New Member Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
You can register for the marching band class (MUS 151) at freshman registration in June. Current students can sign-up during your online class registration in WINGS. This includes all musicians, colorguard, and pom pon members. You will receive more information about band over the summer via email. It is critical that you activate your UW-L email account as soon as you can (click here for instructions on how to do so; new student accounts are usually ready to activate in early July). In addition, make sure your SEMB Member Information Form is submitted by August 1st.
Do I get credit?
Students in Marching Band receive 1 credit hour. If you want to be in band, but don't want to take the MUS 151 class for credit, email the director.
When does Marching Band start?
Marching Band Camp (aka Hell Week) starts a week before the start of fall classes. Students are able to move into their dorm room early. This provides students the opportunity to get acclimated to campus and make lots of friends before the semester begins. Make sure you check the Band Camp page often for the latest camp related information. Colorguard, drumline, and leadership will start band camp a little earlier than the rest of the band. Check the schedule for more specific dates.
What are the time requirements?
In addition to all performances, rehearsals during the fall semester are TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 7:45 – 9:40 AM. Our marching band season typically ends before Thanksgiving. This compensates students for their time and hard work. If you have a scheduling conflict with one of the performances, fill out a Schedule Conflict Form and get it to the director at the beginning of the season.
What is a typical Saturday Game Day like?
Time |
Location |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 11:00 am | Rehearse at Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Lunch Break |
| 12:00 pm | Step off for the stadium |
| 12:15 pm | Perform at the L-Club Tent |
| 12:45 pm | Pre-Game show at Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| 1:00 pm | The SEMB takes an active role in keeping the crowd into the game. In addition to playing our spirited pep songs you will learn the words to our traditional football cheers!!! We'll also perform a show at halftime, with a theme that is different each year. |
| 4:00 pm | Approximate end of the day (subject to length of football game). |
What are halftime shows like?
Depending on our football schedule, we put together 2-3 halftime shows. Our shows are a combination of contemporary and show band style. Some of our recent shows include: Music from the rock opera “Tommy”, “Chicago, the band”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Latin Music”, rock music of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, "Party Rock Anthem", and "Superheroes".
Do I need my own instrument?
We provide sousaphones, marching baritones, mellophones, piccolos, tenor and bari sax, and a full battery of Pearl percussion free of charge to rent. Other instruments are limited but possible. If you need an instrument please let us know in advance so we can be sure it’s in our inventory. Please email the director or your section leader with instrumental needs. In addition to instruments, we also provide all equipment needed for colorguard members.
How do I check out a locker?
Don't want to keep your instrument in your dorm room? No problem! Lockers are available for rental the first day of band camp. Please bring $10.00 for your locker rental. This is a per semester rental.
Do I have to audition?
All students are accepted into the marching band and colorguard. Membership in the pom-pon squad is by audition (usually in April). Contact one of the poms section leaders for more information. Musical parts will be assigned by your section leader during band camp.
Do I have to be a music major to participate?
No you don’t. As a matter of fact, 75-80% of marching band members are not music majors. They represent nearly every academic discipline offered on campus.
Are only UW-L students allowed to participate?
No, students from Viterbo and Western Technical College are welcome to participate in the Screaming Eagles Marching Band. Email the director to indicate your interest.
It's my fourth year of college. Is it too late to join Marching Band?
Absolutely not! We welcome new members at any stage in their college career.
More Information:
Marching band provides a great social experience, especially for freshmen. It’s a great way to make friends, meet other people with the same major, and even meet people from your hometown area. Participating in marching band enables you to move into your dorm room early, pick up your textbooks, make friends, and learn your way around campus before the rest of the freshmen ever arrive.
Studies show that if you don’t get involved your freshman year, you won’t join later on.
We take great pride in supporting our football team. We have a great rapport with the coaching staff and players. As a matter of fact, the football team attends our annual Marching Band review at the end of our season.
There is also a scholarship you can qualify for by being a SEMB member! Check with the UW-L Foundation for more info.
I have another question! Where can I go to get an answer?
Contact your section leader, or email the SEMB director. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
You can also find a lot more information about the Screaming Eagles Marching Band in our Official Band Handbook.