The transition from high school to college is always fraught with uncertainty and many, many questions. The Marching Band is no different. Below is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer to your question here or need further clarification please feel free to call us at 608-263-1896.

How will time spent in band rehearsals and performances affect my academic work?
Your academic standing will probably improve. Band rehearsals are planned at a time of day that will not conflict with heavy class schedules and prime study time. Scheduling conflicts occasionally occur, but most of them can be worked out by conferring with the Director. Care is always taken that Marching Band activities do not interfere with academic responsibilities.

When do rehearsals occur?
 During the football season the Marching Band rehearses from 3:45 - 5:30 pm Tuesday through Friday. Following the football season, the Varsity Band rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

What is the audition process?
 No formal music audition is required; however, new members will be asked to play for part placement during Welcome Week. New students will be asked to sight read and play scales. Also during Welcome Week, prospective members will participate in a number of sessions designed to teach marching fundamentals and Wisconsin Band procedures.

Is everyone who tries out for Marching Band guaranteed a spot?
 Unfortunately, no. This is due to class enrollment limitations as well as instrumentation needs.

When should I register for Marching Band?
 It is ultimately up to the student to decide whether to register before or after the Welcome Week rehearsals. Our experience has been that it is easier to register during your regular registration time before Welcome Week and then drop the course if you do not end up being part of the final personnel.

How do I register for Marching Band?
 Be certain your studies advisor includes the Band course number in your class for each semester. The Marching/Varsity Band course number is 660-042. Band may be included in your class schedule during SOAR, fall registration or normal late enrollment procedures.

What is the Marching Band instrumentation?
The Marching Band consists of clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, B-flat trumpets, flugelhorns, mellophones, trombones, bass and treble clef euphoniums, tubas and percussion. The percussion section consists of snare drums, bass drums, duos and cymbals. For more information regarding percussion section tryouts please email our Assistant Director, Justin Stolarik. We do not utilize flags, rifles, baton twirlers, flutes, piccolos, oboes, baritone saxophones, E-flat trumpets, xylophones or timpani.

Are instruments available for Marching Band members during Welcome Week?
It depends upon your instrument. During Welcome Week students trying out on clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone are asked to provide their own instruments. Students trying out on mellophone, euphonium, tuba or percussion will be provided an instrument during Welcome Week rehearsals. Once the Marching Band personnel is set, University-owned instruments will be issued to Marching Band members at no charge.

Are there any costs associated with being in the Marching Band?
 A modest maintenance fee is charged to cover uniform cleaning and costs of accessories such as white gloves and spats. Students will also be required to purchase a Varsity Band sweater for off-field performances. Please be sure you also have a pair of white shorts, black dress pants or jeans and a white-collared shirt.

What exactly is the Varsity Band?
 Varsity Band is basically the spring semester of "Marching Band." The Varsity Band appears at all home men's and women's basketball, men's hockey and women's volleyball games. They also appear all over the state to perform run out concerts with the highlight of the semester coming during the annual Spring Concert at the Kohl Center.

How do I participate in Varsity Band?
 All those students participating in the Marching Band during the fall are eligible for Varsity Band in the spring. You must remember to enroll for Varsity Band for the spring semester. There is a minimum requirement of events to attend.

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