Click on one of the questions below to jump to the answer. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please contact us at tubands@towson.edu or by phone at 410.704.5485.

Do you have to be a music major to be in the band?


No. Many members of the band are not music majors, and their majors include Biology, Computer Science, Occupational Therapy, Elementary Education and several others. Non-music majors are welcome to be a part of the Towson University Marching Band. The TUMB typically has members that are studying in every degree program on campus. Music majors who specialize in a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument must participate in two seasons of the marching band as part of their degree

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Are their scholarships available to participate in marching band?


All members of the TUMB, including color guard, receive a participation scholarship ranging from $500-$1000 for fully participating in a complete marching band season. This money is deposited into each member’s university account at the end of the fall semester and will most likely be labeled as “Financial Aid Rebate – DOC” (Disbursement Online Center). If student’s owe money to the university or they are maxed out on student loans/parent plus loan, the stipend goes towards that first. Each student can look through their account and see where the stipend was utilized for. There is no application process or forms to fill out. Students will be granted the scholarship through successful competition of the marching band season.

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Do I need to audition to join the marching band?


Winds – All high school musicians of various abilities, who have marching experience, should be confident to audition for the brass and woodwinds sections of our band. Auditions are online and are “rolling”, meaning they can be submitted at any time. If you’re a high school senior, and interested in attending TU to join the band, submit your audition during your senior year anytime after November 15th. There is not a hard deadline for auditions, and we will accept applicants until all spots are filled.

Color Guard We encourage performers of all experience and talent levels to audition for the color guard and to present their most authentic selves. We strive to make sure that anyone auditioning has a chance to gain education and experience that enhances their growth in the color guard activity, however space is limited. Please refer to the 2021 Towson Color Guard Audition Packet for details on this year’s audition process. 

PercussionThe TUMB takes pride in fielding one of the most innovative and technical percussion sections in the area. We encourage players of all experience and talent levels to audition. With that being said, there are a limited number of spots available on each instrument. Please refer to the 2021 Towson Marching Percussion Audition Packet for details on this year’s audition process.

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What class should I register for to be in marching band?


The marching band class is either MUSA160 or MUSA360. If you are a non-music major and are a Freshman or Sophomore, you will want to register for MUSA160. If you are a non-music major and are a Junior or Senior, you will want to register for MUSA360. If you are a music major, you will want to enroll in MUSA160 until you pass your double jury. After you pass your double jury, you may then enroll in MUSA360.

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I have a class conflict and can’t enroll in marching band. What do I do?


No need to worry. The TUMB will e-mail a class conflict form in the late summer for our TUMB students to complete. This will assist the marching band office in enrolling those students for the marching band class.

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Who can join?


Pending a successful audition, membership is open to all current Towson University students. The main requirement is a whole lot of “Tiger Pride” and a strong desire to be part of an energized university marching band! If you have not already enrolled in Marching Band and would like to do so, please visit the How to Join Page.

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What does it cost?


The costs are minimal.There is a $40 uniform fee which is collected at registration during summer rehearsals and band camp. You must have appropriate footwear (black MTX marching shoes, no substitutions) and long black gloves. Cost of those items will be in a Band Camp Newsletter that is released to all TUMB members in the beginning of August. All of these items can be purchased at band camp with either check or cash. In addition, when members are with the TUMB during the season, we provide appropriate meals.

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How much time does it take?


During the summer, all sections of the band will have a few rehearsals so we can get started putting our band together. Certainly, distance from campus is a consideration to expected attendance. During the fall semester, our rehearsal schedule is very student friendly. During the academic week, we only practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5:15 pm. On Fridays, when students do not have course work due the next day, we rehearse from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. On performance weekends, we rehearse for a few hours, eat a complimentary lunch or dinner, warm up, then march into the stadium to perform our pre-game show. NOTE: Attendance is mandatory for all marching band performances; including games, playoff games, and exhibitions.

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When is Band Camp?


Typically band camp will start a week and a half before the first day of classes. You can find specific dates in the “calendar tab” when they are available. Students living on campus in residence halls will be able to move in to their room at the beginning of band camp.  Attendance at our band camp is required and we will cover the cost of meals, and on campus housing.

We will spend that week putting together our music, learning drill, and refining the style of the Towson University Marching Band.

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Where will I stay for band camp?


