Under Mann's direction (1908 - 1915) the band grew from 40 men to more than 100 members and Mann, a member of the chemical engineering faculty, became an extremely popular figure on campus.

During the 1912 school year, a second band was organized as a recruiting body. This 30-piece group was called the "First Regimental Band" and was conducted by Jesse Saugstad. By 1914 the military activities of the University reached such proportions that a second regiment was added. This necessitated two bands; therefore, the "Second Regiment Band" was formed, also under the direction of Saugstad.

During the summer of 1915, with impetus given by Charlie Mann, the school year culminated in a unique trip by the First Regiment Band in which they traveled well over 7,000 miles through 14 states, making 100 appearances on their way to the Panama Pacific National Exposition in San Francisco. The trip, which has become one of the most famed trips the band has ever taken, was spearheaded by Saugstad, who had labored for two years on the project while receiving little or no encouragement for the project. (More details about this trip are available in the "Songs To Thee Wisconsin Yearbook.")

Saugstad succeeded Mann as director in 1915 before resigning on June 30, 1918. W. E. Yates took the reins from Saugstad in 1918 until 1920 when the University of Wisconsin Band Department appeared ready for new growth, new direction, and new inspiration. This all came in the form of Edson W. Morphy ...