What kind of music do you play?
The bands at Rutgers play all kinds of music, including popular, rock, classical and school fanfares. Each season, the marching band performs 3-4 different halftime field shows. Some recent shows have included Chicago/Blood, Sweat and Tears, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Stevie Wonder, American Salute, and Star Wars just to name a few.

Do I have to audition to be in the band?
There is no audition. New students who participated in their high school band programs are welcome in the marching band program. At the beginning of band camp all brass players and percussionists are auditioned for part placement. Auditions are held for the feature twirlers in the spring.

Am I required to be a music major?
The Rutgers Bands program includes students from a wide range of academic majors and Rutgers affiliated colleges. A majority of the students in the bands program come from majors other than music including physics, engineering, animal science, philosophy and English. However, music education majors are encouraged to participate in the program in order to understand field directing techniques.

Do I have to play a particular instrument?
The band program currently uses the following instrumentation: Piccolo, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Mellophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Sousaphone, and Battery Percussion. Students who do not play one of these instruments are encouraged to choose another instrument, which may be provided for them.

Are there requirements to be in the Color Guard?
The RU Marching Band marches flags, rifles, and has feature twirlers. Prior experience is preferred but not required.

When are the rehearsals?
The Marching Band rehearses three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30-6:30 on our practice field on the Livingston Campus. Additional rehearsals occur prior to each football game on the astroturf field next to the Rutgers Stadium.

Can I receive academic credit?
All students must enroll in marching band in the fall and may also enroll in pep band in the spring semester for one academic credit each towards their graduation requirements.

How can I benefit by being in the Band program?
There are so many reasons to be a part of the bands program. The best way to find out is to ask a current member. Some of the "perks" include meeting great friends from all over the university, getting a guest ticket to each football game, showing off in front of 42,000 fans, having the opportunity to travel with the pep band to NCAA and Big East championships, performing for high school bands, being televised on ESPN. Who can not get excited about an all expense paid trip to our bowl game!?

How many shows does the Marching Band perform?
The Marching Band performs 3-4 half-time shows per season, and the traditional pre-game show. Each season the Marching Band performs at every home football game and at least one away game. At each game the band performs the pre-game show, a half-time show, and a post-game show. The band also travels to numerous high school exhibitions.

Where does the band perform?
The Rutgers Marching Band performs most often in Rutgers Football stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. On occasion, the band travels to Giants Stadium and performs at Jets games as well as high school exhibitions. The Rutgers Pep Band performs in the Louis Brown Athletic Center on Livingston Campus at every Men’s and Women’s Basketball game.

Do I need to use my own instrument?
The university has a limited number of instruments available for students. There is a nominal semester usage fee. All sousaphones, baritones, mellophones and percussion use university instruments.

What does the Marching Band do in the off season?
There is hardly ever an off season for the bands. In the fall, the marching band performs for football. The pep band plays at all university basketball games and selected soccer and lacrosse games. Our students are also involved in the University Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Campus Band, Jazz Ensemble, Philharmonia Orchestra, Winter Drumline, Queens Chorale, Voorhees Choir, and Glee Club. There is plenty to do!