We spoke with Michael Leckrone, the University of Wisconsin Director of Bands, via telephone from his office at UW-Madison. Since 1969, Leckrone's energy and enthusiasm has been synonymous with the UW Marching and Varsity Bands. The mp3 podcast conversation can be downloaded here and can be enjoyed on your personal computer or loaded onto your personal mp3 player for on-the-go listening. You can also subscribe to our monthly podcasts via iTunes by clicking here.
For nearly 40 years, Leckrone has led the UW Band through football halftime marching presentations, rousing basketball and hockey games and the annual Spring Concert. The yearly show started its run in 1975 in Mills Hall in front of a crowd of 400 family members and friends. Now, it's held at the Kohl Center for three consecutive nights each April for near-capacity crowds. With professional production, pyrotechnic displays, Leckrone's daring aerial entrances and, of course, all of the favorite UW songs, the show is a perennial fan favorite.
In our conversation, Leckrone talks about his experiences with the band, the evolution of the spring show and why he knows that UW's fans are the best in the nation.
The 2007 Spring UW Varsity Band Show: Masters of the House airs on WPT at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5.
