University of Wisconsin Marching Band director Corey Pompey surveys ensemble members each spring semester to determine what they want to perform, and the majority of the next season’s halftime shows come from those results, Channel 3000 reported.
Pompey, who started in July 2019 after replacing 50-year director Mike Leckrone, has invigorated the band’s shows with modern pop music while retaining many traditions popularized by his predecessor. Student drum major Caleb Monge, who began playing saxophone in the band in 2022, praised Pompey’s creativity and cited a Michael Jackson tribute featuring dance sequences to songs including Thriller and Beat It as a favorite performance.
Leckrone, who attended last April’s Varsity Band Concert at the Kohl Center, said he was pleased Pompey maintained traditions while adding his own signature, and that crowd reactions have been positive. Pompey previously taught music in Alabama public schools for seven years before earning a Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting at the University of Texas and serving as assistant director of athletic bands at Penn State.
Pompey said he is grateful for the position and praised the students and colleagues he works with at UW.
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