Moments of Happiness: A Wisconsin Band Story

by Mike Leckrone, Doug Moe, Pat Richter (foreword)

When Mike Leckrone retired as director of bands at the University of Wisconsin in 2019, he had served in that role for an astonishing fifty years. A brilliant showman, he became known for aerial stunts and sequined outfits. He created the Fifth Quarter celebration that follows all home football games, removed barriers for women to march in the band, and established regular appearances at Camp Randall by special-needs high school musicians. Above all, Leckrone always sought joy in life—which, along with his sixty-year love affair with his late wife, UW “band mom” Phyllis Leckrone, was perhaps the secret to his remarkable career. A consummate musician, as both a trumpeter and an arranger, Leckrone is also an outstanding raconteur—a talent beautifully on display in his long-awaited memoir.



This book is the next best thing to sitting down with this master storyteller. Coauthor Doug Moe captures the joys of performing—whether at Camp Randall, in the Kohl Center, or along the Rose Bowl Parade route. Reading Leckrone’s story, one comes to understand the mix of discipline, showmanship, work ethic, warmth, toughness, wit, and musical skill that make him a Wisconsin treasure. Even for people who know Leckrone, Moments of Happiness details the stories behind the highlights and the unglamorous work that made his accomplishments possible. It both cements his legend and offers unprecedented insights into a career that will never be equaled.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Liz Willard · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an alum, I enjoyed and appreciated this book. It reminded that very early in my freshman year I looked at the band at a football game and thought - the band is having more fun than ANYONE. It brought back memories of many a fifth quarter, swaying to Varsity, yelling “you’ve said it all!” at the tops of my lungs, and flapping my arms to the chicken dance. What a time - all thanks to Mike and the band.

The behind the scenes peek into the football program and the band during my era (including the ‘94 Rose Bowl) was very interesting - there are some great stories. The enthusiasm and joy Mike brought to conducting comes through on the pages. It’s an entertaining read.

Fellow alumni - this book is a 5. To everyone else, it’s a 3.

ON WISCONSIN!

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Mike Leckrone and Doug Moe ’79
Coauthors

Synopsis:
When Mike Leckrone retired as director of bands at the University of Wisconsin in 2019, he had served in that role for an astonishing fifty years. A brilliant showman, he became known for aerial stunts and sequined outfits. He created the Fifth Quarter celebration that follows all home football games, removed barriers for women to march in the band, and established regular appearances at Camp Randall by special-needs high school musicians. Above all, Leckrone always sought joy in life—which, along with his sixty-year love affair with his late wife, UW “band mom” Phyllis Leckrone, was perhaps the secret to his remarkable career. A consummate musician, as both a trumpeter and an arranger, Leckrone is also an outstanding raconteur—a talent beautifully on display in his long-awaited memoir.

This book is the next best thing to sitting down with this master storyteller. Coauthor Doug Moe captures the joys of performing—whether at Camp Randall, in the Kohl Center, or along the Rose Bowl Parade route. Reading Leckrone’s story, one comes to understand the mix of discipline, showmanship, work ethic, warmth, toughness, wit, and musical skill that make him a Wisconsin treasure. Even for people who know Leckrone, Moments of Happiness details the stories behind the highlights and the unglamorous work that made his accomplishments possible. It both cements his legend and offers unprecedented insights into a career that will never be equaled.

[Julie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a Badger who loved the football games and the band , it was a great read

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 50 years, Leckrone led the University of Wisconsin-Madison band. This memoir follows this showman from his Midwest childhood in Indiana where his father was a music teacher to his early days teaching in Indiana and through the decades in Madison until his retirement. Highlights from his 50 years include his first out of state trip with the band, establishing the famed Fifth Quarter, performing at the Rose Bowl, advocating for artificial turf for his students to practice on, and collaborating with the person who created his sequined outfits. He transformed the band with his passion and perfectionism, built the band culture that exists today on camaraderie and hard work, and steadily acquired a fan base. This is a must read for Badger fans but will be enjoyed by all who appreciate books about memorable Wisconsinites.

Former band kids, UW fans, people who enjoy biographies/memoirs of interesting people will be enchanted with this read. Mike Leckrone is a giant in the music/band scene in Wisconsin and this book lives up to his legendary status.

I've never been to a UW football game, have never heard the UW band live (to my knowledge), and have only heard of this now retired band director. This title was a great introduction for me and will be appreciated even more by those with more than passing awareness.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moments of Happiness: A Wisconsin Band Story by Mike Leckrone & Doug Moe
256 pages 4/5

This book is a quick read. It's the autobiography of Mike Leckrone, the long-time band director of UW. However, it also serves as the history of the UW band over the last 50 years. Learning back stories about the Rose Bowls was great as a Badger fan. Having little contact with the band it was interesting to learn about the history of Badger marching bad. But also as a nonmusician, learning about how major college marching bands operate was almost equally as fascinating. Although I read it as a library book, we are buying a copy partly because my husband didn't get a chance to read it, but also because it will be a good one to have on our bookshelves.

[Denise Chojnacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some people in this world who just have something special. Not that they are any better than anyone else, but they have a drive; a passion that just runs through their veins. Mike Leckrone is one of those people. His storied history with the Badger band is a unique one. He accomplished so much in his 50 years at Madison and as expected is still going strong after his so-called "retirement". He is a shining example of how to stay young and use your passions to the fullest. Thanks for the memories Mike and see you next time.

[Lietke · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a book to be what you think Mike Leckrone is, this is it. A geuninely heartwarming memoir from one of the great marching band conductors ever to grasp the baton.

In 50 years of leading the Badgers, he won over the entire athletics department - which cannot be easy for a band person to do. I believe it was the hard work of the band and professionalism within the showmanship coupled with his affable nature.

Let those who want to tear down giants have their fun. I had mine reading this wonderful book, and I am not an alum.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does not need to be beautifully written with descriptive paragraphs about the beauty of Nature. It tells the true story of being a member of the UW Marching Band from the eyes of its great director. That is all you need to know. The story is happy and a delight to read.

[Kimberly Wethal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great retelling of a storied Madison career! A book like this illustrates so clearly what a great band director Wisconsin had in Mike Leckrone and is a treasure trove of Madison history for us younger readers who didn’t live through it.

[Bobby Hocraffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 5 years with the band there are so many stories and behind the scenes facts that I can now appreciate. Reading this book brought back so many of my own moments of happiness and gave me insights into the man that led this great band for so long.

[Steven Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike and Doug did a fantastic job together sharing this story. If you have any connection to the band, even if you've only seen the band once, I recommend this book.

Mike's passion and drive shine through the book exactly as they do in real life.

[Garrett Huck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Probably not for those who don’t have an i retest in UW, college athletics, or music/marching bands! I did enjoy the behind the scenes history of Leckrone, the UW, and the band! Lots of good stuff.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars. On, Wisconsin.

[Grace Hilker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, Mike!