We are pleased to know of your interest in the band program at USU. We want to assure you that there will be plenty of wonderful music-making opportunities in the USU Bands if you become and Aggie! If your emphasis is Music Education, you are considering one of the finest such programs in the region.
Each semester we have three concert bands (Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Cache Wind Symphony), two Jazz Bands, our Symphony Orchestra, and numerous instrument-specific chamber ensembles. Further, we have our Aggie Marching Band in the fall and the Aggie Pep Band, which bridges both semesters. Entrance requirements vary from full auditions to simple chair placements. When required, auditions take place at the beginning of the fall semester. Marching Band requires minimal time commitment, meeting two or three days per week on average (there IS a stipend for participation), in addition to our Aggie Marching Band camp one week prior to the start of fall classes.
How To Become Part of the USU Bands
Get Admitted to the University
- Take the ACT or SAT, making sure your scores are sent to USU (and other institutions you are considering).
- Officially apply to the university and become admitted as a student at USU.
Make Further Contact with the Music Department and Band Directors
For additional inquiries, please contact our Director of Bands, Dr. Thomas Rohrer.
To be added to our contact list, please fill out the Band Information Request Form. Regular communication for the fall typically begins in May, but feel free to contact us at any point.
In addition, consider yourself welcome to visit us at your convenience or for one of our many performances in the current academic year. Best Wishes!
Scholarships
Several scholarship opportunities are available through the USU Music Department. All students interested in joining the Aggie Marching Band are strongly encouraged to audition for a Music Department Talent Scholarship. In most cases, these awards are open to both music majors and students pursuing other disciplines. Auditions take place in February for the following academic year. Students who miss auditions prior to their freshman year may be considered for scholarships the next year, particularly those who are highly involved and prove to be excellent contributors to the Aggie Band program.
What kind of time commitment should I expect for marching band?
College band is not as demanding, time-wise, as many high school marching bands. Although 1 1/2 hours per day is encumbered by the schedule, the band actually rehearses only 2-3 times per week, depending on the home football schedule that week. Rehearsals occur in the afternoons when fewer classes are offered, so conflicts are minimized. The only out-of-school requirements are the performances, which number 6-7 Saturdays of the fifteen-week semester. . . . The enjoyment received from the experience is more than worth the time. There is flexibility to individual students' schedules.