Marching Band FAQs

Horn musicians on gameday

How do I join the band?

Fill out the Marching Band Interest form to get on our email list! Membership in the Marching Band requires an audition. Review the instructions here to help prepare your audition recording.

What sections are in the band?

Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Mellophone, Trombone, Baritone, Sousaphone, Drumline (Snare, Multi-Tenor Drums, Bass Drums, Cymbals), and Color Guard. We don’t have a front-line percussion ensemble (timpani, mallets, keyboards, electronics, etc.).

How often does the marching band practice?

The Marching Band rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 4:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. During game weeks, the band also rehearses on Friday from 4:15 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday morning before a home football game.

Where does the marching band play?

The marching band performs at all home football games held in Huntington Bank Stadium. Rehearsals also take place in the stadium.

Does the marching band only play in Minnesota, or do they play outside of the state as well?

We currently do not travel to away games. Should the football team make it to a bowl game, there is a chance the marching band could travel to the bowl game.

What is Spat Camp?

Spat Camp is our pre-season training camp prior to our first home football game and the beginning of the fall Semester.

When is Spat Camp?

Spat Camp takes place at the end of August through Labor Day. In 2026, Spat Camp will begin on Tuesday, August 25. Attendance during all of camp is required. Please do not schedule work or vacations past August 20.

How much does it cost to be in the marching band?

Fees associated with Marching Band are:

  • Spat Camp Fee is $200 (University-required course fee)
  • Apparel Fee is $67 (baseball cap: $14, polo: $30, gold t-shirt: $10, winter hat: $13)
    • Items are purchased in your first year only. In later years, you will only be charged if you need to replace an item.
  • Instrument Rental fee is $55
  • Marching Band registration (MUS 3480). You register like any other class, after a successful audition. Marching Band is 2 credits. Resident Enrollment Per credit $620.50 as of fall 2025. Tuition cost taken from One Stop Student Services.

How much is the uniform?

You do not buy your uniform. We check that out to students each year.

As part of the uniform, you get your first pair of spats, gloves, and earplugs free of charge. After that – $6/pair for Spats, $3/pair for Gloves, and $11/pair for earplugs replacement.

There is an apparel fee (shown above) for secondary uniform items – polo, baseball cap, winter hat, and gold shirt.