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Cougar Marching Band

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Audition Requirements
Acceptance
Talent & Service Awards
Mission Deferment
Frequently Asked Questions

STUDENTS: PLEASE CHECK YOUR BYU EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL COMMUNICATION


PLEASE READ THE FAQs BEFORE EMAILING THE BAND OFFICE WITH YOUR QUESTIONS


APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1ST

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New Marching Band Member

If you are a new applicant and have not been a part of the Cougar Marching Band then click the button below to start the application process

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Returning Marching Band Member

If you have previously been admitted and been a part of the Cougar Marching Band and want to return, please click the button below to fill out the Returning Member form

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Sections and Audition Requirements
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Brass & Woodwind
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Drumline
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Color Guard

Brass & Woodwind

The Power of the Wasatch has 175+ brass and woodwind members. The BYU Cougar Marching Band fields:

  • Piccolos
  • Clarinets
  • Alto Saxophones
  • Tenor Saxophones
  • Trumpets
  • Marching French Horns
  • Trombones
  • Baritones
  • Tubas

The Cougar Marching Band does not march mellophones or flutes but applicants are welcome to use these instruments for their audition on French horn and piccolo, respectively.

Auditions

The audition requirements are listed below:

  • Woodwinds: 4 scales and the chromatic scale full range of the instrument
  • Brass: 2 scales and the chromatic scale full range of the instrument
  • Long tones
  • 1 lyrical etude
  • 1 technical etude
  • Optional etudes/solos of the applicant’s choice as supplemental materials

Your audition should be a video recording showing you performing the material. All videos should be uploaded to YouTube and should be set to Unlisted (NOT Private).

Auditions are due before May 1st @ 11:59PM

Drumline

The BYU Drumline typically fields 25-28 total members including:

  • 8 to 10 Snares
  • 4 to 5 Tenors
  • 5 Bass Drums
  • 6 to 8 Cymbals

The Cougar Marching Band does not have a front ensemble with keyboards, timpani, etc.

Auditions

All applicants, new and returning, must submit a Cougar Marching Band Application before submitting the audition video.
The audition requirements are listed below:

  • Rhythm, Timing, & Listening Exercises
  • Etudes
  • Optional etudes/solos of the applicant’s choice as supplemental materials

Your audition should be a video recording showing you performing the material and your feet simultaneously marking time. All videos should be uploaded to YouTube and should be set to Unlisted (NOT Private). Instructions to do so will be in Application Instructions.

Auditions are due before May 1st @ 11:59PM.

Color Guard

The BYU Color Guard is a group of 25-30 members who have experience and training with flags, rifles, and other visual equipment.

Auditions

Potential members can audition in person or by video. In person auditions take place annually in April with video auditions being due by May 1. All new and returning members must audition each year AND Submit a Cougar Marching Band application. In-person auditions will be held Saturday April 12th, 2025 at Cougar Marching Band Hall - Lavell Edwards Stadium. If you are not able to attend in person auditions you should record a video showing you performing the material. All videos should be uploaded to YouTube and should be set to Unlisted (NOT Private). If you have any questions please reach out to color_guard@byu.edu.

Required skills include the following on the right and left:

Flag

  • Drop Spins
  • Double Time
  • Carves
  • Flourishes
  • Angle tosses
  • Pole tosses or money hand tosses
  • Pop parallel tosses
  • 45 angle pop tosses

Dance

  • Coupé & passé hops
  • Sautés
  • Chaîné turns
  • Battements
  • Pas de chat
  • Chaîné jeté
  • Cartwheel

Applicants will also be required to learn and perform pom and flag choreography.

Acceptance Into the Band

Positions are awarded as qualified players audition and announcements of membership and scholarship awards will be sent out sometime mid June. Color Guard members will receive acceptance a few weeks after the audition. Please be considerate and patient, as we receive between 350-400 applications for the band each year.

Additional audition recordings will be accepted until the band is completely staffed, but those who audition late have a much lower chance of getting a position. Filling all positions may extend to the middle or end of May for a few sections. However, most sections are extremely competitive. We urge prospective members to audition as soon as possible.

