Big 'Ten' marching bands play 'Wicked' for National Wicked Day

I'm doing something new and different for today's spooky season celebration, observing National Wicked Day, the anniversary of Wicked's debut on Broadway. Of course, I'm doing it my way, which is to celebrate the day through the lens of marching music, capped by a drink.

I begin with "Wicked" - Sept., 13, 2025 - Michigan vs CMU - Michigan Marching Band, Musical Theatre, Percussion.

The Michigan Marching Band is excited to collaborate with the SMTD Dept. of Musical Theatre and Percussion Studio for a “Wicked” performance! This thrillifying halftime show will feature iconic tunes from the beloved Broadway musical and films, and showcase the artistry of the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Grab your dancing shoes and meet us at the Ozdust Ballroom as we celebrate one of the most popular musicals of all time!

Music Selections:
No One Mourns the Wicked
Popular
Dancing Through Life
Defying Gravity

Musical arrangements by Jason DeBord, Richard Frey, Matt Jordan, and Chuck Ricotta
Choreography by Sean McKnight; asst. by Raja Benz
Flag choreography by Joan Noble-Pruett
Drill by Corey Jahlas

This Michigan Marching Band would like to thank the Cozad Family for their generous support of this halftime performance.

The singers and keyboards added new dimensions to this performance, making it a special occasion. The singers steal the show, but I wish the band would keep the keyboards.

At least three other Big "Ten" bands played music from Wicked so far this season, including the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band: 10.25.25 Halftime vs. Penn State | Defying Gravity: The Music of Wicked.

Together, we’re unlimited, Hawkeye Nation! For our October 18, 2025 game vs. Penn State, we brought the music of Wicked to life under the lights in Kinnick Stadium, because everyone deserves the chance to fly!

Featuring the Iowa Dance Team, Herky the Hawk, and the Nittany Lion. This show was designed by Dr. Eric Bush, with music arrangements by Drew Bonner.

The Hawkeye Marching Band made some interesting choices, including having the drum major dress up as the Wizard, inviting the opposing team's mascot to be part of the show to play Glinda, and casting Herky as Elphaba.

The other band from the conference playing Wicked was the Marching Illini: Music from Wicked | IMBC 2025 Evening Performance 10.25.2025.

That's a good pure marching band show with a preview image appropriate for spooky season. I have mixed feelings about the ending. I know it's tradition, but it's something of a museum piece. The Illini are named after the Illiniwek and the fight song reflects that. At least the university has replaced the Native American logo on the field with an outline of the state of Illinois.

The fourth and final band hails from a university that just joined the conference, USC Trojan Marching Band + USC School of Dramatic Arts Wicked halftime 10/11/25.

A Wicked wonderful halftime, combining the talents of the USC Trojan Marching Band and the USC School of Dramatic Arts. 10/11/25. Magnificent!

Well, the U$C Band can certainly put on a show and they used more technology than the Michigan band, although having the featured actors on the Jumbotron kept shifting focus.

I close with WICKED INSPIRED SHOTS by The Shot Queen.


Drink responsibly and stay tuned for one more Halloween post plus a bonus Day of the Dead entry. Trick or treat!