[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E29-E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING 100 YEARS OF THE WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY BRONCO MARCHING 
                                  BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2022

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, during the fall of 2021, the Western 
Michigan University

[[Page E30]]

Bronco Marching Band celebrated its 100th season on the field. As a 
former member of the Michigan Marching Band, I can attest that no 
college football game day is complete without the sights and sounds of 
a marching band, particularly in Michigan. Since its inception in 1915, 
the Bronco Marching Band has been a staple within the greater Kalamazoo 
and Michigan communities, and a fixture on WMU's campus, both at home 
and away sporting events, and at many other university occasions, such 
as its Annual Concert open to all members of the community. The BMB 
Football Pre-game and Half-time Performances are honored as recognizing 
timely and creative themes, regularly recognizing the BMB as ``The Best 
Band in the MAC.'' The Bronco Marching Band serves as the keeper and 
curator of WMU traditions, providing the expected soundtrack for 
returning alumni in a way that recordings cannot. Its performances off 
campus have even broader impact through parades, exhibitions, and 
community service, including performances and media appearances in 
numerous Kalamazoo Holiday Events. Over the years, the BMB has also 
brought national attention to Michigan, Kalamazoo, and WMU during 
appearances at the International Bowl, Texas Bowl, Little Caesar's 
Pizza Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowls (2), Cotton Bowl, First Responder 
Bowl, and the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. The BMB's dedicated 300+ 
members and staff, and thousands of BMB Alumni, have brought joy and 
Bronco Spirit to millions over the past century with hits such as 
``I've Got a Girl in Kalamazoo,'' and ``Hot Time in the Old Town 
Tonight,'' as well as the beloved Bronco Fight Song. Congratulations 
again to the WMU Bronco Marching Band on this major milestone. I look 
forward to seeing what you achieve in the next 100 years. Go Broncos.

                          ____________________