ABOUT THE WSU COUGAR MARCHING BAND
Introduction
Members of the Cougar Marching Band enjoy involvement in a campus organization that provides immediate identity and purpose. The CMB encourages and promotes academic excellence with a rehearsal and performance schedule that is compatible with the student’s academic responsibilities. Band members are involved in athletic events, pep rallies, social programs, and community activities. Together, the members create and contribute an essential ingredient of school spirit at Washington State University.
The entire Cougar Marching Band performs at every home football game and accompanies the football team to post-season bowl games. The CMB's pep band performers provide spirit and entertainment at other sporting events such as men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. The CMB also makes appearances elsewhere, such as Pullman’s Main Street during Cougar Pride Days and the Lentil Festival Parade.
Participation in the Cougar Marching Band provides both musical and nonmusical benefits. Every year, students develop musical skills such as sight reading, memorization, and ear training. In addition, they learn valuable life skills that are directly relevant to their overall education, including communication, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment for a job well done.
Philosophy
A high level of musical excellence is the ultimate goal of the Cougar Marching Band, but members share a sense of levity and fun along the way. CMB is a one-credit course incorporated into a student’s academic schedule. Enrollment is other classes is a requirement, and no individual should attend WSU for the sole purpose of performing with the band. Rather, CMB should serve as an outlet from the stress and tension of attending class. Above all, it should be an enjoyable experience for all involved.
The Cougar Marching Band is not a DCI Corps, nor should it be. CMB exists for altogether different reasons. At a DCI show, the performances of the Corps are the main focus of attention. Those attending are specifically there to see and hear outstanding performances. The CMB, in contrast, performs at large venues where the band is only a small part of the overall event. The main focus of attention is the athletic event itself. The band serves as a “spirit group,” and entertains prior to the game and between the two halves. This allows for an atmosphere that combines fun with high standards of excellence.
Finally, a college marching band is not judged by individual or section achievements. College marching bands are collective groups of students working toward a common goal. The achievement of this goal can only be attained through group effort. And as with any group effort, a disciplined effort by all members is crucial.
Commitment to Diversity
The Cougar Marching Band is composed of a diverse population of students, and we openly embrace this diversity. Race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation have no bearing on judgment within the band. Instead, ability, interest, effort, a commitment to teamwork, personal conduct, and adherence to standards will characterize each member’s reputation within the ensemble. The CMB has a no-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, whether overtly or covertly expressed, and any violation of this policy will be immediately addressed.