Mustang Marching Band
The Mustang Marching Band is one of the largest and most visible performing groups on campus. The band is a dedicated group of woodwind, brass and percussion players, and color guard members who provide entertainment at many Cal Poly athletic events. The band maintains a reasonable rehearsal and performance schedule making it possible for students from any major to participate.
The band functions in may different ways throughout the year. In the fall quarter, the band performs as a large outdoor marching band at football games and as a pep band for volleyball games, various parades and pep rallies. During the winter quarter, the band switches into the pep band mode, playing at home basketball games, pep rallies, and various community events. During the spring quarter, the group performs at Open House and for various community events.
How to Qualify
If you have been an active member of your high school and/or college band, you already have the basic skills necessary for membership. There is a place for you in the Mustang Band. Come and join us.
Academic Credit for Participating Students receive two units of credit. All members of the band will enroll in MU 176-01, “Marching Band” and MU 171-03, “Marching Band Sectional.”
Travel
This fall, in addition to performing for six home football games, the band is planning to travel to perform in exhibition at a marching band festival. In the winter the Pep Band will attend the Big West Basketball Tournament to support our basketball teams in NCAA competition.
Auditions
There aren’t formal auditions, but you will be asked to sign up for a 10-minute interview with the directors. You will need to bring your instrument to the interview and play something you know. This short session will be relaxed and informal. Sign-up sheets for interviews will be posted on the bulletin board just outside the Band Office (Davidson Music Center, room 214-A) at the beginning of WOW. Interviews will begin at the end of WOW and continue through the first week of class.
Cost
Each new member must purchase a Pep Band jersey ($15). Our formal uniform requires white marching shoes ($25). If you have white marching shoes from high school, then you may use them instead of purchasing new ones. Optional Mustang Band hats and jackets are available also. All purchases will be through the band’s Uniform Manager.
Band Camp
Band Camp isn’t required for membership, but it’s a lot of fun and it gives you a chance to get to know the other band members and review those playing and marching skills that you will need to be a successful member of the band.
On Monday, September 14, from 3-5 p.m. will be the "Pre-Band Camp for New Students." This session will be held in Room 216 of the Music Building (#45). We will check-out instruments, read the new music and get to know one another. Refreshments will be provided and parents are welcome.
Band Camp for all members will begin on Friday morning, September 18, at 9 a.m. in Room 216 of the Music Building (#45) and continue through the weekend. It is important that you let us know that you are going to participate in Band Camp. Please complete the On-Line Interest Form on the Mustang Band's Web page to provide us with your information. Along with this, you can find updated information regarding Band and other events. For further information, contact one of the student leaders or the assistant director via e-mail. Band Camp begins at the end of WOW and continues on the weekend after the first week of class.
How to register for Band WOW
We highly encourage all new band members to participate in the combined Band WOW program, which runs the week before classes begin. This program welcomes new students to the campus and introduces them to the Cal Poly band program. Go to the Web page and make sure to specify that you will be attending Band Camp, and you will be placed in a “Band WOW” group with fellow band members. These groups have the orientation week scheduled around important band camp events in order to allow maximum participation in both programs. WOW participants living in the residence halls will be provided room and board during the week.
Find Out More
- Visit the Mustang Band Web page
- Feel free to call, write or e-mail any of the directors if you are in need of any assistance or have further questions.
- E-mail Director of Bands William Johnson, E-mail Associate Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff.
- During WOW, or at the beginning of the fall quarter, drop by the Band Office (45/214A) and meet the directors as well as some of the student officers and returning bands people.
- COME TO THE FIRST CLASS MEETING on the first Tuesday of the quarter, 3:10 p.m.
News
- Our new uniforms are spectacular. They made their debut at the last home game this past season.
- Our football game performances will take place in the newly remodeled Spanos Stadium.
- We have all new percussion equipment and will be purchasing more new wind instruments.
- The Mustang Band will join Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble to perform “Bandfest” in the Performing Arts Center in the fall.
Ensemble Director
William Johnson, Director of Bands
E-mail William Johnson
Office phone: 805-756-2556
Office location: Davidson Music Center, building 45, room 214A
Mustang Band Web page
Ensemble Director
Christopher Woodruff, Associate Director of Bands
E-mail Christopher Woodruff
Office phone: 805-756-2556
Office location: Davidson Music Center, building 45, room 214A
Mustang Band Web page