Mike tells band

[@bandger1]

❤

[@maximilianshakal7936]

What is "Yar"?

[@beckyg1034]

We love you, Mike! I learned so many things from you and through "your band"! Some of the best years of my life! Eat a Rock and On Wisconsin!

[@keithkrueger172]

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were celebrating Mike’s 24th. So many moments of happiness that I’ll never forget. Seattle, OSU, Penn St, a rainy day in Indiana, NY for playoff hockey, Lambeau, countless days on a grass practice field, The Rose Bowl! And the list goes on. Thanks Mike for the years of commitment to excellence and a whole lotta fun!

[@clarindawilson3674]

Band director and philosopher. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do, Mike.

[@1badbadger428]

He's always been a class act. Thanks for the memories Mike!

[@juliamartinson9960]

Gives me the chills and puts a tear in my eyes. Thank you UW-Band and Mike Leckrone for all you bring to the campus, the state of Wisconsin, and everywhere you go!

[@GDDubya]

When you've been part of the Big Ten Conference for at least five decades, that's when you know that you're a true B1G legend.

[@tubaman6226]

I'm not associated with UW in any way, and I've only been in the state once to see a DCI show, but I hope Mike knows he's done a fantastic job with his band over the years. They're a class act with such strong traditions. My belief is that music educators change lives for the better and there's no doubt he's done that for many. I marched in another band that also values intensity and tradition and I guarantee the students will keep the standards of the Wisconsin band alive. They will maintain the traditions and the high quality onfield product no matter what.

[@scotttillema1467]

#MomentsOfHappiness indeed, thanks Mike! The excellence you have taught us will carry on forever.

[@jimanderson116]

note his shirt is simply emblazoned "wisconsin band staff"..

[@afwagner]

Mike taught me many things in concert band, history of rock & roll, and the UW Marching Band, but the most important thing was EAT A ROCK!!! ...and ON WISCONSIN!!!

[@MarcyHeimArtfulAsker]

Beautiful words from an incredible Badger. Thank you, Mike. It will be a great year.

[@elizabethgriesbach9177]

We love you Mike! You have been the director my entire life. I loved being with the band 1989-1991 as the female Bucky. I loved that my son Austin Griesbach (Jadis) had the privilege of spending 4 years in your band. Lessons he learned from you will make him stronger his entire life. THANK YOU!

[@stevenj.morrison7794]

As the man says, he is a model of excellence and happiness for so many. Not a day goes by that I am not inspired by and grateful for everything I learned from Mike Leckrone. On Wisconsin!

[@j.s.8738]

Thanks Mike! It has been over 25 years since I marched, but the lessons you taught then, are still relevant to me today. You are an inspiration and role model and I am so grateful to have been part of your UW legacy. #OnWisconsin #EatARock

[@brantleydouglas4927]

Mike, I cannot thank you for all that I've learned from you and all that you've done for me. It's because of the many things I experienced under your leadership that I have become the band director I am today. Thanks for making this Jersey Boy a Wisconsin Badger. Thank you for everything. On Wisconsin!!!

[@thebadgerette69]

One of the best ...all class and loved by all!

[@randytrenary2273]

The Greatest and Best Band Leader ever!

[@scottnettum2890]

What a class act!!