Utah State University provides a vibrant, comprehensive band program that offers our students and community the very best in brass, woodwind, and percussion performance. Our ensembles provide excellent musical experiences for students of all majors and disciplines in a welcoming learning environment. Some ensembles require a formal audition; many do not. With every rehearsal and performance, USU Band members create lasting memories and form lifelong friendships through the power of music.
There is a place for EVERYONE in the USU Bands!
Rehearsals: Tue & Thu 3:00-4:30pm, Fri 2:30-4:00pm (performance week Fridays only)*
Audition: No audition required for brass & woodwinds (simply sign up for the course)
Contacts: Dr. Lane Weaver
The Aggie Marching Band is the largest of our bands and the venue through which most students at USU enter the Band program. AMB members get to transition to campus early through our AMB Camp one week before fall semester classes start. We welcome everyone. If you have never marched before, there is nothing to worry about. We will teach you all you need to know. Obligations begin with AMB Camp and extend through any post-season play. All AMB students are eligible to receive a stipend for their service. (NOTE: A special section of Connections is available for all AMB freshmen. Details will be shared with all new AMB members when it is available.) AMB & Wind Orchestra rehearse opposite Fridays and do not conflict.
*Minor schedule conflicts can often be worked out. Contact Dr. Weaver with questions.
Rehearsals: Tue & Thu 3:00-4:30pm, Fri 2:30-4:00pm (game week Fridays only)*
Audition: Auditions will take place via video with possible supplementary auditions during Drumline minicamp. Contact Dr. Weaver for details.
Contacts: Dr. Lane Weaver
The Aggie Drumline is the highly energetic powerhouse behind the Aggie Marching Band. Drumline members participate in a minicamp four days before joining the rest of the AMB for our full Marching Band Camp. All other AMB membership requirements apply. USU does not march a pit/front ensemble. AMB & Wind Orchestra rehearse opposite Fridays and do not conflict.
Rehearsals: Tue & Thu 3:00-4:30pm, Fri 2:30-4:00pm (performance week Fridays only)*
Audition: Info sent during the summer. Formal auditions as needed during AMB Camp. Contact Dr. Weaver for details.
Contacts: Dr. Lane Weaver
Information and preparation materials will be sent to all interested Color Guard prospects throughout the summer. Final auditions will take place during Marching Band Camp in August. All AMB membership requirements apply.
Rehearsals: Wed & Fri 2:30-4:00pm (Fall); Mon, Wed & Fri 2:30-4:00pm (Spring)
Audition: Required during the first week of fall classes, audition material posted on the bulletin board by the Band Office (FA 113)
Contacts: Dr. Thomas Rohrer
The Wind Orchestra is USU’s flagship concert band featuring our very best woodwind, brass, and percussion students. The Wind Orchestra has performed at several regional and national conferences and showcases the finest wind band literature in existence. The Wind Orchestra typically presents two or three concerts per semester. AMB & Wind Orchestra rehearse opposite Fridays and do not conflict.
Rehearsals: Mon 2:30-4:00pm (Fall); Tue & Thu 3:00-4:30pm (Spring)
Audition: None
Contacts: Dr. Thomas Rohrer
The Symphonic Band is our large, non-auditioned concert band. This is perfect ensemble for students interested in performing excellent wind band literature and developing as a musician without the pressure of a formal audition. Auditioning students not assigned to Wind Orchestra are assigned to Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band usually performs two concerts per semester.
Rehearsals: Mon, Wed, & Fri 12:30-1:20pm
Audition: Required during the first week of fall semester classes, usually sight-reading
Contacts: Dr. Max Matzen
The Jazz Orchestra is the premier jazz big band at USU. The band prepares the best of new and classic jazz literature and has earned national recording recognition. Several on-campus and community performances are given each year, often featuring nationally-prominent guest artists.
Rehearsals: Mon, Wed, & Fri 1:30-2:20pm
Audition: Required during the first week of fall semester classes
Contacts: Dr. Greg Wheeler
The Jazz Ensemble is the second jazz big band at USU. This band provides a venue for students to make major strides in their development of jazz technique and interpretation. Several on-campus and community performances are given each year. Like the Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Ensemble’s membership is determined by audition.
Rehearsals: TBD
Audition: Required in early October (Register Spring Semester)
Contacts: Dr. Lane Weaver
The spirited Aggie Pep Band helps create a winning atmosphere at men’s and women’s basketball home games and post-season tournaments. Auditions occur in early- to mid-October and determine a core band roster and a substitute roster. Audition music typically comes from the Aggie Marching Band season with placement priority given to AMB members. Three rehearsals are scheduled prior to the beginning of the season. APB members auditioning into the Core Band earn a financial incentive based on the number of games played. Substitute members can play at any game and earn money subbing for Core Band members. Though the course is offered only in the spring semester, APB responsibilities cover the full basketball season, typically from October to March.
Rehearsals: Thu 6:30-8:30pm
Audition: Permission of instructor required, contact Dr. Rohrer or Dr. Weaver
Contacts: Dr. Thomas Rohrer and Dr. Lane Weaver
The Cache Wind Symphony is a joint venture between the Cache Community Band and the USU Bands, providing an additional concert band opportunity for those unable to participate in the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band. The ensemble is made up mostly of community members, but also includes several USU students. Two or three performances are planned each semester.
Lessons & Small Ensembles
USU offers a variety of private lesson opportunities small ensemble experiences for woodwind, brass, and percussion performers. Lesson times are arranged between the student and instructor, and ensembles usually rehearse once per week with one or two performances each semester. Interested students should contact the studio faculty member in their particular area.
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.