Press Release, Student Life

March 9, 2017 | By Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan University's Battling Bishop will be joined on the playing field in fall 2018 by a new marching band. The band will perform at athletics, spirit, and community events. (Photo by Sara Blake)

Ohio Wesleyan Adding Marching Band in Fall 2018

New Student Club to Support OWU Athletic, Spirit, Community Events

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University will strike up the band in fall 2018 when it adds new a marching band to support Battling Bishop athletes and perform at other OWU spirit activities and community events.

The university is in the process of hiring a full-time director to lead the band and oversee its performances.

“We’re excited to bring marching band back to Ohio Wesleyan,” said Dwayne K. Todd, Ph.D., vice president for student engagement and success. “This is a great opportunity for students who want to continue their high school marching band experiences and a fun way to add even more energy and excitement to the campus and community.”

According to university records and the Henry Clyde Hubbart book, “Ohio Wesleyan’s First Hundred Years,” OWU’s band program dates back to 1899 with an all-men’s military band, which performed at campus and community events. A dedicated marching band emerged in the early 1920s and was active through the early 1960s.

For students also interested in studying music, Ohio Wesleyan offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and Bachelor of Music degrees in three areas: music composition, music education, and performance. Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan’s Department of Music at www.owu.edu/music

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers nearly 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the latest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.