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Culminating a centennial celebration of BGSU Bands: A harmonious legacy

Another world premiere written expressly for BGSU bands debuted on Saturday, as the Symphonic Band performed "Forever Falcons: A Centennial Fanfare," written by alumnus Benjamin Taylor '11. 

Also during Sunday's performance, alumnus David Babich ’07, Chief Musician in the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, performed the saxophone solo in Premier Solo de Concours by Gabriel Pares. Babich, who obtained his bachelor of music in education and performance from BGSU, is also the assistant coordinator of the International Saxophone Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Navy Band.  

Sunday's concert culminated with a massed band that packed the rafters of Kobacker Hall as a contingent from the Falcon Marching Band and other student musicians joined in for the alma mater and other BGSU pep repertoire.  

BGSU Bands have woven a melodious tapestry across a century. The journey began in 1923, when student Leo Lake and faculty member Earl Claire Powell established the very first marching band at what was then known as Bowling Green State Normal College. With approximately 20 members, this ensemble, simply called “the College Band,” embarked on a musical odyssey that would resonate through time. Fast forward 100 years and the Falcon Marching Band alone boasts more than 300 members, making it the largest student organization at BGSU.  

Banding Together Centennial Campaign 

As the final notes of the centenary concert fade, BGSU Bands also invites fans and supporters to keep the music going through Banding Together, the BGSU Bands Centennial Campaign.   

This campaign aims to support BGSU Bands in their immediate needs and elevate their musical excellence across all venues. The project areas include: 

  • Falcon Marching Band Field Project Fund to provide an enhanced turf field and new teaching tower west of Perry Field House. This will provide a quality practice environment for the Falcon Marching Band and a venue for other BGSU activities. 
  • Falcon Marching Band Fund to support the purchase and maintenance of instruments, especially sousaphones, trombones, mellophones and a new sound system. 
  • BGSU Bands Endowment Fund to provide support in perpetuity for a range of BGSU Band program initiatives, including special projects, music commissions, guest artists, recruitment and band travel. 

“To all the students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters, past and present, who have been a part of this journey, thank you for your passion, talent and commitment,” said Dr. William Mathis, dean of the College of Musical Arts. “Your contributions have shaped BGSU Bands into what it is today, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Here’s to the next 100 years of excellence, innovation and harmony!”