Golden Wave Alumni Band Day
The annual Alumni Band Day allows alumni the opportunity to play and march during halftime with the current Baylor University Golden Wave Band. Marching at halftime has been a treasured part of our alumni experience since our founding in 1986.
Alumni Band Qualification: Any past member of the Golden Wave Band (MCC or Baylor) who marched at least one season and has completed their undergraduate degree at a college or university or is no longer enrolled in a college or university.
40th Anniversary Reunion Weekend
September 25-26, 2026
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of tradition, fellowship, and music while honoring the former band directors who helped shape the Golden Wave Alumni Band.
This celebration is open to all Golden Wave Alumni. Whether you attend the Reunion Reception, participate in Band Day, or join us for both events, we invite you to be part of this milestone celebration.
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Message from Dr. Isaiah Odajima
Dear Golden Wave Alumni,
Welcome back! I am thrilled to invite you to campus as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Golden Wave Alumni Band Weekend.
This milestone celebration is an opportunity to bring together Golden Wave alumni from every generation. Whether this will be your first Alumni Band Weekend or your twentieth, we'd love to have you back in Waco. There is nothing quite like reconnecting with old friends, making music together again, and celebrating the traditions that make the Golden Wave Band such a special part of the Baylor experience.
We are also excited to welcome back several former Golden Wave Band directors, including Michael Haithcock, who has already committed to joining us as this year marks the 50th anniversary of his arrival at Baylor. We look forward to welcoming directors representing multiple generations of Golden Wave history and giving alumni the opportunity to reconnect with those who played such an important role in their Baylor experience.
Our goal is simple: to make this the largest Golden Wave Alumni Band Weekend in our history. I hope you'll help us make that happen by joining us for this special celebration.
I look forward to seeing you back in Waco this September.
Sic 'Em,
Isaiah Odajima
Director, Golden Wave Band
Frequently Asked Questions
The game kickoff time has not been announced but here is a sample schedule for the GWAB weekend. More details of the schedule will be provided after registration closes.
Typical Alumni Band Day Schedule
Friday Evening Dinner
A casual group dinner from 6-8 p.m.
Saturday Gameday
- 6-7 hours before kickoff: GWAB registration begins (determined by halftime performance)
- 5-6 hours before kickoff: GWAB rehearsal begins (BRING PENCILS to mark your music!)
- 3 hours before kickoff: Dinner with GW Band and GWAB Business Meeting
- 2.5 hours before kickoff: GWB and Alumni (if you wish) depart for Bear Walk at McLane, then return to AIF
- 1 hour before kickoff: All March to Stadium (Waco Transit shuttle for those who requested it)
- Kickoff
The following positions are up for elections at Alumni Band Day this year. To centralize the effort to come up with a slate of officers, please send any names of people that are interested to Deborah Focarile at DeborahBUGWB@hotmail.com. If you currently hold one of these positions and are interested in being re-elected, please let her know that as well.
- President Elect (3-year commitment)
- Social Media Director
- Assistant Social Media Director
- Member at Large 2020 – Present (Ryan Harrington currently holds this seat)
- Member at Large 2010-2019 (Adam Sulak currently holds this seat)
- Member at Large 1995-2009 (Amy Rosser Williams currently holds this seat)
- Member at Large 1985-1994 (Tammy Justus currently holds this seat)
- Member at Large 1975-1984 (Stephen Burge currently holds this seat)
A Marcher will be participating in the halftime performance. The Legacy Line will not be required to march and will be performing in a designated spot on the side of the field.
You do not need to attend the Friday Welcome Reception to participate in Golden Wave Alumni Band Day. The Friday Welcome Reception will be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship among alumni. The Welcome Reception will be held at Slow Rise on the Brazos.
A Baylor University Golden Wave Alumni Band Polo is required to participate. Comfortable khaki or black pants, crops, or shorts with closed-toe shoes are suggested. All polos must be purchased by 10/4.
Instruments are available this year to rent. If you need to rent an instrument, please select the Instrument Rental option on the registration form. Limited quantities available.
Parking on campus may be difficult on game day as many lots are restricted. If you cannot be dropped off at the Allison Indoor Facility, then please arrive on campus early. You may try to park at the McCrary Music Building (110 Baylor Avenue) across the street from Allison and walk over or we will have a golf cart there until we determine the lot is full. We cannot reserve spaces, so availability may be very limited. The next option is to park at the East Campus Garage (S 2nd St, Waco, TX 76706) where we will have another golf cart to bring you to Allison.
*A parking map can be found at www.baylor.edu/map.
Yes, on game day, we will have golf carts shuttling to and from the parking, practice facility, and stadium throughout the day. In addition, we have an option for our alumni to participate in the Golden Wave Alumni Band "Legacy Line" group which will be included in the halftime performance but does not have to march on the field.
For questions regarding accessibility accommodations, please contact 254-710-8308.
Reserved seating will be provided for Golden Wave Alumni Band participants. You do not need to purchase football tickets for yourself. Guests, family and friends are not included in the reserved section and can purchase tickets directly from the ticket office.