Athletic Pep Bands

Each of the three pep band performs at approximately 25 regular season events between late September and early March (roughly 12-13 each semester). In addition, bands perform at several post-season events as the teams progress through conference and NCAA tournaments. Attendance at all pep bands rehearsals is required. All inquiries regarding participation in the University of Minnesota Athletic Bands should be directed to pepband@umn.edu. More information on auditions can be found below.

Gopher Pep Band

The Gopher Band primarily plays at women's basketball games, but it also plays at some volleyball, men's basketball, and men's and women's hockey games. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm (Spring 2024: 6:00pm - 7:15 pm) in the Marching Band facility at Huntington Bank Stadium. Enter via the Pope County sign marker on the North side of the stadium near Gate B. All first-year pep band members begin as members of the Gopher Band.

Director: Dr. Leonard

Gold Pep Band

The Gold Band primarily plays at men's basketball games, but it also plays at some volleyball, women's basketball, and men's and women's hockey games. Prior participation in Gopher Band is a prerequisite for this class. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm (Spring 2024: 6:00pm - 7:15 pm) in the marching band facility at Huntington Bank Stadium. Enter via the Pope County sign marker on the North side of the stadium near Gate B.

Director: Dr. Leonard

Maroon Pep Band

The Maroon Band primarily plays at men's hockey games, but it also plays at some volleyball, women's hockey, and men's and women's basketball games. Prior participation in Gopher Band is a prerequisite for this class. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm (Spring 2024: 6:00pm - 7:15 pm) in the Marching Band facility at Huntington Bank Stadium. Enter via the Pope County sign marker on the North side of the stadium near Gate B.

Director: Skeeter Burroughs (pepband@umn.edu)

Auditions

Prospective Members

Fill out the Prospective Member Information Form

Wind Instruments: Prepare music found under the Audition Music section below.

Auditions will take place during the first week of classes fall semester. Audition sign up will be updated late July.

Drum set auditions will be on Tuesday September 3 (Audition sign up will be updated late July): Be ready to demonstrate four different styles of music (e.g. Funk, Swing, Slow Rock, and Fast Rock). Perform each of the styles for approximately 30 seconds with at least two fills per style.

Drumline auditions will be during the evening on Wednesday September 4 (Audition sign up will be updated late July): Perform their respective part to the Minnesota Rouser and to the drum cadence Ski-U-Mah

Returning Members

Fill out the Returning Member Information Form

Wind Instruments: Prepare Minnesota March found under the Audition Music section below.

Drum Set: Read and follow Drum Set audition information under “Prospective Member” section

Drumline: Read and complete Drumline audition information under “Prospective Member”

Auditions take place the first week of classes. Audition sign up will be updated late July.