Here is some more specific information on the Rutgers Bands.

Band Camp: Dates for Band camp 2002 will be announced in the spring. There is no cost for camp. All you need is money (cash or check) your uniform rental fee and if you are playing a university owned instrument

Early Check-In: One of the fringe benefits of being in the marching band is that you can move into your residence hall earlier then the other students. Professor Smith will send you a reminder in August to let him know your campus and residence hall. When you return from band camp, your keys will be available from the housing office.

Enroll for Credit! Remember to enroll in Marching Band for credit. For first year members, enroll in Marching Band I. the course information is as follows:

$$Money$$: It is very inexpensive to perform in the RU Band. All members must pay a $25 uniform fee. If you use a university-owned equipment (percussion, guard, any instruments), there is a $10 fee. Shoes are $30, but you may already own white marching shoes. All fees are paid at check-in for band camp in August.

Choosing which instrument to play: Some of you play several instruments and often ask which instrument you should play. You should play only instruments that you can play fairly well. A good clarinet is preferred over a bad trumpet, so only play the brass instrument if you can actually play it! Auditions for part placement are held for trumpets, trombones and percussion at the beginning of band camp. All other parts have just one part and do not require an audition. If woodwind players desire to marching in the percussion section, then that is possible. You could be placed on cymbals or possibly in the bass drum line. Contact Professor Smith in advance if you are interested in this.

Shoes, socks, gloves, underwear: The RU Band wears white marching shoes. If you used white shoes in your high school band, then you certainly should use them. Tennis shoes are not acceptable. If in doubt, bring them to camp check-in. The shoes are $30. Gloves are $3 and will be ordered with the shoes. The uniform has two pairs of trousers...one black and one white. When white trousers are worn, you must wear solid white underwear (no bikinis or designs!)

Performance Schedule: Every year we participate in all of our team's home football gamel. We also will do a couple of exhibitions, which will be done on game weekends. Check out the marching band schedule for more information.

Stadium Seating: This year the band section will be on the east side between the 20 and 30 yardlines on the scoreboard end (Section 115, Rows 1-10). These seats enable us to play across the field to make ourselves heard by all in the stadium.

University-owned instruments: If you will be playing a Tuba, baritone, mellophone, tenor sax or piccolo, then you may want to pick up an instrument to practice. Just call and arrange to do so if you are going to be in the area. A $10 fee will be paid at band camp check-in.

Music: You will receive a considerable amount of music. Because of the amount of music we play and the fact that you have other academic responsibilities, you are not required to memorize music. Some of it you will memorize through playing it often, such as the various Rutgers songs. You will probably also memorize the exhibition show music through the rehearsal process. You must have a lyre and flip folder for your music. You will be given a flip folder at check-in, but the lyre is your responsibility. We will have some at band camp that can be purchased, but you may prefer to pick one up in advance. Piccolos should use the "Flutist's Friend" lyre/flip folder combination.

Rehearsal location: Marching Band rehearsals are held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 4:30-6:30pm on the Livingston Recreation field. On game days, we meet at Lucy Stone Hall and go by bus to the stadium area for a short rehearsal on the Astroturf field adjacent to the stadium.

Game Day: On game days, we have buses pick up band members at each of the campus student centers. We congregate at Lucy Stone Hall and take the buses together to the stadium. Band members are not allowed to park near the stadium on game days. There is a one-hour rehearsal on the Astroturf field next to the stadium, then a break to get ready for the game. Sandwiches, chips and drinks will be provided during this break. the band marches into the stadium about 30 minutes prior to the game time. The band performs a pregame show, halftime show and does a short postgame concert on the field.

For more information, call the band office at 732-445-2480 or email Tim Smith, Director of Athletic Bands.