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New Member FAQ Why should I join the "Panther" Marching Band?
What can I expect? The marching band season starts out each year with a preseason training camp, held one week prior to the first day of classes. Practices will take place at Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Russell Hall, and the UNI-Dome. Those who will be living in the Residence halls during the school year will be allowed early access on the first day of camp and meals will be provided for all members during the preseason training camp. During the fall semester, the band will practice on Monday nights 5:45-7:45 pm, Wednesday nights 6:30-8:30 pm, and on Fridays from 3:00-4:30 pm. Almost all rehearsals take place in the UNI-Dome, which means 72 degree weather all year round.
Band student must purchase white band shoes (approximately $30.00), white gloves ($3.00), a band T-Shirt ($10.00) and baseball hat ($10.00). Students who already own white gloves or white shoes are welcome to use them instead of purchasing new ones. After this, there is no additional cost. The university pays for all transportation and meals during trips, room and board during the preseason training camp, music, uniform cleaning, and other fees. Students who need an instrument may rent one from UNI for $30.00.
Do I need to audition for the Panther Band? Prospective Drumline and Colorguard students need to audition for a position in the band. Audition information is located here. Woodwind and Brass students do not need to audition, but need to have performed with their high school concert band or marching band. We have many students who have never marched before because their high school band did not have a marching band. These students usually learn the basics of marching very quickly and are a great asset to our band!
Do I have to major in music to join the band? No. Around 70% of the Panther Band are non-music majors and these students are a very important part of the organization. With over 180 members, the band is the largest student organization on campus. There are more than 40 different majors represented, so music majors are not the only ones who participate. We feel the mixture of students from virtually every school or department on campus makes the organization more exciting. Will "Panther" Marching Band Interfere with my school work? The "Panther" Marching Band rehearsals are scheduled at a time of day when few other classes meet and little class time is lost due to travel. As with any college activity, you will be responsible for keeping track of your time and keeping up with all your schoolwork. Plan ahead- you can do it! The camaraderie and friendships made in the marching band will last a lifetime. Remember, your freshman year is the best time to participate in marching band. Membership in this ensemble allows you to become quickly indoctrined into university campus life prior to the beginning of classes. Must I sign up for "Panther" Marching Band as a class when I register? Yes! Absolutely everyone who participates must be registered for "Panther" Marching Band at UNI. There are no exceptions to this University policy. Students can join by registering for course 530:018:01 (freshmen/sophomores) or 530:118:01 (juniors/seniors/grads). All students who register will receive one hour of credit and a letter grade. And Finally.... How do I become a member of the "Panther" Marching Band? Complete the official application form immediately and register for the class. In mid-July we will send you a mailing that should answer all of your questions regarding the "Panther" Marching Band. It has been carefully prepared to cover all the important topics: expectations, residence hall check-in, and enrollment procedures. If you have questions not answered here, please send an email to pantherband@uni.edu or call 319-273-2025. You can also contact Dr. Galyen, the Director of the Marching Band at danny.galyen@uni.edu or 319-273-2173. It is with all sincerity that we welcome you to our UNI family. We are certain that the next several years will be the most exciting and productive time of your life. The "Panther" Marching Band, embodies everything that is wonderful about college marching band - great music, pride, tradition, school spirit, precision marching, and life-long friendships! We hope that you will make plans to be part of this outstanding organization. THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTHERN IOWA |
