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 in 2024 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 (In-person hours are currently suspended.)
612-624-4000 or 1-800-234-6564
ccapsinfo@umn.edu
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 the 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 auditions are closed for 2023.
Audition information for 2024 will be posted in January 2024.
Drumline
Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Drumline!
Auditions for FALL 2024 will take place late April or early May. 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 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 early August, 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.