BGSU Bands culminating 100th anniversary celebration with special concerts April 6-7

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Commemorating 100 years of tradition and excellence, Bowling Green State University Bands will culminate their months-long celebration of musical contributions to the learning and greater community with special performances April 6-7 in Kobacker Hall at the Moore Musical Arts Center.

The weekend of musical collaboration begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, with a free performance by the Symphonic Band and University Band directed by Dr. Kenneth Thompson and assistant teaching professor Jon Waters. On Sunday, April 7, the Wind Symphony and Alumni Band will perform at 3 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Bruce Moss, professor and director of band activities. Tickets for Sunday's performance are $10 for the public with free admission for BGSU students who present a University ID at the door. Both concerts will be livestreamed for free on the BGSU College of Musical Arts YouTube channel.

In addition to attending the weekend concert gala, the community can bolster BGSU student learning and success through the ongoing Banding Together Centennial Campaign, which provides access to high-quality instruments, enhances experiential learning opportunities and supports the creation of a new marching band practice facility.

BGSU Bands have been celebrating their long and storied existence on the Bowling Green campus throughout the academic year, including during last fall's musically-themed Homecoming.

BGSU Bands trace their founding to 1923 when student Leo Lake and faculty member Earl Claire Powell established the very first marching band at what was known then as Bowling Green State Normal College. Known simply as “the College Band,” the ensemble had approximately 20 members and was led by Powell, an industrial arts faculty member who had no formal experience in music.

Other music programs at BGSU date back even earlier than 1923. The University has never been without music on campus, from the first existence of a department (1914-1961), to a School of Music (1961-1975) and, finally, the College of Musical Arts in 1975.