Q. Why should I join the Band?

A. As a freshman, you will arrive at campus early and meet nearly 200 other students from different backgrounds before classes begin. All members also have opportunities to travel with the Band and perform around the nation.

Q. Do I have to audition to be in the Band?

A. No. Instrumentalists are not required to audition for the Marching Band. However, you must have playing experience. We encourage everyone to join! Our students come from a vast variety of musical backgrounds.

Once you arrive at Band Camp, section instructors will assign parts based on skill level. All Color Guard and Dance Team candidates must send in audition tapes. See the Dance Team and Color Guard pages for additional information.

Q. Do I have to know how to march to be in the Band?

A. No. Prior marching experience is not required to join the Band. In fact, many of our members have no marching experience before joining. Upon arrival at Band Camp, all new members undergo basic marching instruction.

Q. Do I have to go to BC to be in the Band?

A. No. The BCMB has a program that allows members of Boston-area schools to participate in the organization. This program, known as the “Partner School” program, gives students from Berklee, Emerson, Emanuel, Northeastern, and Wentworth, among other schools, the opportunity to perform on a national stage and be an integral part of a Division I football program.

Q. How is my Registration Fee used?

A. Your registration fee is used for Marching Band accessories, such as a BCMB hooded sweatshirt, t-shirt, baseball hat, winter knit cap, white gloves, maroon socks, and white marching drillmasters. A portion goes towards our social activities during the season, which include activities on Friday nights prior to performances, the annual Halloween party, and occasional pizza or ice cream nights following rehearsal.

Q. How often does the band rehearse?

A. The BC Marching Band rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 10:00 p.m. during the Fall semester. All drill instruction takes place at Alumni Stadium, and indoor music instruction takes place in Conte Forum. Regular rehearsals begin the Tuesday after Labor Day and continue until the last day of the season.

Q. When does Band Camp take place?

A. The 2012 Camp will begin on August 22th and continue until the first home football game on September 1st. Members will move directly into their dorms, and the Band will provide a meal card for the duration of Camp. We encourage new members to take advantage of the opportunity to stay on Main Campus with an upperclassman for the first few days of Camp.

Q. Do I have to play an instrument or be a visual performer to be a member of the Band?

A. No. Aside from musicians, dancers, and Color Guard members, the Band employs several dedicated and hard-working managers without whom the Band could not function. If you’re interested in being a Band manager, contact the Marching Band Director, David Healey, at 617-552-2065.

Q. How proficient do I need to be on my instrument?

A. The ability to read music is required for all instrumentalists, and most students enter the Band with prior experience on their instrument. Members frequently choose to learn new instruments to balance the ensemble sound. These students are given ample instruction and guidance throughout this process.

Q. Does the Bands program provide instruments to members?

A. Yes. The Bands office will provide sousaphones, baritones, mellophones, and piccolos. Some saxophones, trombones, and trumpets are also available on a limited basis. The Band provides all percussion equipment and instrument accessories.

Q. Do I need to be a music major to be in the Band?

A. No. The Marching Band does not require its members to be music majors. In fact, our members come from e a variety of different majors. Nearly every major at the University is represented in the Band!

Q. In what style does the Band march?

A. The Band performs its half-time and pregame routines corps style.

Q. What music will the Band be playing next year?

A. The BC “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band performs two distinct shows during the course of the season. The Band will begin the 2012 season with a show based on the soundtrack from the movie "How to Train Your Dragon." The second show is entitled Carmen. It is based off of the work by Georges Bizet. In addition to half-time performances, the Band also plays a variety of spirit music during time outs, in the stands, and at special pep rallies and performances.