History

The University of Wyoming Bands began in 1913 as a R.O.T.C. unit and remained as a part of the campus military science area until after World War II. The University Bands became part of the Department of Music with the leadership of Professors Edgar Lewis and Charles Seltenrich and served as entertainment for college athletics rather than military ceremonial needs. The Western Thunder Marching Band (formerly known as the Cowboy Marching Band) has traveled to several bowl games including:

1951 - Gator Bowl
1956 - Sun Bowl
1958 - Sun Bowl
1966 - Sun Bowl
1968 - Sugar Bowl
1976 - Fiesta Bowl
1987 - Holiday Bowl
1988 - Holiday Bowl
1990 - Copper Bowl
1993 - Copper Bowl
1996 - WAC Championship Game
2004 - Las Vegas Bowl
2009 - New Mexico Bowl
2011 - New Mexico Bowl
2016 - Poinsettia Bowl
2017 - Potato Bowl

2019 - NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl

The band has also appeared at Denver Bronco and San Diego Charger pro-football games. The Pep Band travels each year to the Mountain West Conference tournament and also accompanied the team to the NCAA tournament in 1981, 1988, 1989, 2002, as well as the NIT appearance in New York City in 1986.

Former Directors

1913-1942 -- Harry Thompson
1941-1942 -- Harold Kane
1942-1950 -- Robert S. Vagner
1950-1955 -- Edgar Lewis and Charles Seltenrich
1955-1968 -- Charles Seltenrich
1968-1979 -- Ronald Kuhn
1979-1980 -- Phil Weinacht
1980-1984 -- Robert Mayes
1984-1985 -- Dennis Hopkins
1985-1991 -- Eddie Smith
1991-1995 -- William F. McMosley
1995-2000 -- Robert S. Belser
2001-2008 -- Christopher Nichols
Interim (2004-2005) -- Brandt Payne
2009-2015 -- Brad Williamson
Interim (2015-2016) -- George Schrader
2016-2017 -- Joseph Falvey
2017-2018 -- Bryan Raya
2019-present -- Joseph Carver

Contact Us

Western Thunder Marching Band

Department of Music

1000 E. University Ave, Department 3037

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-5244

Fax: (307) 766-5326

Email: jcarver4@uwyo.edu