About - Cougar Marching Band Skip to main content

ABOUT

A Long Legacy

For over a century the Cougar Marching Band, an essential part of the tradition and atmosphere of BYU athletics, has captivated audiences with the excitement and pageantry of spectacular pre-game and halftime performances they bring to LaVell Edwards Stadium and through national TV performances. Consisting of 225 dedicated musicians from all over the United States and the world, the Cougar Band takes its nickname, "the Power of the Wasatch" from the Wasatch mountain range, a stretch of the Rocky Mountains passing through Provo and providing the beautiful backdrop for BYU’s campus.

The 225-member band consists of approximately 175 woodwinds and brass, 25 percussionists, and 30 color guard members. The band members represent 34 states as well as majors across campus, with about 20% being music majors.

The marching season begins with a rigorous week-long band camp the week before school begins. Band members fly in from all over the U.S. and Canada to participate. During this intense week, the group begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 10:00 p.m. rehearsing in the west stadium parking lot and the Cougar Marching Band Hall. During this time, members learn basic marching techniques, memorize music to the pre-game and first halftime shows, all in preparation for the first home game performance.

During the regular football season, the band meets 3 days a week from 4:10-6:00 p.m. in all weather. The band can be seen at every home game and travels with the team to in-state games and occasionally to places like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The band also performs at a post-season bowl game, a tradition that is expected to continue with the excellence of BYU Football.

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Directors & Staff

The band is lead by several talented directors and supported by hardworking staff

History

The band has grown and developed over the years through the contributions of many, especially it's directors.

Bowl Games

The band accompanies the football team to most bowl games.