Malcolm Robey

Back2Back2Back for the Rosebowl.  The Badgers do it again!  As January 1st nears closer and all plans to Cali are solidified, we must not forget a crucial part of game day: the UW Band.  No matter what happens on the field the UW Band is always there supporting the players and the crowd.  Their enthusiastic songs and choreography never fail to create an incredible atmosphere in Camp Randall.  With Campus Celebrity Malcolm Robey as drum major, the Rosebowl will be no exception.   

What is your role in the UW Band as drum major?

I am responsible for leading the practices and performances of the band in addition to keeping the group organized and structured. At practices, my roles involve keeping the group focused whether it be calling the band to “ attention” or giving a motivational speech on and before game day. In addition, they serve as the liaison between the band director and the band. 

Have you had any previous leadership roles?

My first position as any Leader came when I was made Drum Major in high school (Carson High School , Carson, CA). I was approaching my junior year and noticed that our school band , having served as a loyal member my first two years of high school, was on its way to falling apart. The LAUSD board had cut close to all funding for performing arts programs in the LA school district, marching band and related programs. I took over my position at a time when most members thought of quitting the group and current members began to question why they stayed around after having watched several of our teachers be dismissed. It was as though we were student run once our new teacher Mr. Pittman came in. He was a great teacher, but didn’t quite understand our school band’s tradition. Long story short, it was myself along with the help of my friend Johnny ( assistant DM) to recruit and get people involved with music again. Having this role, I was not only drum major, I was the band’s activist, the one willing to stand up to administration and argue for our place in the Campus community. Having this role taught me to not be afraid to take charge, especially when my team is under threat. I learned that when I’m involved in something, every ounce of my being goes into it, as though it’s all I live for- something about me that till this day I still don’t fully understand.

Explain the make-up of the UW Band.

The Marching Band consists of clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, flugelhorns, mellophones, trombones, bass and treble clef euphoniums, sousaphones, and marching percussion (the Wisconsin Drumline). There are approximately 315 members in the entire band who are divided into a total of 25 ranks. Each rank consists of approximately 10-12 members. Eight marching what are called “ full spots” while the remaining have half time spots or are alternates.

Many people have heard the band practice near the Lakeshore Path.  How often do you practice and what is an average day like?

During the football season the Marching Band rehearses from 3:45 – 5:30 pm Tuesday through Friday. Following the football season (spring semester), the Varsity Band rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 – 5:30pm. Practices usually go on as scheduled and are rarely canceled unless an extreme circumstance arises. Practices are intense and require a high level of focus and physical stamina. The marching can be very extremely taxing especially if one doesn’t come prepared. There have been some days where we would power through the upcoming game’s material, having most if not all the positions marched and covered and learned. However, like any team, there are some rehearsals where we struggle. That’s where I come in. At the end of every practice, I give the team a short speech summing up the day’s accomplishments as well as acknowledge any flaws in the team’s habits during that specific practice. Some days, if a particular section (a rank for example) of the group struggles whether it be learning a part, or formation, I call a quick pep talk. This isn’t a condescending speech given to scold them, but rather a positive recap of the day in attempts to address any issues that may be occurring (communication, absent members, etc) .

Is the choreography hard to learn?

If people have see our shows, they’d know that the UW Band’s style is quite unique compared to all the other Big Ten Marching Bands. Our marching step is known as the “ STOP AT THE TOP” (invented by professor Leckrone himself). Our step is a high step, however, the toe is pointed downward. Every step should be swift and sharp, the toe remaining pointed down as your leg comes to a solid high step position. The choreography of the shoes isn’t to difficult. Leckrone provides a list of instructions or blueprints to each person’s position and positions that will be moved to on the field. This is usually issued in the form of a chart lined with a grid of the football field. The difficult part of learning our shows comes when we apply musical fundamentals to the marching (or marching and playing at the same time).  I’ve found the most difficult part of learning a show is maintaining a decent “ stop at the top” while playing through a horn. In addition to executing a series of shapes and formations written into the show, Leckrone likes to add what we call “ special steps” which consist mainly of; the zsa step or the slow march performed in pregame, the hitch step, tap step. These steps in my opinion always add snap and style to the show, something the UW Band continues to be known for.

What is your favorite part of Badger football games?

Personally, my favorite part of the game is Pregame. Why? Because that’s when the band enters Camp Randall (or where ever they are performing) and to make a statement, something we never fail to do. I feel as though we are the Gunshot at the start of an anticipated race that gets fans pumped and out of their seats.  As for myself, my first time in Camp Randall doing pregame was an experience I will never forget. It was the roar of the crowd when I let the Tubas up to the goal post to get ready to start. I felt like I was in a movie. Thousands upon thousands of badger fans lined stadium waiting for us to march out. What was even more overwhelming was having the realization that I, me , was the one blowing the whistle to start the band. Leckrone pointed with reassurance with basically meant “ whenever they’re ready Malcolm”, as he’d say at  rehearsal. I couldn’t believe that I was getting the honor to lead out such a phenomenal band!!

What about 5th Quarter?

5th quarter is exciting for me because win or lose, I like the fact that we keep the fans in good spirits in addition to reminding them that one should be proud to be a Badger. 

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