CLICK FOR 2026 BAND CAMP SCHEDULE

Hello Marching Hornets,

Thank you for either registering for MU245 – Marching Band and/or filling out the band camp pre-registration form.  Band camp begins 2 weeks from tomorrow! It’s going to be an awesome season.

BAND APP In addition to Canvas, one of our primary ways of communication will be the Band App. Please join this app ASAP. https://band.us/n/a1acbfDaNfi5p  

BAND CAMP: In the event you are registered for class but had not filled out our pre-registration band camp form, please submit this form yesterday: https://tinyurl.com/2026ESMH  If you have not signed up for MU245-Marching Band, please reach out to me, or to your counselor to get enrolled in the ensemble. You must be enrolled to receive your scholarship.

BAND CAMP SCHEDULE/EARY DORM MOVE-IN: The Band Camp runs from Saturday, August 8 through Friday, August 14. Band Camp Schedule:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pUf9baNUoJD2tlFupAmH-mA_bfCKdooq/view?usp=sharing

All students registered for MU245 Marching Band will be allowed to move into the dorms early on Saturday, August 8.

MUSIC & DRILL: I will be sending music early next week. I would encourage you to get a cell phone holder designed for your instrument to hold your cell phone as we use digital copies and do not make hard copies of the music for the winds. Percussionists may get music, but you would need 3 ring binders with tons of sheet protectors.

EXAMPLES (not required to buy these specific holders if you can find cheaper better somewhere else, but these should work):

https://amzn.to/3TSbSbS

https://amzn.to/4yzq8Gp

https://amzn.to/4ht3Yzt

https://amzn.to/4gQaFeO

https://amzn.to/4wSK99a

https://amzn.to/3TzDRwU

HEARING PROTECTION: We are very, very loud. You WILL need hearing protection. These examples do not block out all sound, but just the most damaging decibels.

EXAMPLES (not required to buy these specific holders if you can find cheaper better somewhere else, but these should work):

https://amzn.to/44JPofF

https://amzn.to/4h1jmTL

https://amzn.to/4vLAjVK

WATER JUGS: Bring water jugs for rehearsal. You don’t necessarily need to buy 1 gallon jugs that you may see drum corps use, but the larger the better. Our rehearsals get hot, and you must be able to help hydrate yourself.

HATS & SUNGLASSES: A hat during rehearsal can reduce the perceived temperature by as much as 10 degrees. Believe me, having a good hat will help you last longer during rehearsals.

REHEARSAL ATTIRE: Be sure to wear athletic attire for rehearsals, Jeans/Cowboy boots may be great for some work conditions, but for marching, they are not appropriate. Additionally, athletic shoes (not flippy floppies, not crocs) actual supportive athletic shoes are required for rehearsals to protect your feet and lower body.

BLACK CARGO TYPE SHORTS: All ESMH Winds and Percussionists will need to purchase at least one pair of these shorts that complement your body shape the best. Please order at least 1 pair (more if you choose) and bring them with you to the band camp. 

These are just examples, but you can purchase your black shorts anywhere you are able to find the correct fit.
Men's options

• https://amzn.to/4eii2IM

• https://amzn.to/4nciKLv

Women's options

• https://amzn.to/3ZaZbZt

• https://amzn.to/45xFdwg

2026 ESMH Information Page: This page has been updated throughout the summer and will continue to be as we get closer. This page will have band camp information and more!  https://emporia.link/esmhinfo This page may be removed as the website is being redesigned. If you are unable to find it, you can also go to: http://emporia.edu/marchinghornets

ESMH FAN STORE: Check out this link for the new Emporia State Marching Hornets Fan Store through our local vendor. Scroll at the top to see items for each part of the ESMH, and more items will be added soon: https://esuathleticbands.navrats.com/index.php?route=common/home

RECRUITMENT: If you have a friend on the fence about joining, reach out to them and encourage them to participate as this will be another HISTORIC year for the Marching Hornets!

There are no auditions for brass and woodwinds, and the auditions for drumline and front ensemble will take place during band camp.  Just register for the course!

SCHOLARSHIPS: Marching Band Scholarships are automatic for all members enrolled in MU245:

Year 1 - $2000

Year 2 - $2500

Year 3 - $2750

Year 4+ - $3000

Of course, there are additional opportunities for fall scholarships with the Volleyband, and in the spring semester with the Hornet Revue Pep Band.

I will send out more information in the band app soon!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me (wwoodwor@emporia.edu). 

2026 BAND CAMP & AUDITION INFORMATION

August 8 through August 14, Early Dorm Move-in and Required Band Camp. There are no auditions for the brass and woodwinds. 

Drumline & Front Ensemble Auditions - During Band Camp

Colorguard Auditions - Sunday, April 19, 2026

Stingers Dance Team Auditions - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Hornet Cheer Auditions - Saturday, April 25, 2026

Volleyband Auditions - During Band Camp

Hornet Revue Pep Band Auditions - Beginning of October 2026

Elegante Independent Winterguard Auditions - Beginning of October 2026

MARCHING HORNET INFORMATION & SCHEDULE 

Course Number: 

• Marching Band - MU 245 A (or MU 645 for graduate students)

• Stingers Dance Team - MU245B

• Colorguard - MU245C

• Hornet Cheer - MU245D

Fall semester Rehearsal Schedule:

• M/W/F - 3pm to 5pm

  • Required Weekly Sectional Time - THURSDAY 6pm is the suggested time for ease of scheduling. 

• Game day morning rehearsals

Our required performances:

• All Home Football Games – check esuhornets.com for the updated schedule

• Emporia Marching Festival

• Kansas Bandmasters Association Open Class Championships

• Emporia State Homecoming Bonfire

• Emporia Veteran’s Day Parade     

• Emporia Christmas Parade

• Playoff Games (Home, possible away games)

• Additional performances may be added, only as necessary.

Additional Information about the ESU Music Department

Click this link to learn information about our current ESU music faculty.

To schedule a general campus visit, please follow this link to the admissions sign up form http://emporia.edu/visit

Click this link to find out more about ways to support the ESU Music Department, and donate to our scholarship fund.