FAQs

How Do I Join the USF Band?

There are 3 steps to join: 

1. Register for the "Dons Band - MUS 111" course under Performing Arts & Social Justice 

2. Fill out the New Member Form

3. Attend our New Member Welcome, a half-day intro for new and returning band members 

New members who can't make New Member Welcome are welcome to show up to our Monday Night Rehearsals, or come introduce yourself when you see us performing. The band accepts members year round. 

Contact us at USFDonsBand@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns!

Fees

How Much Does It Cost to Join Band ?

$25 for new members. This covers the cost of your USF Band uniform vest, which is yours to keep and decorate with pins, buttons, and patches. The uniform fee is non-refundable. We ask that you pay the $25 after you submit your New Member Form. Payment instructions are provided at our first meeting and on our Canvas page after your register for course credit. 

General Questions

What's the Time Commitment?

Our Band is student-led, so we realize that grades in your other classes are important to you. Your commitment level varies depends on how much free time you're willing to spend with us.

The Band meets every Monday for "MNR" (Monday Night Rehearsal) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Sections also schedule a 50 minute sectional each week around their schedules.

The band typically performs 2-3 per month, usually in the evenings. Members are asked to attend all performances and rehearsals, though members are allowed to be excused if there is an unavoidable conflict with class, work, or illness.

Band shouldn't consume your life or keep you from experiencing all that college has to offer. Many of our members have jobs, outside commitments, or participate in other campus organizations. The USF Band is meant to be an activity that gives you time away from studying, allowing you to relax with friends, play music, and have fun during your time at USF. 

Are There Auditions?

There are no formal auditions to join the band. However, placement on a specific instrument or part is determined by the director and section leaders.

What's Your Instrumentation?

We have had the following instruments in the Dons Band:

• • Bb Clarinet (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

  • Bb Trumpet (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

  • C Tenor Trombone (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

  • C Flute (1st & 2nd)

  • C Piccolo  

  • Eb Alto Sax (1st & 2nd)

  • Bb Tenor Sax

  • Eb Baritone Sax

  • F Mellophone

  • BBb Sousaphone

  • Bass Guitar

  • Bb Baritone Horn / Euphonium (B.C. & T.C.)

  • Drum Set

  • Snare Drum

  • Quad Toms

  • Bass Drums (4 tuned)

  • Crash Cymbals

  • Glockenspiel

  • Cowbell, Tambourine, Cabasa, shakers, and other Aux Perc.

  • We've also had violin, keyboard, and even keytar! 

Don't see your instrument? Contact us. We're always open to adding additional instruments. Seriously: if you can read music, we'll make it happen. 

What If I Haven't Played Recently?

That's ok. The open nature of our program means Band members have varied levels of experience. Ultimately, our goal is for everyone involved to have a good time and improve on their current musical abilities. We have members who have played for years, members who haven't played in years, and every once in awhile, members who are learning a new instrument. Everyone is welcome, so long as you're willing to learn the music and improve.

What Should I Expect?

Fun, new friends, good music, travel, excitement, and new experiences! 

The band is a fun-loving, diverse group of students from a wide range of backgrounds, all interested in making the most of their college experiences.  Our band is student-led, meaning elected student officers lead the group and decide much of what the band does. 

Our style is informal and non-traditional. We're a little goofy (ok, a LOT goofy), but we take our music and sound seriously. Members cheer loud, play hard, and rock out as much as possible. Our uniform consists of black slacks, white shirt, and green 'Dons' vest, which members adorn with pins, patches, mementos, and badges of honor from past trips and performances. 

We march in a few parades and events each year. Our informal-style means there is less regard for things like glide stepping, heel-to-toe rolling, Dinkles. We are not a corp style band. Confused? Here's a clip from the SF Chinese Lunar New Year Parade.

We do one informal competition a year: the infamous Battle of the Bands versus the likes of Stanford, Cal, UC Davis, Humboldt State, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine.

A few of our members major in Music, several minor in Music, and most of our members study something else entirely. Our members are in the band because they like to play, they love band, and they have a great time being with friends. Many of our members are involved in other activities and organizations on campus.

Lastly, the USF Band asks, nay, expects that members enjoy being in the Band. In fact, we don't just expect it, we require it. You must have fun to be in the Band! 

What If I've Never Been in Marching Band Before?

First, the Dons Band is more of a pep band than a marching band. We often call ourselves a marching band, and it's true that we do march sometimes. But that doesn't mean you need to be able to march to join the band. The Dons Band marches in 1-2 parade a year, and we'll teach you everything you need to know join in. 

What If I Want to Learn a New Instrument?

We've had several members successfully learn a new instrument while in the USF Band. If you plan to learn a new instrument, we ask that you commit some serious effort to learn it and become proficient enough to perform. It really helps if you you've read music before and have some experience in instrumental or vocal performance, as we don't usually have time to work with individuals who have never had any musical training. 

We're here to help you learn, but it takes a personal commitment to pick-up and play an instrument. Provided that you are willing to spend the time it takes to regularly practice and improve, we encourage you to give it a shot! And if nothing else, well, we always need more cowbell.

When & Where Are Rehearsals?

Our regular Monday Night Rehearsal (MNR) takes place on Monday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Rehearsals are generally fun and relaxed, with the first half focused on learning new music and the second half focused on covering our favorites. Rehearsal is typically inside War Memorial Gymnasium, but it's best to meet us in the band room (aka 'the Shack') at the Education Building, Room - 043. Contact Us for detailed directions and information.

Do I Need to Register to Receive Course Credit?

We request that all members register for for 0, 1, or 2 units of credit. 

Baring scheduling conflicts, we suggest you register to receive course credit for your participation in the band. Those who sign up for credit can register for 0, 1 or 2 units of credit. Even if you do have a scheduling conflict, we can often resolve it and still get you credit for participation. Contact Us if you have questions.

You can register for course credit on MyUSF under the 'Music' subject in the 'Look Up and Register for Classes' module. The band is listed as one of the MUS 111 options, "Dons Band". Alternatively, you can register at the start of each semester via an add/drop system form, provided by your advisor.