BGSU brothers revel in excitement, energy as members of the Falcon Marching Band (2024)

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

Bowling Green State University students and brothers Elijah and Broden Reynolds have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth — both in size and stature — of the Falcon Marching Band during the past few years.

From thunderous crowds cheering at football games to people stopping them on campus to inquire about the next performance, the Reynoldses are in awe of the support and energy surrounding the Falcon Marching Band, now one of the largest marching bands in the nation.

“When you actively get stopped by people who want to know more about the band, it’s incredibly inspiring to sit there and think about the excitement we’re a part of at BGSU,” said sophomore Broden Reynolds, who plays trombone. “It’s awesome to be immersed in it all and feel so supported by fellow students, the University and the community.”

With 425 members for the 2024-25 season, the Falcon Marching Band is also the largest in BGSU history. The band has grown by hundreds of students each year since 2022, coinciding with professor Jon Waters’ leadership as director of marching and athletic bands.

Additionally, 75% of the band consists of majors outside of music, signifying its inclusive environment and broad appeal to students across the learning community. The Reynolds brothers are among the majority; Elijah is majoring in exercise science, specializing in sports medicine, and Broden is studying biology with plans to pursue medical school.

Entering its 101st year at BGSU, the Falcon Marching Band performs year-round at various University and community events, including parades, fairs, concerts and BGSU football games.

The band’s first halftime performance of the season on Aug. 29 included ensembles from Star Wars, Back to the Future, Lord of the Rings, Gladiator and Batman, energizing thousands of fans in Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

“I could feel the thundering applause inside my chest,” said senior Elijah Reynolds, one of the band’s trombone section leaders. “It’s the greatest feeling.”

The excitement continued after the game when a mother and son who had driven from near Fort Wayne, Indiana, to watch the band perform approached Elijah Reynolds to offer their praise and ask questions.

“I was through the roof with excitement,” he said. “They took pictures with us. We loved it.”

Aside from the thrill of their celebrity-like status around campus, Elijah and Broden Reynolds credit the Falcon Marching Band with making an indelible impact on their lives socially and academically. They’ve formed friendships, made lasting memories and built confidence and leadership skills.

The Reynolds brothers said their involvement in marching band has also taught them how to adapt, learn quickly and value the role of preparation in success.

“In marching band, we’re under pressure to perform to the best of our abilities,” Broden Reynolds said. “We’re training to perform in front of thousands of people, and that level of preparation carries over into the classroom. It makes preparing for an exam a less overwhelming experience. It’s really elevated me as a person and a BGSU student.”

Adding to his brother’s sentiments, Elijah Reynolds said, “It’s been the greatest experience in my four years at BGSU. I’m so proud to be a member of the Falcon Marching Band.”