MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – The melodies of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing”, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” echoed as badgers on the University of Wisconsin campus Band gathered for the first joint training session in a year and a half.
The UW band’s director, Corey Pompey, said the theme of their first half-time appearance was survival, and these songs tell their story of surviving last year, when they were separated from the fans and from each other.
“We were gone a long time,” said Pompey. “We’re back now, we’ve made it and are ready to bring you joy again.”
In March 2020, the band was preparing for their spring concert when COVID-19 changed the world as we know it.
“Well, I have to admit it was tough on me,” said Pompey. “But what was really difficult was seeing the impact it had on our students.”
For drum major Josh Richlen, senior year was a far cry from what he had dreamed of.
“I’ve been working and training to become a drum major for about three years,” said Richlen. “So it was a huge disappointment to get it last year but not to play at Camp Randall or in front of fans.”
Richlen said after some debate that he had decided to return for a fifth year and had earned his place as drum major again. Now Richlen will have the chance to relive those moments that the pandemic took from him.
“It definitely shows how lucky everyone is to be in this band and perform at Camp Randall,” said Richlen. “It’s such a special place and to have it taken away from you or a year … the first steps in the field will be the ones I will never forget.”
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