>>>>>The University of Wisconsin band is flying from Madison to Orlando on a chartered 747 ... It just blows my mind that a 747 is going to take off and land in Madison, WI.

Apparently they are being asked to play 'On Wisconsin' while facing aft to create additional lift. The tubas are booked at the back of the plane with the piccolos far forward. Michael Leckrone http://www.folklife.si.edu/resources...s/bandlead.jpg
has completed FA training and will be high-stepping down the aisle during takeoff to maximize power (though he is quite concerned about TSA confiscating his baton).