FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Any questions about the Cougar Marching Band or any of the other musical organizations in the Music Department can be directed to Dr. Troy Bennefield by calling (509) 335-4545 or e-mailing “troy.bennefield@wsu.edu”. Also, for incoming freshman attending “Alive!” sessions: CMB staff members, along with a couple of current band members, will be available at the “Academic Fair” on the 2^nd day of each “Alive!” session.

The Marching Band Office is located in Kimbrough Music Building, Room 260G. The office of Director, Dr. Troy Bennefield is located in Kimbrough, Room 243 and the Assistant Director/Drumline Instructor, Brent Edwards, is in Kimbrough 242. Assistant Director and trombone professor Dr. Sarah Miller is in Kimbrough 156.

General

Performance Requirements

Instrument Information

Academic and Attendance Information

Stipend Information

General

How big is the Cougar Marching Band?

We anticipate 215 members in 2016

Who is eligible to participate?

Membership in the Cougar Marching Band is open to all registered students at Washington State University or Spokane Falls Community College regardless of the student’s major field of study. Students can register here, Enrolled student must be in Mus444. To get more information about the Marching Band by contacting Dr. Bennefield at 509-335-4545 or by e-mail to troy.bennefield@wsu.edu.

Do I have to be a music major/minor?

Not at all. In fact, only 14% of the CMB consists of music majors.

Do I have to audition?

The band has an OPEN admission policy – anyone with previous instrumental music experience is guaranteed a position in the Cougar Marching Band. There are no auditions determining enrollment with the exception of the Drumline. However, part placement auditions for incoming students occur on the day of registration on Sunday of Band Camp.

When do I have to be here for band camp?

(See the Band Camp Schedule here) NEW members AND all drumline begin band camp on Sunday, 8 days prior to the start of Fall Term classes, which is also the same day that the Residence Halls open. RETURNING horn members begin the day after, on Monday, 7 days prior to the start of classes. Rehearsals continue all day every day throughout the week before classes. All students intending to perform in the CMB should plan to attend the pre-season rehearsals.

Does being in the band cost anything?

There is an annual fee of $50 to participate in the Cougar Marching Band. This money goes towards your shirts, hat, uniform and instrument rental, sticks/cymbal pads if you are on the drumline, other operational costs. All other band related costs, such as food and travel costs, are covered by the Cougar Marching Band.

Performance Requirements

How many different half-time shows are performed each year?

Membership in the Cougar Marching Band is open to all registered students at Washington State University regardless of the student’s major field of study. Students can get more information about the Marching Band by contacting Dr. Bennefield at 509-335-4545 or by e-mail at troy.bennefield@wsu.edu.

The Cougar Marching Band performs a different half-time show for each home game totaling 6 or 7 per season, with seniors choosing their all-time favorite show for senior day. We often repeat our best/favorite show for the Apple Cup or bowl games.

Does the band memorize the music/drill?

Memorization is required for performances.

What is the rehearsal schedule like?

During a typical “off week” (non-game week/no exhibition performance/no travel/etc.) the winds rehearse M/Tu/Th and the drumline rehearses M/Tu/W/Th. During a typical game week the horns rehearse M/Tu/Th/F and the drumline rehearses M/Tu/W/Th/F. For a detailed description of weekly events, see the Events Calendar.

The full schedule is always posted before the season starts.

How much time is required of me during a typical week?

During a typical “off week” (non-game week/no exhibition performance/no travel/etc.) the winds rehearse roughly 5h30m per week and the drumline rehearses for 8hours. During a typical game week the horns rehearse ~7h/week and the drumline rehearses ~10h/week. Game-day begins 6 hours before kickoff for rehearsal, meal, and related events. For a detailed description of weekly events, see the Events Calendar.

Where does the band rehearse?

Most rehearsals are at Grimes Way Field, we often rehearse in Martin Stadium too. Sometimes we rehearse in the Kimbrough Music Building or the Indoor Football Practice Facility.

Are there other Marching Band performances other than home football games?

Besides home football games, the Cougar Marching Band travels to Seattle, WA every other year for Apple Cup, and typically sends a pep band to whichever Oregon team we’re playing away. The band will attend any bowl game, as well! The CMB also performs at campus pep rallies and other selected functions. A schedule of all activities and obligations will be sent to all CMB members during the summer and can also be found here.

Is there band friends and family seating at football games? How do I get home football tickets for my family?

The directors will distribute a promo code that will allow band members to purchase tickets online

Travel Information

The Cougar Marching Band travels to any bowl or conference championship games and Seattle when the Apple Cup is at UW. A pep band usually travels to a conference game in Oregon. The full or smaller pep bands will preform at other functions through the fall and spring. A schedule of all performances will be sent to all members and can be found here.

Instrument Information

Is instrument storage available?

Students may check out lockers from the School of Music during the first week of classes.

I don’t own an Instrument can I rent one?

Yes, you can, for free!!

I don’t want to expose my personal instrument to the elements. Are instruments available to check out?

Instruments are also available for students who do not own their instrument or who own an expensive instrument and do not want to take it outside.

Academic and Attendance Information

Can I get academic credit for playing in Pep/Marching Band?

Students can receive one hour of credit for their participation in the Cougar Marching Band by Registering register for MUS444 during the fall semester. Also, students can enroll in the Pep Bands (MUS 444) for one hour of credit during the spring term.

I have schedule conflicts during band camp, what should I do?

Students with legitimate problems, i.e., Greek Rush, Placement Tests, Advising will be excused from the Pre Season rehearsals that conflict with the above functions. “Family vacation” is not a legitimate excuse.

All absences must be pre-approved by Dr.Bennefield.

I have a schedule conflict during rehearsal time throughout the semester, what should I do?

Students are permitted to miss a rehearsal for classes or University sponsored activities. Students are also allowed to leave rehearsal early to attend a class or other University sponsored activity.

All absences must be pre-approved by Dr.Bennefield.

Stipend Information

Do I get paid to be in the band?

The Cougar Marching Band offers graduated stipends. First year members receive $200 stipends and this amount increases by $100 each year, capping at $500 for seniors and above. Section leaders and drum majors receive an additional $250 stipend.

Pep band members receive a $300 stipend for each pep band they are in. We have three pep bands: Women’s Volleyball and Men’s and Women’s Basketball.

Does my stipend count against my financial aid for work study?

Nope!

School of Music, PO Box 645300, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-5300, 509-335-6472, Contact Us