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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to be a music major to be in the Diamond Marching Band? No, you do not have to be a music major. In fact, approximately 70% of our students each year are from majors outside the College of Music.
2. Will I have time for band? This seems to be the most common concern for the new freshman student. Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you want to end your association with band participation after so many years of dedication and training. Some students decide to "wait and see if I have time," and with few exceptions probably won't ever play again. Later in their junior or senior year they regret not playing while they perhaps had the final opportunity to do so in college. Most reflect after their freshman year that they did have the time to participate in band but felt that they "didn't want to start late" or "thought their technique had slipped too much." All students need a break from daily study and classroom work. The opportunity to participate in a highly respected university organization that offers social activity, musical enjoyment, and many personal rewards is yours and available uniquely to the members of the Temple University Bands. The Diamond Marching Band rehearses only six hours each week plus game day Saturdays.
3. When does the Diamond Marching Band rehearse? We rehearse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. On game days, we meet early enough to warm-up, run through the pregame and halftime shows, and travel to the stadium. Typically, for a noon kickoff, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. Also, for events that overlap a meal time (such as a mid-day game), we provide meals for the band.
4. How similar will participation in the Diamond Marching Band be to my high school band experience? Of course, high school band experiences differ. However, most of our students find the folowing:
5. What cost is involved as a member of the Diamond Marching Band? The only out-of-pocket expense is for white band shoes, if you do not already have an acceptable pair. Colorguard wears a different shoe than the band, but the cost is roughly the same. Shoes cost approximately $20. We provide all uniform parts (including a band t-shirt and baseball cap) and large instruments such as low brass and percussion. Also, we provide all lodging and meals when the band travels out of town, as well as lunch or dinner when a band performance overlaps a meal time (such as an afternoon game).
6. Is scholarship available for participation in Diamond Marching Band? Yes! In fact, all members of the Diamond Marching Band receive a scholarship. The amount varies slightly from year to year, but we reward longevity in the program by increasing scholarship awards each year you are in band. Additional awards are available for participation in Basketball Band. Also, particularly strong musicians can also audition for a Band Grant, which is a larger award that requires participation in a concert ensemble in the Spring semester, as well.
7. Do you have a concert band? Yes. Most members of the Diamond Marching Band perform in the Collegiate Band in the Spring semester. This ensemble meets on Tuesdays from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., and gives a concert at the end of the semester. This ensemble, conducted by Dr. Neal, plays a variety of the finest concert literature for wind band.
8. Can I take private lessons on my instrument? Students who participate in Marching Band in the Fall semester and Collegiate Band in the Spring may also enroll in Music 180 - Collegiate Band Lessons for one credit. This will allow them to have a weekly lesson with one of the Diamond Band's Academic Interns.
9. Do I take band as a class for credit? Yes. Band students must be enrolled in Music 376 for one credit. In cases where the band credit will put you over the 17 credit-hour limit, it may be taken for 0 credit, but you must still enroll in the course.
10. Is participation in marching band required to be in Collegiate Band or Basketball Band? Short answer: Collegiate Band - no, Basketball Band - yes. Of course, we encourage students to participate on a year-round basis!
11. Does the Diamond Marching Band have a Colorguard/Band Front? What about an indoor/winterguard program? We do have a Colorguard. This section is open to men and women, and performs with the Diamond Marching Band at all performances. While we always consider the best way to provide opportunities for our students, we believe at this point that an indoor competitive program is outside the scope of our priorities for the band program. We do support our students who choose to seek competitive ensembles through independent guards and drumlines, as well as drum corps activities during the Summer months.
12. Does the Diamond Marching Band travel? We typically attend one away conference game per year. In recent years, we have been to Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Boston College. Students are informed at the beginning of the year when the trip will occur. We generally leave Friday afternoon, after most classes have finished, stay Friday night in a hotel, perform on Saturday, and come home after the game. All meals and lodging are provided.
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