On, Wisconsin!
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| On, Wisconsin! | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title | On, Wisconsin! |
| Alt | Sheet music excerpt |
| Caption | Opening bars of the march |
| Prefix | State |
| Country | Wisconsin |
| Composer | William T. Purdy |
| Author | Carl Beck |
| Adopted | 1913 |
| Sound | On,_Wisconsin!.ogg |
On, Wisconsin!
"On, Wisconsin!" is the official state song of Wisconsin and one of the best-known American marches. Composed by William T. Purdy with lyrics by Carl Beck, the march has been associated with collegiate and professional athletics, military bands, and civic ceremonies since the early 20th century. The tune's adoption and dissemination intersect with figures and institutions across United States musical, educational, and political life.
History
The melody now identified with "On, Wisconsin!" originated in the milieu of early-1900s college fight songs and march traditions. Purdy composed the tune while a student connected to Marquette University and was initially intended for Paul D. Hassler and later pitched toward John Philip Sousa-style bands such as the United States Marine Band. Carl Beck supplied the lyrics after University of Wisconsin–Madison coach Glenn "Bo" Schembechler—note: Schembechler is associated elsewhere—sought an anthem; historically, Beck offered words to accompany Purdy's melody, linking the song to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers and the Madison, Wisconsin civic identity. The Wisconsin Legislature formally adopted the song in 1959, building on earlier public use dating to 1913 during events featuring ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and wartime performances by the United States Army Band.
The march circulated through sheet music publishers such as G. Schirmer and W. B. Conkey Company, and it was spread via recordings by groups like the John Philip Sousa Band and bands connected to University of Chicago. Its history intersects with national developments including performances for Woodrow Wilson-era patriotic rallies, arrangements used in World War I military parades, and broadcasts on National Broadcasting Company radio in the 1920s and 1930s.
Lyrics and Music
The lyrics by Beck are concise and martial, tailored to exhortation in athletic and civic contexts. Musically, the composition uses the structure of a classic march: a strong introductory strain, a contrasting trio section, and repeatable breaks suitable for marching bands and orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic or regional ensembles like the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. The melody's harmonic language aligns with tonal practices common to composers like John Philip Sousa and arrangers such as Karl L. King, enabling brass-heavy orchestrations favored by university bands, Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band, and municipal ensembles.
Verse and chorus employ rallying references that lend themselves to choral arrangements for groups like the Vocalpoint ensembles, glee clubs at Harvard University, and community choirs that have performed the song in civic programs honoring figures such as Robert M. La Follette Sr. and events connected to the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Cultural Significance and Uses
"On, Wisconsin!" functions as both a state symbol and a de facto fight song used by institutions beyond University of Wisconsin–Madison, influencing traditions at high schools across the United States and permeating popular culture. The march has appeared in film and television programs produced by studios like Warner Bros. and used as diegetic music in programs broadcast by CBS and NBC. It has been performed at inaugurations of elected officials such as Tony Evers and at commemorations involving organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The song also figures in political rallies alongside speeches by figures such as Robert M. La Follette Jr. and ceremonial events including veterans' parades and university commencements at institutions like Stanford University and Yale University.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Commercial and archival recordings include renditions by the John Philip Sousa Band, studio orchestras recorded for labels like Victor Talking Machine Company, and collegiate recordings by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Marching Band. Military recordings by the United States Navy Band and the United States Air Force Band appear in national archives. Prominent conductors such as Arthur Fiedler and Leopold Stokowski have arranged or presented the march in medleys, while jazz-influenced adaptations have been attempted by artists connected to Duke Ellington-style orchestration.
Live performances at venues such as Camp Randall Stadium, the Wisconsin State Fair, and national events like the Tournament of Roses Parade illustrate the song's adaptability to large-scale spectacles and televised pageants.
Legal Status and Copyright
The original melody and lyrics were created in the early 20th century and have been subject to publishing copyrights held by firms including G. Schirmer and later rights transfers to corporate entities such as Hal Leonard Corporation. Disputes and clarifications over authorship involved publishers and claimants in the manner of other early American popular works. The designation as state song did not extinguish commercial rights, leading to licensing considerations in recordings and broadcast uses managed through performing-rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI.
Traditions and Sporting Events
The march is integral to athletic traditions at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and beyond, regularly played at Big Ten Conference football games, basketball tournaments, and pep rallies. Rituals include pregame performances by the Wisconsin Marching Band, crowd sing-alongs in arenas such as the Kohl Center, and renditions following victories at sites including Camp Randall Stadium. High schools in states such as Illinois and Minnesota have adopted the tune as fight songs, while marching units in parades—coordinated with organizations like the Tournament of Roses committees—often include the march in repertoire.
Reception and Criticism
Critics and historians situate "On, Wisconsin!" within the canon of American marches, drawing comparisons to works by John Philip Sousa and comments from musicologists affiliated with institutions like Juilliard School and Eastman School of Music. Some scholars have debated the song's lyrical inclusivity and regional prominence, paralleling critiques leveled at regional anthems in contexts discussed by commentators from The New York Times and The Atlantic. Nevertheless, the march remains a durable emblem in civic and athletic settings, frequently cited in surveys of state symbols compiled by organizations such as the Library of Congress.
Category:State songs of the United States