Join Marching Band
Tradition is an important part of Big Ten universities. The Pride of Minnesota has been bringing spirit, color, and music to campus for over 125 years. We would love for you to become a part of the band's life and experience the pageantry, excitement, and dedication to excellence for yourself.
Never marched before? We'll teach you!
Not a music major? Neither are 95% of our members.
Worried about the time commitment? With nearly every major represented in our current band, let us know your area of interest. We will have a student contact you and let you know how it works with your upcoming course of study.
Prospective Members
Prospective members are invited to contact us for more information about the program. Members of the band staff, including the directors, graduate assistants, and current members will be happy to answer your questions. If you would like to learn more about joining the Minnesota Marching Band and join us in 2023 and beyond, please complete the Marching Band Interest form.
Not a U of M student?
You do not have to be a U of M student to participate. Part-time college students or high school students attending other metro-area schools can take Marching Band as an extension course by contacting:
College of Continuing and Professional Studies
20 Ruttan Hall
1994 Buford Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-624-4000 or 1-800-234-6564
High school students who wish to join the Minnesota Marching Band through post-secondary option (PSEO) programs should contact their high school counselor for further information. More information about PSEO can be found here.
Time Commitment
The Marching Band season officially begins with Spat Camp, the ten-day training period that begins late August and ends on Labor Day weekend. When fall semester classes begin, the band meets Monday through Thursday from 4:15 – 6:00 pm. Additional rehearsals are held on Friday afternoons (4:15 – 6:00 pm) and Saturday mornings before all home football games. The rehearsals avoid conflicts with most classes and allow residence hall students ample time to attend evening meals.
Spat Camp
Spat Camp, the intensive, in-residence preparation camp where students learn music and marching fundamentals, marks the official start of marching band season. Students reside in one of the East Bank residence halls during Spat Camp. A nominal fee covers the cost of housing, meals, and social activities during camp.
Please email us at mnmarch@umn.edu if you have any questions.
Registration and Freshman Orientation
New students must attend University orientation before Spat Camp begins. Students who are assigned orientation dates during the Spat Camp period should contact their college representative and ask to have their orientation rescheduled. Students accepted into the Marching Band will be notified when they can register for MUS 3480, which carries two academic credits.
Auditions
Woodwind and Brass
Audition videos due June 12, 2023. We plan to release our roster by Friday, July 7, 2023.
The audition consists of:
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Chromatic scale ascending and descending that showcases your playable range
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Your favorite major scale, 2 octaves ascending and descending
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A part (1st, 2nd, or 3rd – you select) from "The Minnesota Rouser"
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A part (1st, 2nd, or 3rd – you select) from "Minnesota March" (Note: Mellophone players audition on "Go Gopher Victory" instead of “Minnesota March”)
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A personal statement answering the following questions: “Why do you want to be a member of the Pride of Minnesota? How have your past experiences prepared you to be part of the band?” The personal statement can be written (max one page) or video-recorded (max two minutes).
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Optional: you may also include another selection that helps display your talents (i.e. a prepared piece from solo and ensemble contests)
One bit of advice: don't point directly at your microphone. This distorts the sound on your recording unless you have a good external microphone.
Videos should be posted on a personal YouTube site, then the link should be shared here, along with your personal statements. Please be sure to follow the YouTube directions below.
Submitting the Video
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Create a YouTube account (if you have gmail, you automatically have one)
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Click the Upload button in the top right corner
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It will take you to the Upload page.
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A little box will appear with the word Public. Click on the little triangle and click Unlisted (this way only people with the link will be able to see your video).
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Either drag the video, or select the file of your video to upload.
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Make sure to title your video “Your name, Instrument Audition”
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Copy and paste the link to your YouTube video (it will give you the link once your video is uploaded) to this form.
If you have any questions about submitting the video, send an email to mnmarch@umn.edu
Audition Music
Listen to the sounds of the Minnesota Marching Band on our Soundcloud.
Drumline
Fall 2023 Drumline Auditions are on Saturday, April 29 at Huntington Bank Stadium at 9:00 AM. We will also have an optional rehearsal on Friday, April 28 from 7 PM - 9 PM to answer questions and help new people prepare for auditions the next day.
If you are unable to join us on April 29 but are interested in being on the Drumline, please contact Kelley Lima at limax003@umn.edu as soon as possible to make alternative audition plans.
Additional information and audition music can be found at http://drumline.umn.edu/auditions
Learn more about the University of Minnesota Drumline.
Color Guard
Auditions are in two parts.
The first part is a video submission which is due with your Spat Camp application information. This video can be on DVD, emailed to ummbcolorguard@gmail.com as an attachment (.mov, .wmv, .m4v), or posted on a personal YouTube site. Please visit the audition page to view the audition requirements and additional ways to prepare for the audition process.
The second part of the audition is an in-person Color Guard Camp that takes place August 3-6, which includes learning the audition materials as well as routines for the season. If you are unable to join us for those dates, please contact us at ummbcolorguard@gmail.com as soon as possible to make alternative audition plans. Students who submit their video submission will be invited to participate in additional (optional) rehearsals prior to the Color Guard Camp.
If there are any questions, please email ummbcolorguard@gmail.com
Learn more about the University of Minnesota Color Guard.
University of Minnesota 2023 Feature Twirler Auditions
Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Feature Twirler position!
Auditions for FALL 2023 have closed.