High School vs. College Marching Band: What You Need to Know

High School Marching Band: Open Enrollment and Opportunity

• Inclusive by default—sign up and you’re in.
• Automatic membership via band class enrollment.
• Instrumentation balance is flexible—if you have 20 trumpets and no tubas, so be it.
• Everyone performs at games, parades, and competitions.
• Scholarships are rare; focus is on experience and school spirit.

College Marching Band: Auditions, Competition, and Commitment

• Selective membership—auditions are required and competition is intense.
• Instrumentation balance matters—too many in one section can mean missing the cut.
• Separate from your academic major—being in the School of Music doesn’t guarantee a spot.
• Often two auditions:
  • Music major audition for the School of Music
  • Marching band audition (and scholarship qualifier)
• Major time commitment—rehearsals, travel, and high precision expected.
• Scholarships may be available but usually require a separate application/audition.
• Often funded by the Athletic Department at larger universities.

Marching Band Funding: How to Read the Clues

Director’s Title as a Clue:

• “Director of Bands” → School of Music affiliation; academic-funded scholarships.
• “Director of Athletic Bands” → Athletic Department affiliation; often larger band scholarships.
• Exceptions: Student‐led “scatter” bands (e.g., Stanford, Columbia, Harvard) typically have no auditions and minimal scholarships.

Band Camp: Costs and Commitments

• Mandatory for all members—essential for drill, music, and team cohesion.
• Universities usually cover:
  • Early dorm move‐in and housing
  • Meals during camp
  • Occasionally a small stipend for freshmen

Competitions and Costs: Then vs. Now

High School: Competitive shows (BOA, USBands, state championships) with student fees for uniforms, travel, and contests—often offset by fundraisers.

College: Focus on entertainment (games, rallies, parades); no entry fees; uniforms and travel covered; some programs offer scholarships or stipends.

Marching Band Scholarships: Growth & Leadership

• Freshman scholarships are often small stipends.
• Amounts can increase with continued participation and leadership roles (section leader, drum major).
• Strong football revenue can boost band budgets, scholarships, and travel opportunities.

Why It Matters: Planning Ahead

• Start research in junior year—know audition requirements and deadlines.
• Practice published audition excerpts early.
• Build auxiliary skills (color guard, pit percussion, leadership).
• Clarify scholarship processes—ask directors about criteria and applications.

Final Thoughts: Marching Toward Opportunity

College marching band is a leap from high school in selectivity, commitment, and culture. With early preparation and awareness of the differences, aspiring university band members can step onto the field with confidence and secure the best musical and scholarship opportunities.