WHYSCONSIN

Tubas in Wisconsin: Getting down to brass tacks

We recently received a question from Elizabeth Renner of Madison. She asked us, "Why are tubas such a prominent part of the UW-Madison band? And why are they so popular in the state of Wisconsin?" WPR’s Tim Peterson marched right down to the Madison campus to get some answers.

This story is part of Wisconsin Life and WPR's WHYsconsin project. What have you always wondered about Wisconsin, its people or its culture that you want WHYsconsin to look into? You ask the questions, and we find the answers!

LATEST STORIES

Wisconsin Life: Blackhawk Ski Club in Middleton

In the season finale of Wisconsin Life, Angela Fitzgerald visits Blackhawk Ski Club in Middleton, a non-profit dedicated to teaching young people and families competitive, winter sports. Each winter, club members take part in a number of activities including nordic skiing, ski jumping, biathlon training, alpine skiing, snowboarding and more. 

Madison woman empowers Black families through nonprofit Urban Triage

Established by social change maker Brandi Grayson, Urban Triage has been at the forefront of empowering Black families throughout Madison.  Grayson birthed Urban Triage from her own experiences and trauma.  “Being homeless, sleeping on the concrete, having a kid at a young age, having parents and a mother who was crack-addicted, having abusive grandparents or family members.

‘Mark’ing a tradition, 40-years and counting

Mark Hendrickson, Mark Hanson and Mark Johnson are best friends. The three Marks are like any group of friends –  they vacation together, go on long bicycle rides, fix up old cars … and every April they’re on the road before dawn to take part in a tradition that spans over half of their lifetimes: they sit outside and count sandhill cranes. 

Sign Up Form

Sign Up for Our Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Get your favorite Wisconsin Life stories, meet the crew, and go behind the scenes.