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.

The band was organized in 1917-18 by Harold Hart Todd, and has represented SMU with pride in all of the 80 years since then.

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 late 20'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 - The Mustang Band Homecoming Show, and the oldest Homecoming Tradition at SMU.
• Various special events, both university and community related, in and about the Dallas Area
• Travel with sports teams to possible bowl and tournaments for both basketball and football.

Rehearsal -- Rehearsals are Monday through Friday at 2 PM, for a total of 5 hours a week.

Cost -- There is an annual uniform fee.  Cost for instruments, travel, room, meals on the road, etc. are provided by SMU.

Scholarship -- Scholarships are available.  They are given in the first year, and issued based on playing ability and need.  The scholarship is renewable as long as the student participates in band.