“Just as I am thinking that my fond and complicated memories of my alma mater could not be sweeter, Mike Leckrone has given us Moments of Happiness, written with decided and joyful expectation that everything’s gonna be all right. It’s the buddha in Mike that attracts me, as if the crossing of our paths was inevitable. Mike Leckrone was the soul of the UW Marching Band. My first moment of happiness with Mike was in 2004 at the opening of the Overture Center on September 18, soon followed by my second moment at the band’s concert the following afternoon. My third meeting with Mike was my first opportunity to praise graduating students on their day of commencement in 2007. Mike and his high-stepping musicians assisted my delivery of the charge to the graduates. With this memoir, I can share a moment of happiness anytime I want with Mike Leckrone. Rah-rah-rah!”—André De Shields (’70), actor, activist, educator, and philanthropist
“Before I arrived in Madison, I had never coached at a school where people talked about the band—where the band played a part in everything. It was strange at first, but I soon came to have great respect for Mike Leckrone and what he accomplished. I witnessed how important the band was, not just to the athletic department but to the entire university. That doesn’t come easily. This book reveals just how hard Mike asked his bands to work, as well as the fun they had along the way.”—Barry Alvarez, legendary University of Wisconsin head football coach and director of athletics, and member of the College Football Hall of Fame
“Mike Leckrone led the Wisconsin Band and served as an ambassador for the University of Wisconsin for a half century. He is a music legend and there is no one better to help tell his story than Doug Moe, who has chronicled so much of the history of Madison and the state of Wisconsin. This is the tale of an unforgettable life.”—Christopher McIntosh, University of Wisconsin director of athletics and member of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame
“Leckrone and Moe take their readers on a fascinating journey. Reading this book is like sitting down over several cups of coffee with Leckrone and hearing him tell stories about his life and career. I could not put it down!”—Terry Austin, past president, American Bandmasters Association