Retiring Director Leaves Lasting Impact on Blugold Marching Band
UWEC’s Randy Dickerson hangs up his baton after 25 years
Playing an instrument is all fun and games until you are at the collegiate level, dressed head to toe in full uniform, have a giant white feather plume sticking out of your hat, and are running at full speed into position on a football field. Then it really turns into something spectacular. This is what the Blugold Marching Band offers – at least in part.
BMB Director Randy Dickerson is retiring at the end of the fall 2024 semester, leaving the mighty Blugolds behind after 25 years. Dickerson was able to transform what was a 60-member ensemble when he started into an active, award-winning marching band with more than 450 members.
“Randy has been the face and spirit of the BMB for the BMB,”shared Isabelle Valencia, a third-year tenor saxophonist. “He has been our main cheerleader and the person that supports us most.”
With a person like Dickerson behind the scenes, you can see how it impacts the students on and off the field. “In the fall of 2000, I first stood in front of 60 students, having no idea of what was to come,” Dickerson said recently. “Once the band started to grow, campus got behind us wholeheartedly.”
Earlier this fall, Dickerson received the Honorary Alumnus Award from the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association.
The BMB has performed indoors and out in venues ranging from the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to cruise ships on international waters. This January, the BMB plans to travel to seven different ports around the Caribbean to perform for guests from around the world.
With a group of students as big as this one, there are always stories to go around – and Dickerson has some memorable tales of his own. “When I think of the BMB, I have a hard time imagining it without him and his stories,” Valencia said.
“The BMB is one of the most fulfilling experiences and manages to challenge me in new ways each season, but I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from the band,” added Sam Feller, a third-year trumpeter.
Keep an eye out next year for BMB performances August through November.
