BGSU Falcon Marching Band becomes one of the nation's largest for 2024-25 season

Band also is the largest in University history at 425 members

By Michael Bratton

More than quadrupling in size over the past two years, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band is now one of the largest in the nation and the largest in University history with 425 members.

Led by Director of Marching and Athletic Bands professor Jon Waters, the Falcon Marching Band is the largest student organization on campus. Seventy-five percent of members represent majors outside of music, underscoring The Wall Street Journal's ranking of BGSU as the No. 1 university in Ohio for the student experience.

"We are thrilled to have such a large and diverse group of dedicated students in this year's Falcon Marching Band," Waters said. "From the football field to parades and everywhere in between, the Falcon Marching Band provides the soundtrack to BGSU, and it all starts with our students, who represent nearly every college at the University. Empowered by a BGSU education, Falcon Marching Band students gain valuable experience as musicians and build meaningful skills and connections with each other. We are honored to continue the band's legacy with a record number of students this fall."

Entering its 101st year at BGSU, the Falcon Marching Band's first major performance of the season is on Thursday, Aug. 29, during the home-opening football game against Fordham at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

The band performs at a variety of University and community events year-round, including parades, fairs, concerts and, most notably, BGSU football games. For the 2024-25 season, the Falcon Marching Band will travel to Dublin, Ireland, in March to perform in the world-renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade.