Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of the Trojan Marching Band?

In order to join the Spirit of Troy, you must contact the Recruitment manager, Diana Rosenberger, and provide your contact information. You will need to complete the form on the "Join the TMB" page. If you feel more comfortable submitting this information verbally, you can call (213) 740-6317 and leave the information with one of the band office staff members.

 

When is Band Camp?

Band camp is held on campus one week before classes begin. The leadership of the band spends the first day with just the freshmen in order to facilitate greater learning for new members. For the remaining five days, faculty, teaching assistants, section leaders, and squad leaders help members work on their marching, musical, and unity skills. The Band’s unique "Drive-It" style of marching is taught and reviewed, and the Band’s traditional sound is perfected by Dr. Bartner and fellow faculty.

Most meals for Band Camp are provided.  Students who have TrojanHousing and are unable to move in early will stay in a hotel for a nominal fee (same rate as the TrojanHousing early move-in rate).  You will have a break on the morning of Move-in Day so that you may check into your University Housing. Band camp is traditionally held the week before classes start. Percussion and silks report two days early for auditions and additional practice. This summer look for letters from the band which will explain when you need to arrive on campus and how to sign up for early housing.

 

Will my grades suffer?

Your grades don't have to suffer. A Trojan is faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous, and ambitious. The TMB has Trustee, Presidential, and Deans Scholars who maintain their GPAs while being active members of the TMB. TMB members are routinely Phi Beta Kappa honor society members, members of professional honor groups, and graduate school admits. The TMB has had members from every major and minor USC has to offer who excel in their academics.

 

Do I have to be a music major?

No, only 15-30% of our members are music majors. We have a number of former drum majors and section leaders who just love playing their instruments, but don't necessarily plan on making music their vocation.

 

What trips will I get to take as a freshmen?

Our trips are awarded on the basis of seniority, but no band in the country travels with as many members as the TMB. The whole band including all freshmen will travel to San Francisco for the weekender every year, Chicago for the Notre Dame trip every other year, and the bowl game. Sophomores usually travel to Arizona or Oregon. Juniors typically travel to Oregon or Washington. Seniors travel to the non-conference games -- past senior trips include Atlanta, Hawaii, Kansas City, New York, Washington D.C. and Viriginia. Additionally, a group of band members travels internationally every other year. Recent trips included Brazil (2008), Italy (2006), and China (2004).

 

What if I have a class that conflicts with a band trip?

The TMB is just like the football team; we receive excused absence forms from class. Your academics are a priority for the TMB. If you have a test on that day you can either arrange with your professor to take it early or have one of our staff proctor the test at the hotel. If all else fails, we have the band van drive up to the weekender later in the day for those students who can’t miss class.

 

What if I have a class that conflicts with band?

If you have a class that conflicts with the band practice schedule you have several options:

- Choose another section of the same class
- Try taking a different class in the fall and shift that class to the spring semester
- If all else fails, talk to your section leader about arriving a few minutes late to practice or becoming a reserve.

We know that there is a chemistry and physics quiz section for many freshmen that conflicts with band. It usually only meets four times per semester and we usually have those students arrive late to practice on those days.

 

What if I need a job?

The band office offers work study positions for those with work study in their financial aid package. More information will become available during band camp. However, even if you do not have work study, most of our members find time to work on or near campus, even during marching season.

 

Can I join another group on campus?

We encourage our members to be active participants in the USC community. Most of our members are part of activities outside the band including athletics, sororities, fraternities, professional societies, religious activities, JEP, Thematic Option, honor societies, Film/television crews, internships, resident advisors, and about anything else you can name on campus. Remember a Trojan is faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous, and ambitious. Be ambitious and jump right into USC.

 

Should I bring my own instrument?

Yes, all freshmen who own a personal instrument should bring it to band camp. Instruments will be issued prior to our first football game according to section and part. These instruments will remain yours throughout the fall semester. During the spring and summer semesters, these instruments have very limited availability, so having your own instrument is a must. If you are interested in our Sousaphone section or Drumline, these instruments will be provided.

 

What if I do not own an instrument?

If you desire to play on an instrument that you do no own, please make certain to notify the General Manager of your need for an instrument prior to band camp and every effort will be made to accommodate you.

 

What instruments and auxiliary are used in the Trojan Marching Band?

- Flutes
- Clarinets
- Alto Saxophones
- Tenor Saxophones
- Mellophones
- Trumpets
- Trombones
- Tubas
- Percussion (snares, quads, bass drums, cymbals)
- Silks (tall flags)
- Featured Twirlers

 

What if I play an instrument that does not march in the TMB?

We do not march Euphoniums/baritones, double reeds, bass clarinets, bells/other sideline percussion and obviously strings. There is still a place for you in the TMB. Baritones usually switch to Trombone, Horn, or Tuba. Double reeds usually switch to another reed instrument such as tenor sax, alto sax, or clarinet. Also, even if you played a certain instrument in high school, we encourage you to learn a new instrument here. Altos may want to try tenor sax. String or piano players can try something new. Sideline percussion are encouraged to audition for marching percussion or try prop crew. And if you don't play an instrument at all, you are welcome to join the prop crew. Any student who loves USC and wants to support our athletic teams is welcome in our program!

 

Do I have to register for MUEN 222/322 (Trojan Marching Band) to be in the Band?

Trojan Band members are encouraged but not required to register for the Band as a class. You pay the same tuition whether you take 12-18 units. If you're already at 18 units, you don't need to pay for the extra unit, but if you have units to spare, go ahead and take band for elective credit. Music majors should consult with your academic advisor about Ensemble Credit for MUEN 222/322.

 

Are scholarships available to members of the Trojan Marching Band?

The Trojan Marching Band does not provide scholarships to students, but Band Grants are available for members who meet the criteria. Members who are interested in receiving a Band Grant must come to the Band Office and fill out the appropriate paperwork after Band Camp.

 

How much does membership in the Trojan Marching Band cost?

The Trojan Marching Band raises over $1 million per year. This money is used to pay for instruments, airfare, hotels, meals, uniforms, and other band expenses. Transportation and hotels are provided on trips. Some meals on trips will be provided, but sometimes the band members need to provide their own food.

Your only expense for joining the band is the spirit pack, which you will purchase during band camp your freshmen year. It will be about $80 and includes a red gig bag, TMB hat, long sleeve basketball shirt, and two short sleeve TMB gig shirts. You will also need a pair of plain, completely black marching shoes and sunglasses. The TMB has in the past received free sunglasses from NIKE and Oakley.

 

How much time does the Trojan Marching Band require?

-  A minimum of 8 hours a week plus 4-8 hours on Saturdays.

-  Rehearsals are from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays (depending on the game time)

-  Percussion and Silks have an additional rehearsal on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. respectively.  Normally these sections stay after the full band rehearsal on Friday evening until 8:00 p.m. for extra rehearsal.

 

When are auditions held?

Twirler Auditions - Next year's auditions are TBD
Silk and Percussion Auditions - August, usually two days before Band Camp starts.

All other section auditions – Informal auditions are held each August during band camp. Musical ability is judged according to range and style and will determine your chair or part assignment within your section. Marching ability is based on ability to acquire and integrate basic marching fundamentals and patterns of motion, along with music memorization and collegiate spirit.

 

Are there requirements for potential members in the TMB?

All members are required to attend Band Camp. Other than that, the only requirements of the Trojan Marching Band is Spirit!