Few American musicians have achieved the world-wide fame that was
accorded to John Philip Sousa during his lifetime. He composed 136
marches and was perhaps the most successful bandmaster that ever
lived. It is a matter of great pride that a Sousa march is to
be found in our Wisconsin songbook.
In 1917, Maxon F. Judell prevailed upon Sousa to write a marching song for the Wisconsin boys going off to war. Sousa at that time had already written a march he had entitled Solid Men to the Front. He crossed out that title on his manuscript and substituted the title Wisconsin Forward Forever. He obviously chose to use this work as his salute to Wisconsin's contribution to the war effort. (It should be noted that Wisconsin Forward Forever was at first referred to by press reports as Wisconsin to the Front or Wisconsin at the Front.) The use of the word "Forward" was an apparent attempt by Sousa to utilize the Wisconsin state motto in the title. The words were provided by Berton Braley and the march was dedicated to the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the University.
The march had little exposure until 1934 when Professor Raymond
Dvorak taught his band musicians to sing and play it. Since that
time it has been a regular part of the Wisconsin Band's repertoire.
This song is played by the Band during pre-game immediately after
the opposing school song.
Lyrics
We'll march on victorious Oh, Varsity, Varsity Fair!
Your name forever glorious Will hearten us to do or dare.
We'll march on victorious The cardinal waving in air,
And Badgers all will answer to the call, And we'll fight for Wisconsin forever!