Band Day 2026
The University Bands, Department of Music, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics invite you and your band to join The University of Toledo’s Rocket Marching Band for High School Band Day 2026, Saturday, September 19, when the Rockets host Temple University. Take the field with nearly 1,000 band members joined together in a day of great performances!
Kickoff is set for 3pm. Bands arrive between 8:00–8:45am and are welcome to observe the RMB's rehearsal. Our massed-band rehearsal begins at 9:00am. This includesa short warm-up, field placements, rehearsal of the half-time music, and entering and exiting the field.
Immediately afterward, the Band Showcase is a wonderful part of the day’s events, maximizing the potential for music education and excellence in performance, structured in a noncompetitive, non-ratings activity for your band. We want to give your band the opportunity to perform for an appreciative audience in our beautiful, acoustically friendly stadium. This performance is optional and very flexible as you may perform a part of a show, a complete show, or just watch the other bands in exhibition. These performances are very well received by the audience of fellow band members, directors, and families. The Showcase will begin following the massed-band rehearsal and end with an exhibition by the 2026 Rocket Marching Band.
While as many bands as can fit on a field are welcome to attend the day, due to limited stadium time, Showcase performances limited to the first 10 received. It is our hope that everyone wishing to perform will be given an opportunity to do so. Plan on a 6-8 minute presentation, on and off the field. More detailed information will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation.
A pizza dinner and water, along with a place to change into uniform, will be provided. Bands enter the stadium at 2pm in preparation for the RMB's pregame show and the kickoff. The massed-band halftime performance takes place approximately an hour an a half after the opening kick. Afterward, bands are welcome to remain for the second half or depart as desired.
Due to the increase in participation, the rising cost of music, and the fees being charged to rent campus space for this event, we must collect a small participation fee from each participating band. This $50 fee can be check or P.O. made out to UToledo BANDS and mailed to: UToledo Band Day, 2801 W. Bancroft St. MS 605, Toledo, OH, 43606. We must receive payment by Friday, September 11, 2026.
If you would like to register your band, simply complete the online form: https://webforms.utoledo.edu/form/60890634883 Feel free to contact us if you need any additional information or clarification: andrew.rhodes@utoledo.edu