Future Members
Thank you for your interest in the band program at The University of Toledo! Whether that interest is in concert or athletic ensembles, jazz band or private lessons, there is a place for you here. This page contains information about the various band ensembles offered at UT, potential scholarship resources for both music majors and non-majors, and frequently-asked questions about the UT Bands. All ensembles are open to any UT student, regardless of major! If you plan to be a music major, however, you will need to audition and be accepted into the Department of Music. For more information about Department of Music and scholarship auditions, consult the Department of Music webpage. If you have any questions about the band ensembles, or would like to schedule a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email. We look forward to seeing you on campus very soon!
Prospective member Form
If you are interested in joining one of our ensembles, please complete the online form.
Concert Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
MUS:3010-003
Dr. Jason Stumbo, Conductor
The UT Wind Ensemble is comprised of the finest wind and percussion musicians on the
UT campus. Performing high-quality literature from the past 400 years, the Wind Ensemble
performs three concerts each semester. Auditions are required, and are held at the
beginning of each term.
Symphonic Band
MUS:3010-002
Dr. Andrew Rhodes, Conductor
The Symphonic Band is a large ensemble that performs the standards in the wind band repertoire. The band performs 2-3 concerts per semester. No audition is required. The Symphonic Band is the perfect ensemble for students who wish to continue playing after high school, but don't want the stress of an audition.
Athletic Bands
Rocket Marching Band
MUS:3010-001
The 250-member Rocket Marching Band is one of the largest and most visible student organizations on campus. Performing regularly for over 26,000 fans in the Glass Bowl at all home football games, the band has developed a tradition of pride and excellence to rival all others. Auditions for Drum line, Color guard, Feature Twirler, and Dancing Rockettes are held every spring for the following fall. Auditions for brass and woodwind players with previous band experience begin in the spring and continue through the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Rocket Marching Band
Q: Will I have enough time to participate in marching band as a freshman?
A: Yes! The band rehearses Tuesdays through Fridays for two hours each day. Besides game days, there are very few extra commitments. Also, because of class scheduling, it tends to be easier to fit marching band into your schedule as a freshman. Scheduling marching band first and then fitting classes around it has worked well for many students.
Q: Do I need to be a music major to be in the band?
A: No! In fact, only about 10% of the band are music majors. The rest are students with majors which run the gamut from Art to Geology, and History to Social Work. Traditionally, the largest percentage of students come from the College of Engineering and the College of Pharmacy.
Q: Do I need to audition to get into the band?
A: Auditions are required for all sections in the band: Brass, Woodwinds, Drum line, Color Guard, Majorette, and the Dancing Rockettes
Q: What does it cost to be in the band?
A: The costs of participating in marching band are minimal. In fact, most students pay more for books for a single class than they pay for marching band supplies. Students must be enrolled in MUS:3010-001. Students are also responsible for the cost of basic supplies (shoes, gloves, lyre). Members of the Color Guard and Dancing Rockettes have additional costs associated with those auxiliary units.
Q: Is there a band camp? Where will I stay during band camp?
A: Band camp takes place approximately 1 ½ weeks ahead of the first day of classes. If you will be living in the residence halls, you will be able to move into your room early. The cost of the early move-in is paid for by the University Bands.
Q: What style of marching does the Rocket Marching Band use?
A: The Rocket Marching Band uses a roll-step technique, often referred to as a "corps style".
Q: What types of music does the Rocket Marching Band perform?
A: The pre-game show is the same every game, and includes many traditional school songs. Halftime shows feature a wide range of musical styles and genres, from Latin to Jazz, Classical to Rock, and everything in between.
Q: What percussion instruments are in the Rocket Marching Band?
A: The band marches snares, tenors, basses, and cymbals. There is no pit. The snare line uses traditional grip.
If you have a question that does not appear here, please send us an e-mail, and we'll be sure to respond right away! UTMusic@utoledo.edu
Varsity Band
MUS:3010-004
The Varsity Band is the 6th man at all Rocket Basketball games. Supporting the men's and women's teams with an unbridled enthusiasm, the more than 100 member Varsity Band contributes greatly to the electric Savage Hall atmosphere! A select 30-piece ensemble, determined through instrumentation needs and a point system, travels to postseason tournament games. In addition, any member of the Rocket Marching Band is eligible to play with the Varsity Band.
Jazz & Percussion Ensembles
Jazz Lab Band
MUS:3020-001
Gunnar Mossblad, director
The Jazz Lab Band plays a variety of literature including standards, contemporary, and student compositions, and performs regularly throughout the semester, often with internationally-known guest artists. Each semester, the personnel for the Jazz Band are selected by the director during the first rehearsals. Contact the Jazz Office at 419.530.4738 for more information.
Percussion Ensemble
MUS:3050-081
Dr. Olman Piedra, director
The percussion ensemble is composed of both percussion majors and non-majors. Specializing in the performance of high-quality, challenging percussion literature, the ensemble performs several times throughout the school year.
PRIVATE Lessons
Private lessons are offered on all major wind and percussion instruments, and are open to majors and non-majors. Many of the applied faculty are members of the Toledo Symphony. For more information, contact the Music Department 419.530.2448 or email UTMusic@utoledo.edu.
Scholarship Information
The Department of Music at The University of Toledo is designed for majors and non-majors alike. It is our mission to provide a variety of performance opportunities that will help interested students develop as musicians in order to attain their individual musical goals. Music majors are accepted by audition. Contact the Department of Music for further information at 419.530.2448.
Scholarships are available to any qualified students through audition. Both music majors and non-majors are candidates for music scholarships. Students may receive scholarship assistance by playing in selected ensembles and studying privately. These scholarships are awarded based on the applicant's ability and departmental needs.