Visual & Performing Arts

Each fall, as the leaves turn along the Mississippi River in La Crosse, a familiar sound signals the start of something special: the unmistakable roar of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band (SEMB). With a history over a century in the making and a spirit that refuses to be quieted, the SEMB is more than a musical ensemble—it's a living, breathing tradition that continues to shape the culture and community of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

From Chiefs to Eagles: A Legacy of Sound

The origins of the university band stretch back to 1913, shortly after the school opened. The modern marching band began to take its current form under John Alexander, who in 1969 transformed the group—then known as the Marching Chiefs—into a nationally recognized powerhouse. During Alexander’s tenure, the band grew to over 250 members and played major halftime shows at NFL games and prestigious venues like the Rose Bowl and London’s Bands of America International Festival.

In the early 1990s, as the university updated its mascot, the Marching Chiefs became the Screaming Eagles. The rebranding was more than symbolic—it marked a period of evolution, sometimes marked by transition, but always grounded in the deep camaraderie of its members.

Since 2001, Dr. Tammy Fisher has led the band with equal parts precision and compassion, bringing her background in percussion and music education into harmony with a philosophy of inclusivity and empowerment.

More Than Marching: A Place to Belong

“Watching them form friendships, develop leadership, and grow up together is a joy,” says Dr. Fisher. “But the band is more than just marching. It’s a social space as much as a musical one. It’s a safe space—something I don’t compromise on. The foundation of everything is respect”.

SEMB is open to all UWL students, regardless of major or previous experience, making it one of the most diverse organizations on campus. “You bring all these unique individuals together and mold them into one cohesive unit,” Fisher says. “We’re a melting pot of skill sets and backgrounds.”

It’s this culture of acceptance and high standards that makes SEMB feel like home to so many. And for a growing number of members, that home is multi-generational. “We’re seeing second-generation members now. Alumni are sending their kids to join the band,” she adds with pride.

Big Sounds, Big Stages

Under Fisher’s leadership, the Screaming Eagles have maintained a high public profile. One of her first major contributions came in 2005, when she lobbied for new uniforms that reflected UWL’s maroon and gray school colors—replacing the outdated black, red, and white.

“They let me design the new uniforms,” she recalls. “We rolled them out at a Packers game. That was a big deal.” It was also a reflection of Fisher’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

The band’s commitment to community outreach is equally impressive. Since 2011, SEMB has hosted “High School Band Day,” welcoming nearly 4,000 students to perform alongside them. And thanks to Fisher’s advocacy, UWL is one of the few Division III schools to offer scholarships for marching band members.

Traditions that Live On

SEMB is rich with cherished traditions. The pre-season band camp—described by Fisher as “full blast, firehose-style”—prepares students not just musically, but socially and emotionally.

“There’s a moment at the first rehearsal when the freshmen come back from dinner, and the upperclassmen surround them to perform the pregame routine,” she says, laughing. “It scares the daylights out of them in the best way.”

Game days come with their own customs, from marching through the campus library to victory chants with the football team. “When we win, we all sing ‘Hey Baby’ together. It’s loud, chaotic, joyful—everything a college experience should be,” Fisher says.

Leading with Heart

For Dr. Fisher, who began playing drums in fourth grade and decided by tenth that she wanted to be a music teacher, her current role is more than a job—it’s a mission.

“People think I just snap my fingers and—poof!—150 band members appear,” she says. “They don’t realize how many moving parts are involved.” And yet, despite the challenges of logistics, weather, and time, Fisher believes in running a “clean, respected program. No hazing, no drama.”

Her philosophy, passed down to student leaders, is simple but powerful: “Leave the place better than you found it.” That ethic extends from the practice field to the community and stays with members long after graduation.

The Heartbeat of Campus

Whether they’re performing at Moon Tunes in Riverside Park or playing the national anthem at home games, the Screaming Eagles do more than entertain—they bring energy and identity to UWL.

And as Dr. Fisher puts it, “Sometimes a kid needs band more than the band needs the kid.”

In the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, students find their voice, their people, and often, their purpose. They make music—but more importantly, they make memories that echo long after the final note.