General
Information
The Mustang
Band
is
the most visible performing ensemble at Southern
Methodist University. Noted as The Best
College Band in Kirk Dooley's Book of
Texas' Bests, the band is made
up of a diverse, devoted group of men and
women from all around the SMU campus. Called The Hub of SMU
Spirit, The Mustang Band is an
organization bound by a strong community spirit
that plays with the sound of hundreds. Tradition
runs deep in the ensemble, holding it to
standards of marching and playing excellence and
great entertainment.
Size/Instrumentation
--72-96 players including:
-
Piccolo
-
Saxophone
-
Trumpet
-
Mellophone
-
Trombone
-
Baritone
-
Tuba
-
Percussion
All
instruments are provided by the band.
Music Style
--
With roots in Jazz performance established by Cy
Barcus in the 1920's, the Mustang Band has
continued this tradition. Additionally, the band
incorporates other popular music styles, all
arranged with a classic Mustang Band sound.
Uniform
--
Known as The Best Dressed Band in the
Land, the Mustang Band has 32 unique uniforms.
Requirements for admission
--
The Mustang Band is open to any student
enrolled at SMU who has had band experience in
high school. You need not need to major or
minor in music. Students enrolled at
community college may apply to become a member
of the band.
Membership
Procedure:
-
Complete and return a band application.
-
For
scholarship consideration a live audition must
be arranged at a mutually agreed upon date
or a taped audition sent in. This audition
should consist of 3-5 minutes of a solo,
etude, or excerpt that showcases the
player's ability.
-
Must
arrive on campus roughly one week before
University Orientation begins in August to
take part in the band training period.
Activities and Highlights
-
We
perform at football games, pep
rallies, and basketball games.
-
Pigskin
Revue - A variety show presented each year at Homecoming,
featuring the Msutang Band.
-
Various
special events, both university and
community related, in and about the Dallas
Area
-
Travel
to bowl games and
basketball tournaments.
Rehearsal
--
Rehearsals are Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 2 PM,
and Thursday from 7 to 9 pm, for a total of 5 hours
per week.
Cost
--
There is an
annual uniform cleaning fee. Additionally,
new members will need to purchase a few uniform parts that are yours to keep. Cost for instruments, travel, room, meals on
the road, etc. are provided by SMU.
Scholarships
--
Scholarships are available and
are awarded based on playing
ability and need. The scholarship is
renewable as long as the student participates in
band.
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