BGSU Falcon Marching Band grows to 475 members for 2025-26 season, one of the nation's largest

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Already one of the nation's largest college marching bands, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band is getting even bigger for the 2025-26 season, growing to 475 members as more students choose to continue their marching band experience at the Division I level.

Serving as the largest student organization on campus and the biggest band in University history, the BGSU Falcon Marching Band is open to all students and embodies the top-ranked Bowling Green experience and learning opportunities that come with it, with nearly 80% of this year's members representing majors outside of music.

In addition to performing year-round at various BGSU and community events, the Falcon Marching Band provides students with opportunities to travel beyond northwest Ohio for immersive learning and playing opportunities, most recently in Dublin, Ireland, where the band performed in the renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Led by Director of Marching and Athletic Bands professor Jon Waters, the band's first major public appearance this year will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, during RallyBG on Main in downtown Bowling Green, with a performance alongside the Bowling Green High School Marching Band. The annual event serves as a collaboration between BGSU and the city of Bowling Green, bringing students and the greater community together for a day of fun, food and entertainment in one of the nation's safest college towns.

"I am thrilled to see the BGSU Falcon Marching Band grow in size once again this year with new and returning students from all majors across the learning community," Waters said. "As part of the BGSU experience, the Falcon Marching Band not only provides students with important learning opportunities and personal connections, it also empowers them with the skills to be engaged leaders, professionals and citizens in their careers and lives. Powered by students, the Falcon Marching Band provides the soundtrack to BGSU, and we're excited to continue its legacy in the learning and greater community as one of the largest bands in the nation."

Recognized as one of the nation's standout college bands, the Falcon Marching Band's first football game performance will be on Thursday, Aug. 28, during head coach Eddie George's home-opening debut as BGSU takes on Lafayette at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The band will also travel to the University of Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Ohio University on Saturday, Sept. 27, to support the team and University at the away games.

The Falcon Marching Band will also perform during this fall's BGSU Homecoming celebration and in the Bowling Green Community Holiday Parade. Additionally, Waters will lead the Band Director's Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, after directing the same band in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.