If you live in a residence hall, you will be given early admittance into your residence hall room for band camp. This is your permanent room for the entire semester. When you fill out the Band Camp RSVP (which will be posted sometime in mid June), you will notice that we inquire your information about housing at band camp. All you need to do is fill out this form accurately and we will contact housing to arrange for your early arrival into your residence hall room. You will move in to your resident hall the morning of band camp move-in. This gives students and families the rest of the morning and afternoon to place all the students belongings in their room.
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I’ve been informed that I have a “New Student Orientation” during band camp. What do I do?


Not to worry! Every year there are orientation activities that occur during band camp. We coordinate our schedule with orientation officials to ensure that you are able to attend the required portions. In fact, the first performance of the year for the TUMB is the freshman convocation. Once you arrive at band camp we will provide you with specific details as to when and where you need to be for orientation.
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I am a part of the “Honors College” and been informed I have mandatory sessions. What do I do?


Every year we have TUMB students that are a part of the Honors College program. We communicate with the Honors College to ensure you attend the required portions. Once you arrive at band camp, we will provide more information.

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What is the rehearsal schedule during the fall semester?


The Marching Band meets throughout the fall semester during football season. The marching band class is scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45pm-5:15pm, and on Fridays from 3:30pm-6:30pm. On performance and game-day Saturdays, we meet early in the day for warm up, run through, and last minute fine tuning. Incoming freshman will not have any schedule conflicts between the marching band class and other courses. More complete information can be found at the Schedule link in the upper menu of the website.

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What shows are you playing this year?


Along with our pregame show, The Towson University Marching Band works to perfect one halftime show each season. We are proud to put together a show that is reflective of current trends in the marching arts.

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How do I register for Marching Band?


New members, please refer to the How to Join page. Current Towson University students can register for the class during their scheduling time in the spring semester. If you are unable to register for the Marching Band class due to a time conflict with another class, a Class Conflict Form will be emailed to all members in June for you to complete. We will then manually enroll you in the class prior to band camp.

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What do I need to bring to band camp?


When you join the band, a specific list of what you need will be shared with you a couple weeks before band camp.

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What kind of professional staff do you have?


Each year, the Towson University Marching Band has an experienced professional staff. More information can be found on the Professional Staff page by clicking here.

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Who can I contact with questions?


Please click here to view the contact information for the Towson University Marching Band.

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Does the TUMB provide instruments?


The TUMB provides all sousaphones, marching baritones, trombones, mellophones, some tenor saxes, and all marching percussion and front ensemble instruments. Other instruments may be available on a limited basis. There is no cost for the use of these instruments. Instruments must be returned in similar playing condition. Please make sure to contact us at tubands@towson.edu or by phone at 410.704.5485.

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What does a typical football game schedule look like?


The TUMB performs at all home games during the season. The band practices a few hours in the morning and then we provide food for all members, staff, and volunteers during our tailgate. Our tailgate/warmup is located on Lot 7 and Lot 8, which is near SECU Arena and the Towson Center. We then march to the stadium and perform our pregame show, play in the stands during the game, perform some of our halftime show, and finally we perform our entire halftime production in what we call “The 5th Quarter.” After our performance and our Drum Majors dismiss the students, they are then able to leave for the evening.

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Does the TUMB do other performances besides home football games?


Along with all home football games, the TUMB may perform at an away football game if it is in Maryland against University of MD or Morgan State University. We also perform off campus at least twice during the season. The performances can include, The Collegiate Marching Band Festival and exhibition at local high school competitions. We also perform exhibition during MMBA MD State Championships which is located at Towson University. Our goal is to make sure the TUMB has a rewarding experience.

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Do marching band members receive free football game tickets?


Every member of the Towson University Marching Band may request discounted tickets through an online form. We do not receive discounted  tickets for away or playoff games. A sign-up form will be available about a week before the game and students request the amount of tickets they need. During our tailgate, the student can come to our Ticket Table and retrieve the tickets. Tickets that are picked up during our tailgate will be $2 for every ticket (regardless of the number of tickets needed). The tickets are at our tailgate until 40 minutes before kick-off time. From 30 minutes until kick-off time until halftime, the tickets can be retried at the Box Office Ticket Window located on the press box side of the stadium. If you must get your tickets at will-call, you will be charged the group discount rate of $5 per ticket. This is because of ticket office procedures. More information regarding the game day experience can be found at https://towsontigers.com/sports/2018/6/18/2016-football-game-day-central.aspx

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