Department of Music & Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions about Marching Band

Q: How much time does Marching Band take? Will I have the time?
A: For most weeks, the Marching Band rehearses five times a week for one hour and twenty minutes a day (4:30 - 5:50 p.m.), and on the day of the game for about an hour and a half  in the morning.  Students rarely drop Marching Band because of time problems.  Our students see Marching Band as their time to get outside and take a break from the lecture halls and labs, play great music, and be among close friends.

Q: How many performances does the Marching Band have?
A: We play at all home football games (6 in 2008) and take at least one trip. The band also performs in the annual Band Extravaganza at the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on campus, which also features the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble. In addition, we often perform at regional marching band exhibitions/competitions.

Q: How do I join?
A: Visit the How to Join section of the website! All positions (wind, percussion, flags, twirlers) are based on auditions. We recommend that you audition early. Students who have been accepted in the band will be notified in mid-summer (winds), and will receive information on Band Week and music for the first performance. Be sure to fill out a Application for Membership.

Q: How do I register?
A: If you have been accepted as a member of the band, you must register for Music 114a (one credit hour) for the fall semester.

Q: What if I have a class conflict with Marching Band?
A: If a class conflict cannot be avoided, don't assume that you cannot participate!  We understand that there are many lab and course conflicts with marching band during the week.  If you have exhausted all other scheduling options, we do permit first-year members to miss one rehearsal per week due to a class conflict (work and other personal conflicts are not permissible).  Returning members are allowed two class conflicts per week.

Q: As a Marching Band member, how much should I expect to pay?
A: There is a fee at the beginning of the semester (around $25) to cover the cost of uniform cleaning and a band T-shirt. There is also a small fee (around $5) if you wish to rent a locker in the Music Hall. White gloves and white leather marching shoes might be an additional expense if you don't already own these items. If you need to rent an instrument or equipment, including drumline, flagline, sousaphones, and flugelhorns (third trumpets), there is an additional rental charge. All charges will automatically appear on the student's U-Bill. The university pays for all travel-related expenses.

Q: Obviously there are huge costs for the Marching Band.
As an Alumnus, Parent, or Friend of the Band, how can I help?
A: We have a special program set up for just that! The ISU Department of Music and the Iowa State Foundation are working together to offer the Adopt-the-Band program. Find out more about how you can help.

Q: How do I get into Basketball Pep Band?
A: Visit the Pep Band page on this website.

Q: Why the ISUCF'V'MB?
A: We'll tell you when you get here!