Founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 2011, Forward! Marching Band was forged in the crucible of the epic protests surrounding the new Governor’s regressive agenda. For weeks, we marched around the capitol in the snow and rain, gaining members and experience. Since that time, Forward! Marching Band has dedicated itself to maintaining that unique fighting spirit of the Wisconsin protest movement.

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We believe in using music to help fuel social change, have fun, and build community. Forward! Marching Band is an ever-changing group of musicians. We play tunes from the catalogs of rock, klezmer, pop, labor, Balkan, New Orleans, and folk music. Our band consists of a diverse range of ages, musicianship, and abilities. We love costumes, silly hats, and spectacle! We share the duties of researching and arranging musical selections, directing and shaping rehearsals, costuming, and scheduling the band. Forward! Marching Band brings lively tunes to political protests, marches, rallies, parades, and community events.