Are you worried about the time commitment, concerned about costs, or not sure whether auditioning is the right decision for you?
Those who have marched in the band for a few years count their experience in the marching band as one of the most enriching and enjoyable times of their college life. The responsibility and dedication of being in the band is not easy, but the rewards of camaraderie and lifetime friendships are tremendous. Membership in the Carolina Band is a good way to find your ‘niche’ in a large university. Research has shown that new students who are involved in groups such as the Carolina Band tend to have a more smooth transition to college life, performing better academically than their peers and feeling more "at home" at their new school than those who opt not to participate in ensembles or student organizations. We believe we are a family, and we want you to become a member.
We've put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Read on to find out more.
Q: When is band camp held?
A: Band camp is traditionally the week before
classes begin in the fall. For 2008, camp will begin on Saturday, August 16. Attendance at camp is mandatory for all members.
Q: Where does the band rehearse?
A: Currently, the marching band is housed at 516 South Main Street, and rehearses at Columbia Stadium on Assembly Street. In August 2008, the band will rehearse on the practice field at its brand-new $9.829 million dollar building, complete with our own lush practice field and state-of-the art storage and rehearsal facility.
Q: Does membership in the marching band take a lot of time?
A: No. In fact, it probably takes much less time that your high school marching band. Marching band is a class that you register for, and we meet during that class time. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 4:45 to 7:00 PM, and Saturday mornings prior to home games. An additional Monday rehearsal from 7:00 to 9:00 PM is required for those who play percussion or who are part of our auxiliary units (color guard and dance team).
Q: What costs are involved with membership in the marching band?
A: Members are asked to purchase their own marching shoes (approximately $30.00) and gloves (approximately $3.00 a pair). If you are using a University-owned instrument (see below) there is an additional fee of $25.00. All other uniform items and travel costs (t-shirts, shorts, hotel stay, meals, etc.) are provided free to all members. That's it! And best of all, band members do no fundraising!
Q: I really enjoyed attending competitions in high school. How many contests does the Carolina Band attend?
A: None. No marching bands compete at the collegiate level. The name of the game here is entertainment. We will perform new shows for home games, and a slew of fun, exciting music in the stands and on the field.
Q: Is there an audition for membership in the marching band?
A: No. Currently, we invite all students interested in membership to be part of the Carolina Band. We do have a seating audition for part placement (held during band camp), but this audition does not keep anyone out of the band; it is merely used to help balance the part assignments throughout the group.
Q: What is involved in the seating audition?
A: You will be asked 2 major scales and a chromatic scale. You will also be asked to perform a brief sight-reading example.
Q: What about percussion?
A: Percussionists will be sent a packet in June/July with warm-ups, exercises, cadences, etc. You will be asked to perform material from this packet for your audition, which will help determine your placement within the section.
Q: Do you have a pit?
A: No. The USC Marching Band only uses snares, tenors, bass drums and cymbals. We also do not use electric bass.
Q: Do you have an indoor drumline?
A: USC does not sponsor its own indoor percussion ensemble (or winter guard); but many of our alumni and members are founders, organizers and caption heads of two exciting organizations called Palmetto Percussion and Verdigris.
Q: What about color guard and dance teams?
A: We have excellent color guard and dance team units in the marching band! Auditions dates and materials for the 2008 color guard and Coquettes (the name of our dance team) may be found here. Please note: the dance team that performs at basketball games (the "Carolina Girls") is not part of the band program, but is instead part of Atheltics. You can find information about them here.
Q: I was a drum major in high school. May I audition for a position with the Carolina Band?
A: We welcome members to audition for drum major after completing at least one year as a marching member of the band. In the meantime, you'll enjoy marching with numerous other former high school drum majors in the Carolina Band! If you have completed your year of service, audition dates and materials may be found here.
Q: What instruments are provided by the University?
A: We provide piccolos, marching horns, baritones, Sousaphones and percussion. Other instruments can be provided on a very limited basis.
Q: Is there an opportunity for travel?
A: Yes. The marching band traditionally travels with the full band to 1 or 2 games each year. Other games are attended by a 100-member pep band. We also travel to any bowl game the team attends. Recent bowl trips include the Liberty Bowl, the Independence Bowl and the Outback Bowl.
In addition to athletic events, the Carolina Band enjoys performing in exhibition at high school band festivals and community/campus events.
Q: Do I receive academic credit for participating in the marching band?
A: Yes. Marching band is an academic class offered by the School of Music. Freshmen and new transfer students may register for Marching Band (MUSC 123, Section 001 for 1 credit hour) during their summer orientation visit to campus. Current USC students may register during the spring semester.
Q: Do I have to be a music major to be a member of the marching band?
A: No. Approximately 63% of the Carolina Band is comprised of non-music majors, representing every discipline offered at USC. We welcome diversity, and enjoy members who are there because they love making music, and love supporting USC!
Q: Are there band scholarships available?
A: Yes! Beginning in the 2007 academic year, every member of the USC Marching Band will receive a stipend of at least $250 for his or her participation (this year, members of the freshman class received $350). Participants in the band will receive the award at the end of the marching season, as long as they are members in good standing. All members will be expected to behave in accordance with the USC Marching Band handbook throughout the season.
In addition, students may audition for School of Music Scholarships. The chances of receiving a music scholarship vary greatly, depending on your instrument, your skill level, the School of Music's needs, and the depth of the applicant pool for your instrument.
You can read more about scholarship auditions here.
Q: I'm a high school senior. How can I truly experience what it's like to be a member of the Carolina Band?
A: We invite senior band members who are serious about attending USC to be our guests at the home football game of their choice. You'll be with us from the moment we step off the bus at Williams-Brice Stadium, and we guarantee there is no better way to experience the Carolina Band and SEC Football than enjoying it with 81,999 other Gamecock fans!
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact uscbands@mozart.sc.edu.
Q: Do I have to be in a concert band to be in marching band?
A: No. You may be in marching band or concert band, or both. We encourage you to be in marching band in the fall and a concert group in the spring.
Q: What about basketball pep band?
A: The basketball pep band performs at all men and women’s home basketball games, and travels to tournaments with the teams. Pep Band members receive a stipend, one class credit, and may enroll in MUSC 130F during Spring semester registration.
Q: Is the band on any social networking pages?
A: You bet! Friend us on Facebook or on Myspace.
Q: How do I obtain more information?
A: You may contact us at any time by calling the band office at 803-777-4278, or emailing us at uscbands@mozart.sc.edu. We would be happy to help you schedule a campus tour, or visit with Dr. Brozak to discuss participating in the marching band.
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