s Fifth Quarter. The band, led by director Mike Leckrone, will be performing at the Wisconsin Tailgate, which begins at 5:30 p.m. (EDT) on Friday.

Leckrone will discuss Wisconsin Marching Band traditions from 7 to 7:30 p.m. (EDT) He and his charges will launch into their rousing Fifth Quarter celebration at 8:30 p.m., (EDT) introducing festival goers to such Badger favorites as the Chicken Dance, On Wisconsin!, and Varsity.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association has invited Badger alumni to the festival to “relive Camp Randall moments” with the band.

The Wisconsin Tailgate will also feature a polka party, pep bands, a table-top football tournament and a “Best Wisconsin Tailgate Costume” contest.

This year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival is showcasing Wisconsin’s heritage and traditions as the state celebrates its sesquicentennial. A Wisconsin Folklife Festival will be held in Madison August 20-23.

The band is scheduled to rehearse outside of Gate 15 at the north end of Camp Randall Stadium on Thursday, July 2, at 10 a.m.

Band members will have a free day to experience the nation’s capital on the Fourth of July, and will fly back to Madison Sunday night, July 5.