Why should I still do marching band in college?

The question should be, "Why not?". One reason is the performance experience. Nothing beats getting a standing ovation after an incredible show, but there are other reasons to stay in band. Band camp gives you the opportunity to create a support network of friends before school starts. It gives you a sense of belonging. And besides - it's fun! We are a family and we like to have a good time together making great music. If that sounds like something you might like, then we have a place reserved for you.

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Will I have time for band and studying?

Most of our members have a B average or above, so the answer is yes. We rehearse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:45-5:45 and on Saturday mornings when we have a game. Most band members will tell you that band has helped their school work by forcing them to improve at time management.

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Does band camp cost any money?

Band camp instruction is free and anyone living on campus for the semester simply moves into their permanent fall residence early and that expense is covered in your housing contract for the year. The only expense you will have for the week is food. Anyone living on campus MUST purchase a meal card for Brown Cafeteria for the week which is approximately $100.00. This is not a part of your regular meal plan for the semester but must be purchased because the cafeteria opens specifically for early arrivals. At band camp registration you will have the opportunity to purchase neccessary items for the season such as black marching shoes and gloves. Band jackets, visors, sweatshirts, fleece pullovers and videos are also available.

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What do I need to bring to band camp?

You will move in to your permanent residence at the beginning of band camp. The residence halls open a week early so that band students have the advantage of moving in when there are no crowds. You will need to have everything you need for fall semester. As far as camp goes - you will need your instrument, reeds, sunscreen, etc. and a great attitude.

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What is a catamount?

A catamount is a mountain lion of sorts native to the mountain regions of North Carolina and Tennessee.

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What if I don't own my instrument?

We have an instrument checkout procedure which is free of charge as long as the instrument is returned in good condition.

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What do I need for the season?

Everyone must come with a great attitude and willingness to work hard! All wind players need black socks, black shoes, and black gloves. All battery percussionists are required to have black shoes and socks, visors and wristbands. Colorguard members must purchase a warm-up suit and dance shoes.

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Do we have to do fundraising?

Not technically. The music department and university moneys fund our trips and equipment needs. However, we always keep in mind that a new donor may be at every performance and that may be an "audition" for additional funding.

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Is there an audition?

Only Color guard membership and battery percussion spots are determined by audition. Their will be no auditions per se. Freshmen are required to attend our Freshman Camp held two days prior to regular band camp. During band camp an audition is done with section leaders to determine part pacement.

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How many members are in the band?

This year we have approximately 320 members involved in our program. This is a great number because we have enough players to create a wall of sound musically and we have a small enough number of people so that we can still do complex and innovative drill.

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What kind of leadership opportunities are available?

We provide student leadership opportunities in the management and staff for the music library, uniforms, equipment, and electronics. We also have student staff positions in drill instruction and audio/visual management. There are one or more section leaders for each wind and percussion section and the colorguard generally has three captains. Each year we have two to three drum majors. We also have five staff coordinators whose duties include planning band camp and the band banquet, working on recruiting, planning the trips, and managing daily rehearsal logistics. We award scholarships to all of our student leaders in the marching band.

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