America's largest college marching band, the BGSU Falcon Marching Band, performed during a Falcons football preview event on Aug. 17. (BGSU photo/Ben Boutwell '24)
Growing in size and prominence
The Falcon Marching Band is now America's largest college marching band, with a record-breaking 600 members for the 2026-27 season. Under the leadership of Director of Marching and Athletic Bands Jon Waters, the band has earned invitations to prestigious events nationally and internationally, including the iconic St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, and the upcoming 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. More than 80% of the band’s members remain non-music majors, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the Falcon Marching Band across the University and the value students place on extracurricular involvement as part of their college experience.
Key Highlights
Becoming the nation's largest college marching band
This marks the fifth consecutive year of growth for the Falcon Marching Band, which has reached a record 600 members, making it America's largest college marching band and the largest in BGSU history. Students from across the University join the band to continue their musical passions while becoming part of a connected campus community.
A culture of support and mentorship
As the band has grown, Director of Marching and Athletic Bands Jon Waters has prioritized maintaining a personalized experience. Through a network of section leaders, new members are mentored by third and fourth-year students who help them transition to college and build lasting connections while developing their own leadership skills.
An invitation to the 2027 Rose Parade
Following a highly competitive selection process, the Falcon Marching Band was chosen to perform in the upcoming 2027 Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, further elevating its national prominence.
“Reaching a record 600 members is an exciting milestone, but what makes it truly special is what it represents. The continued growth speaks to the incredible student experience at Bowling Green and the pride students have in being part of something with such a rich tradition."
JON WATERS
DIRECTOR OF MARCHING AND ATHLETIC BANDS
The Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band has grown to a record 600 members, becoming the largest collegiate marching band in America and the largest in BGSU history.
This marks the fifth consecutive year of growth for the band – both in size and caliber. The Falcon Marching Band continues to earn invitations to some of the most prestigious performances for marching bands nationally and internationally, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, and the upcoming 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, providing Bowling Green students with an unmatched experience.
For the 2026-27 season, the band added more than 120 students over last year and has grown more than sixfold since 2022, when it had just 90 members.
“Reaching a record 600 members is an exciting milestone, but what makes it truly special is what it represents,” said Jon Waters, director of marching and athletic bands and assistant teaching professor. “The continued growth speaks to the incredible student experience at Bowling Green and the pride students have in being part of something with such a rich tradition. Every performance is powered by students who are passionate about this University, and we’re excited to showcase that passion in an even bigger way this season.”
As membership has grown, Waters has elevated the band’s longstanding, strong sense of community, ensuring students have opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers and build lasting connections.
More than 80% of the band’s members remain non-music majors, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the Falcon Marching Band across the University and the value students place on extracurricular involvement as part of their college experience.
To ensure students continue receiving a personalized experience, Waters established a network of section leaders – often third or fourth-year students who mentor younger members, build community within their sections and help new students transition to college life while developing their own leadership skills.
Support and enthusiasm for the Falcon Marching Band extends beyond campus into the greater community, with fans turning out in large numbers to watch their performances during football games, parades and community events.
That support also helped fund an upgrade to the band’s outdoor practice field through generous contributions from alumni donors. In 2025, the University debuted The Student Green, a new, state-of-the-art turf practice field east of Perry Field House that provides the record-breaking band with a spacious, well-lit space for practice.
Recognized as one of the nation’s standout college bands, the Falcon Marching Band continues to make history.
The band, chosen following a highly competitive selection process, will perform in the 2027 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day ahead of the internationally watched Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California.
During its 102nd year in 2025, the Falcon Marching Band was one of only three college marching bands invited to perform in the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
The Falcon Marching Band’s first football game performance will be on Saturday, Sept. 5, as BGSU takes on Tarleton State at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The band will also perform during this fall’s Rally BG on Main event, BGSU Homecoming celebration and the Bowling Green Community Holiday Parade.
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Updated: 08/18/2026 01:32PM