From BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band will perform during an event on Sunday, Aug. 2, on the historic Lake Erie island village of Put-In-Bay, to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
As part of the free Declaration 250 event, the BGSU Falcon Marching Band – one of the nation’s largest – will be one of two college marching bands to perform during the program, featuring a military flyover, a concert by Grammy Award-winning artist Lee Greenwood, best known for his signature song “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and more.
Traveling from Ohio’s mainland aboard the Miller Ferry, 375 members of the BGSU Falcon Marching Band will make their presence known on Aug. 2 when they enter the Put-In-Bay harbor by way of boat, performing patriotic music and BGSU school songs under the direction of internationally known music educator and band director Jon Waters.
Once on South Bass Island, the BGSU band will parade and perform through the village’s streets before taking part in the day’s signature, fireworks-filled main concert at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
“The Falcon Marching Band is proud to represent BGSU and perform as part of this historic event to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence,” said Waters, director of marching and athletic bands and assistant teaching professor at BGSU. “Embodying the nationally ranked BGSU experience, the Falcon Marching Band provides students with unique opportunities that go beyond campus and the classroom to inspire them to be engaged and inquisitive lifelong learners. We look forward to performing as part of this shared moment in our country’s history and are grateful for the opportunity to highlight the exceptional musical talents of students at Bowling Green.”
Along with year-round performances at university and community events, the Falcon Marching Band’s participation in the Declaration 250 program is one of the many additional learning experiences and immersive opportunities available to BGSU student band members.
Following a competitive selection process, the BGSU Falcon Marching band was chosen to perform in the 2027 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day ahead of the internationally watched Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California.
The BGSU band will join high school, military, and other bands from around the world in the parade as it marches five-and-a-half miles down Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards in front of thousands of people.
Previously, the Falcon Marching Band performed in the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, where it was one of three college marching bands to perform from around the globe to take part in the renowned parade that winds through the country’s capital city and draws millions of spectators each year.
The Falcon Marching Band is the largest student organization at BGSU and in 2025 was comprised nearly 80% of non-music majors.
