More than music: BGSU students flock to Falcon Marching Band in record numbers for inclusive culture, unforgettable experiences

The band’s director, professor Jon Waters, has created an environment that students are eager to join

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

The most formative decision Bowling Green State University junior Jonathan Outrich made when he started college was joining the Falcon Marching Band.

The trombone player turned drum major emphatically credits his involvement in the marching band with shaping his journey at the University, acknowledging that it’s hard to imagine his BGSU experience without the Falcon Marching Band.

“Joining marching band was absolutely the best decision I made when I came to BGSU,” Outrich said. “I don’t know what my life as a student or a person would be like if I hadn’t taken that chance freshman year. I’ve formed relationships, learned to be a leader, traveled and had so many incredible experiences.”

The Falcon Marching Band has more than quadrupled since Outrich joined in 2022 and is now one of the largest collegiate marching band in the nation and the largest in BGSU history with 425 members.

Its remarkable growth coincides with the tenure of Director of Marching and Athletic Bands professor Jon Waters. When Waters took over in summer 2022, there were nearly 90 students signed up for the band.

The Falcon Marching Band has grown by hundreds of students each year since then, which is indicative of the energy, creativity and leadership Waters has brought to the organization.

"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."

The band, which is entering its 101st year at BGSU, performs at various University and community events year-round, including parades, fairs, concerts and, most notably, BGSU football games. 

At more than 400 members, 75% of the band consists of majors outside of music. To Waters, that statistic signifies the band’s inclusive environment and broad appeal to students across the learning community. 

Now more than ever, students are eager to be part of the vibrant BGSU student life experience, ranked No. 1 in Ohio among public universities by The Wall Street Journal.

“Marching band is important to our students’ growth and development and their experience at BGSU,” Waters said. “At my core, I’m passionate about helping students become good citizens, and we just happen to get to do that through music. The students learn to play and make music and, at the same time, learn collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving and leadership skills. We provide them with a life experience that prepares them for the world.

“There is no better student experience than at BGSU.”

The philosophy of supporting students’ growth in areas beyond their musical talent resonates with many marching band members, including BGSU junior Maddie Grisier, a trumpet section leader.

Grisier, who joined Falcon Marching Band in 2022, said she has become a more empathetic leader, valuing Waters’ people-first sentiment.  

As a section leader, Grisier, a nursing major, helps lead a team of about 70 trumpet players alongside three other section leaders. In addition to enhancing the group’s musical performance, Grisier also prioritizes checking in on the group, encouraging students to reach out if they need help.

“We want to make sure everyone is mentally and physically healthy,” she said. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what instrument you play or what section you’re in, we’re all here for each other. Falcon Marching Band truly is a family.”

Outrich, a systems engineering major in his third year with the Falcon Marching Band, said that even as the band has grown, its core values have remained the same.

“I don’t feel like I’m just a number in the band, and I never have,” he said. “Even with as many people as there are, everyone has a friend in the band or someone they can look up to or reach out to. No matter how big the Falcon Marching Band gets, I’m confident that is one thing that will not change.”