Do Colleges Have Marching Bands? The Answer to this question is, Not all Colleges have Marching bands, but only one of the best colleges does. So, coming to the question, No, only a few colleges have Marching Bands.
College marching bands’ principal job is to entertain the crowd at football games; many college bands learn a new halftime presentation every week! There just isn’t enough time to devote to a single show as much attention as a competitive show necessitates. Some corps-style marching bands (for example, UCLA, Western Carolina, and UMass) compete in display at high school tournaments, and other institutions have competitive winter drumlines and winter guards.
Marching band in colleges
Each marching band varies based on the school. Some bands are large, while others are small. Some may provide band members scholarships, while others do not. Some organizations may demand an audition, while others accept anyone who can play and march.
The marching band at one school may cover all of your expenses, whilst another may need you to pay for your outfit or instrument. Some schools award course credit for the band, while others provide honoraria at the end of the school year. All of these differences, as well as many others not mentioned, contribute to the hit-or-miss nature of marching band recruiting.
How to join become a member of the marching band
The marching band “recruiting” process is sometimes confusing because there is no fixed “recruiting procedure” like you might be used to seeing for high school athletics. That is why, aside from marching band, it is important to choose a school depending on what is essential to you.
When you identify the school that is a good fit for you, prepare an online profile and a highlight video, sign up or audition, and then look for scholarship opportunities. Every college band marches to a distinct beat, so first, pick the institution that’s right for you. Then consider how you can step up and march with the band.
Colleges that have the best marching bands
University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band
The Spirit of Troy, sometimes known as “Hollywood’s Band,” has appeared in dozens of films and television shows, including Forrest Gump, the Little Rascals, and Hello Dolly!
It has also performed at the Rose Bowl more times than any other college band–34 times!
The largest Trojan Marching Band contingent in history will perform at the Oct. 30 football game. At halftime, more than 1,100 artists, including approximately 900 graduates, performed on the field.
Texas A&M Aggie Band
Everything in Texas is bigger, and marching bands are no exception. The Texas Aggie Band is the largest military marching band in the world, with over 400 members. This marching band, known for its loud sound and precise, traditional drill, can practice up to 40 hours per week on top of their academic routine. That’s a lot of effort!
Ohio State University Marching Band
Even those without extensive marching band knowledge are likely to be familiar with the famed “Dotting of the I” for the OSU marching band’s pregame presentation. It is a ritual that dates back to the 1930s, in which someone stands as the dot of the I in the band’s Ohio lettering. The band is one of the largest all-brass and percussion ensembles in the world, and they are famed for their incredible drills, such as making Michael Jackson moonwalk across the field or Link’s loyal steed. Epona (from the Legend of Zelda games) gallops towards the end zone!
University of Tennessee The Southland’s Pride Band
This historic band began over 110 years ago as a cornet-only ensemble but has since grown into a full-fledged marching band that has performed during the presidential inauguration every year (save 2013) since 1965. They are well-known for their circular drill and kaleidoscope-like formations that captivate any audience that sees them.
University of Texas Longhorn Band
Back to Texas for another large band (this time with around 375 members!). The Longhorn band is entrenched in tradition, emphasizing a traditional marching style while performing famous compositions such as “Rawhide,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “William Tell Overture,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” The band, which is full of pride and tradition, is also regarded as the “Showband of the Southwest” with good cause.
Benefits of being in the marching band
Getting outside and away from your studies and schoolwork will help you stay sane in college. It can be mentally difficult to focus entirely on classwork, so having a hobby to add balance to your college life is crucial.
Making music and mingling in a marching band is an excellent method to accomplish this. According to certain research, extracurricular activities such as marching band can even help boost academic achievement.
In marching band, some college students develop lifelong friends or meet their future spouses, while others make acquaintances that will help guide their careers.
Section leaders, squad leaders, and drum majors are just a few of the frequent leadership positions formed in marching band that will serve you well in any field you choose.
Why you should be in the marching band
Out of many reasons, let’s give the two best reasons why one should be on the Marching bands.
Marching band is one of the best ways to make music, have fun, and meet new people. Students in high school marching band will eventually have to decide whether or not to continue the activity in college.
Marching band at college is a vital experience that will provide you with a terrific social life, free and enjoyable travels, and a much-needed break from academics. While marching band is demanding, it can also benefit your career. Some institutions even provide financial incentives for marching band members.
Conclusion
The primary purpose of a marching band in college is to entertain the audience at football games. You get to compose music and assist the team as a member. There is only a handful of marching bands among the several colleges. Every college has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the Marching Band recruiting process. The Texas A&M Aggie Band, the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band, the Ohio State University Marching Band, and a few others are among the top college marching bands. Being a part of a marching band benefits children both mentally and physically.
FAQs
- Does every College have a Marching Band?
No, only a few colleges have a Marching band.
- What is the role of the Marching bands? What do they do?
The primary purpose of a marching band in college is to entertain the audience at football games. You get to compose music and assist the team as a member.
- What is the Size of a Marching band?
The number of marching band members varies per school, with some marching bands having as many as 400 members. This is almost certainly larger than your high school program.