After receiving admission to BYU, and as you receive notification of acceptance into the band, you can register for the marching band class (Music 323R, Section 1). Registration is through MyMap on your myBYU account.

Talent and Service Awards

Scholarships, also known as talent/service awards, are available to all members of the Cougar Marching Band and are automatically awarded to students when they accept membership and agree to the scholarship policy. All scholarships are for the fall semester unless otherwise indicated.

Marching Band Membership

All membership awards begin at $600 with increasing amounts determined by ability, instrumentation needs, and prior service to the band.

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Photo by Tabitha Sumsion

Concert Band Acceptance

Award of $200 in the fall and $200 in the winter to marching band members who are accepted to and concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony with the expectation that their enrollment in these concert bands continue into the winter semester.

Music Major Status

Award of $200 to students who have been admitted into the BYU School of Music and are participating in Marching Band.

Marching Band Leadership

Award of varying amounts to members who are also in a leadership position for the marching band (i.e. Section Leader, Uniform Committee, etc.)

Mission Deferment

Before Your First Semester

Students who are preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before attending their first semester at BYU are invited to complete the audition process now while your playing abilities are still prime.

  1. Complete the application form and select the mission deferment option.
  2. Audition materials will be sent to you to practice and record.
  3. Submit your audition materials.
  4. During auditions for the season you plan to return for, your audition will be reviewed and acceptance will be considered then.

Current Marching Band Members

Current members will have an opportunity to indicate a desire for mission deferment at the end of their current season.
Members that depart for a mission during the winter semester and are unable to take classes do not need to re-audition.

Re-Audition Requirements

Cougar Marching Band members who participate in a large ensemble during the winter semester do not need to re-audition for the next season of marching band. Members who do not participate in a large ensemble during the winter semester will be required to re-audition for the marching band for the following season.

Large ensembles that fulfill the requirement include:

  • University Band
  • Symphonic Band*
  • Wind Symphony*
  • University Orchestra
  • Symphony Orchestra*
  • Philharmonic Orchestra*

*Audition or director’s consent required.

Jazz and small ensembles DO NOT qualify for this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application/Audition Questions
  • Currently, only about 20% of the band are music majors. We have students from virtually every major on campus. Students in most majors enjoy being a part of the band because they still want to perform on their instrument and have an “outlet” from their other college studies. Of course, music majors are also an important part of the organization, and many of them view this experience as a way to prepare for their future music careers.
  • Absolutely! Each year the Cougar Marching Band has members who, at the beginning of the season, have never marched before. Also, because some high schools teach different marching methods, some students are starting from about the same level as those with no marching experience. Members learn marching techniques and commands during Band Camp.
  • Many band members (even non-majors) participate in both marching and concert bands simultaneously. Also, since the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band are offered both semesters, there is the possibility of joining a concert band during the winter semester. Instrumentalists are encouraged to continue performing year-round and the non-auditioned University Band provides the opportunity for many as it is offered as an evening class. Marching Band members who participate in a large ensemble during the winter semester are not required to re-audition for the marching band the following year.
  • In short, becoming the best you can be musically and spiritually. Should you be selected for membership, you will be required to attend Band Camp for the week in August before the beginning of Fall semester, attendance at all rehearsals, games (including bowl games), and performances.
  • The Cougar Marching Band is comprised of students who have been members of championship high school bands as well as students whose high school didn’t even have a marching band. This diversity of backgrounds makes it difficult to compare college with high school. However, one of the greatest differences is that there is much less rehearsal time available. We perform a standard pregame show and 2-4 different halftime shows each season and play lots of stand tunes. Also, the college band has to find a happy medium between being a fun and spirited organization while still achieving a quality of performance representative of the image of our great University at home and away.
  • The band size is set at 225 performing members. There are also members designated as alternates to enable us to cover spots left by illnesses or emergencies. The 225 generally includes 160 woodwinds and brass, 25-30 percussionists, and 25-30 color guard members.
Mission Questions
  • Absolutely! Students who are preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before attending their first semester at BYU are invited to complete the audition process now while your playing abilities are still prime. During auditions for the season you plan to return for, your audition will be reviewed and acceptance will be considered then.
  • Current members will have an opportunity to indicate a desire for mission deferment at the end of their current season. Members who depart for a mission during the winter semester and are unable to take classes do not need to re-audition.
Band Camp
  • Band Camp takes place the full week before classes begin, usually during the last week of August. It begins with a Freshman and New Student Fireside on the Sunday evening before the first day of band camp and continues the entire week through Saturday. Some student leaders & staff will be required to attend a Leadership Camp the Friday before Band Camp starts.
  • Band camp is integral to the success of the season and to successful participation in the band.
  • You are responsible for arranging housing before the start of school in time for Band Camp. Many housing complexes have availability for early move-in arrangements.
  • Band Camp typically lasts about 10-12 hours each day. Come prepared with plenty of water and dressed appropriately for the heat and sun!
  • You will need yourself, your instrument, your music (printed out), a flip folder and sheets, a lyre for your instrument (all purchasable at your local music shop), and close-toed shoes that are compatible for marching and are comfortable to march in. It is HIGHLY recommended that you also bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Scholarships
  • Yes! All individuals selected for membership in the band will receive talent/service awards beginning at $600. Increasing scholarship amounts are determined by instrumentation needs, prior membership, and leadership responsibilities. Additional scholarships are also available to marching band members who are music majors and/or concurrently enrolled in an auditioned concert band.
  • Due to University Policy, all scholarships will be posted the day after the Add/Drop Deadline for Fall Semester. Please do not email the Band Office with questions about scholarship postings. If you require assistance with tuition, please contact the University Financial Services office.
Season
  • Marching Band is a class (MUSIC 323R), and therefore requires enrollment during fall semester (September – December). Rehearsals are held each Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, with the color guard members arriving at 3:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays to learn new routines before rehearsal with the band. The drumline also holds an additional section rehearsal from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Fridays. Home games typically occur on the weekend and last approximately 8 hours. In short, the time required during the week can vary between 6-14 hours depending on whether there is a home game that week or not. This does not include time spent outside of rehearsals practicing music.
  • Yes. Plan on attending every home game. Absences for performances are very rarely excused. Missing a performance is grounds for failure in the class. Any absence from a performance must be approved by the Director ahead of time except in case of emergency.
  • The call time is typically 4 hours before kickoff.
  • The band typically only attends away games in-state during the regular season. (i.e. at Utah or USU). Trips to in-state games are usually an hour or two away from campus and are easily accomplished on the day of the game. As with home games, you are required to attend away games in which we perform. Absences for performances are very rarely excused. Missing a performance is grounds for failure in the class.
Postseason
  • Bowls typically happen late December – January. Attendance at a post-season bowl game is contingent on the football team's performance during the regular season. We will not be informed of which, if any, bowl game BYU will attend until sometime in early December. We also will not find out if some/all of the band will be attending until then. Please do not email the band office with questions about the post-season. Students will receive bowl game info AS SOON AS WE HAVE IT. It is important that band members communicate their travel information to their parents, as we are not able to talk with parents due to FERPA regulations.
  • Plan as if BYU will not be attending a Bowl Game. We highly recommend purchasing any flights home through BYU Travel. It will make it far easier to make any changes if needed. Students will receive bowl game info AS SOON AS WE HAVE IT.
  • In short, we do not know until after bowl game notification. Typically, travel to and from the bowl game has been covered by BYU. However, this is not guaranteed. Plan as if BYU will not be attending a Bowl Game. We highly recommend purchasing any flights home through BYU Travel. It will make it far easier to make any changes if needed.
Misc.
  • Information on instrument check-out will be emailed to students during the summer before Band Camp from the School of Music’s Instrument Office. Contact them also for immediate needs.
  • Marching Band Instrument lockers are available in the band facilities at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Information on locker rentals will be emailed to students during the summer before Band Camp from the School of Music’s Instrument Office.
  • Music for the season will be emailed to members of the marching band during the summer from the School of Music’s Performance Library.