Do I have to be a music major to get into the band? No. In fact, the majority of students in the marching band are not music majors.

Will I receive a scholarship?  Every member of the Jaguar Marching Band receives a scholarship, averaging about $1500 and up per year.  Also, members of the Jaguar Marching Band who successfully audition for and participate in a spring concert ensemble (band an/or orchestra) earn an extra $300 scholarship per semester per ensemble for this musical achievement.  For more information, read more about joining the Marching Band.

I qualify for a "Bright Futures" scholarship in Florida.  Will the Jaguar Marching Band honor this scholarship?  Yes!  If you qualify for "Bright Futures" scholarships in Florida, then we will take your academic scholarship for your ACT score and add a marching band scholarship that will match or beat "Bright Futures."

Do I have to be in concert band to be in marching band? No. You can be in marching band or concert band, or both. If you participate in a spring concert ensemble however, you do not have to re-audition for the marching band (winds only).  Also, members of the Jaguar Marching Band who successfully audition for and participate in a spring concert ensemble (band an/or orchestra) earn an extra $300 scholarship per semester per ensemble for this musical achievement. For more information, read more about joining the Marching Band.

Is marching band a class? Yes. All members register for MUO130, a one-credit hour course. This credit may be used as an elective in any curriculum.

How hard is it to get into the marching band? Not as hard as you think!  We like to think it's just hard enough.  Check it out...

I live a long way away.  Can I do a remote audition? If you're a wind player, then yes.  Wind playing students who live a prohibitive distance from campus can audition via live video chat (Skype, Gmail chat, FaceBook chat, etc.).  To schedule a remote audition, call (251) 460-6136.

Do the freshman go through hazing? No! Absolutely not! We value all of our members because they are the future leaders of our band.

I have a class or lab that is conflicting with Marching Band. Can I have any conflicts? A limited number of conflicts are allowable in certain cases, especially for once-per-week afternoon labs. Just contact the Music Office at (251) 460-6136 or e-mail Dr. Miller at rwmiller@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.  He can let you know if your amount of conflict is acceptable. We can also get a conflict override so that you can register for the classes.  Marching Band students, especially freshmen and sophomores, should not register for night classes.

Will I march with a school-owned instrument, or do I need to provide my own?  Every member of the band marches with a school-owned instrument.

Will I be guaranteed a spot marching on the field? What about alternates? Every member of the Jaguar Marching Band will march either halftime or pregame at every game, provided they remain in good standing with the band. Decisions on who marches from week-to-week are based on absences, memorization, and overall ability to march and play. Members not marching at a particular game will “shadow” another marcher as an alternate during rehearsal and will march that person’s spot in case he or she cannot march that Saturday. All members play in the stands and dress out in uniform. There are NO permanent alternates.

What trips am I required to attend? You must attend any and all scheduled performances. All costs of trips are paid by the University.

Is band camp required?  Can I miss part of it?  Band Camp is required. Excused conflicts with band camp are limited and rare, and they must be worked out with the Associate Director of Bands months in advance. Conflicts that are not excusable include vacations.

I'm in a Drum and Bugle Corps.  Can I miss part of band camp if I'm at Finals?  You can miss part of band camp as long as you are performing at finals.  Once your drum corps has been eliminated from competition, you must immediately depart and report for Jaguar Marching Band camp.  Do not stay remain there as a spectator.  Keep in mind that you may be an alternate until you have caught up on our fundamentals and drill for that season.

What will we get accomplished during Band Camp? Before the end of camp, the band will learn an entire new halftime show, as well as the pregame show. Progress will be made on learning a second halftime show as well. Also, school songs and stands tunes will be learned to play at the football games.

How do I condition myself in preparation for Band Camp? You will spend the majority of each day during band camp outside in the hot sun, running or marching around, and playing your horn. It is very important that all members get their bodies acclimated to being active outdoors before showing up to Band Camp. Running or jogging outside in the heat is a great way to prepare oneself for long days of Band Camp. Also, get into playing shape by practicing your instrument before camp begins.

I will be living in a Residence Hall. What are my living arrangements for the week of Band Camp? The band will cover the costs of your early move-in to University housing (this does not include The Grove apartments).

I will be living in an apartment or some other residence. What are my living arrangements for the week of Band Camp? Most realtors do not have set move-in dates before Band Camp. You will need to talk to the realtor and ask them if there is any way you can move in before the week begins. If you cannot arrange this, get in contact with the Music Department at (251) 460-6136. We will have your section leader help you arrange a place to stay until you can move into your apartment.