Wildcat Marching Band FAQ - Department of Music

Marching Band FAQs

Is there a Band Camp?

Band camp is required and held the week before classes start. You will be able to move into your own residence hall room early (on the Monday morning) to attend this required camp. Marching and playing auditions are held the first two days of camp and are required to become a band member. We’ll send additional information to you in late July so you can begin preparing the enclosed audition music. You’ll spend the week learning music and drill for the pregame show and at least one halftime show. You will also have a chance to make many new friends and become familiar with campus before classes start.

Is there a cost to be a member?

We provide uniforms, music, and an instrument if you need one. The only items students are required to purchase are black marching shoes and a uniform t-shirt, which are available at a reasonable cost. The university pays for all travel expenses when the band performs on the road. Items such as band jackets are optional – you can buy one if you’d like.

What music does the band play?

Our mixture of popular, classical and jazz music promises you new, exciting music every season. Many of the musical arrangements performed by The Pride are written especially for the band. Some past selections include:

• Pirates of the Caribbean — Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer
• Some Nights — Fun/Jeff Bhasker
• Halo Theme – Martin O’Donnel/Michael Salvatori
• Star Wars — John Williams
• Centuries – Fall Out Boy
• You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
• Mission: Impossible — Lalo Schifrin
• Malaguena — Ernesto Lecuona

How many events does the band perform at?

A typical marching season includes five home football games and selected campus activities. We want to emphasize however, that marching band at the university level generally takes less time than in high school. Our activities are carefully planned so the total time involved is not a strain on most students' academic schedules.

Are there any class requirements?

All marching band members are required to sign up for Marching Band class. Most students will register for MU 114 and will earn .5 credit hours. If your class schedule is over 16 hours, however, you have the option of registering for MU 114A, which earns 0 credit hours and therefore will not increase the amount you will pay for tuition.

When are rehearsals, and do I have to attend them?

Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 - 5:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 6:30 - 9 p.m. Game days also include a Saturday morning rehearsal. The band also plays at the Fall Commencement, which is on the Saturday at the end of Finals Week.

Rehearsal attendance is mandatory for all members. Minor class conflicts can usually be worked around; otherwise, band members may be excused from rehearsal for personal emergencies or illness only.