We’re happy to hear of your interest in the McNeese State University Bands. As always, there are many questions that students have regarding participation in the activities available at McNeese State University. Most questions we receive are about what to expect in “The Pride of McNeese” Cowboy Marching Band. For this reason, much of the following information is specific to this ensemble.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions about our fine concert and jazz ensembles. Let us attempt to answer some of the questions that most students have about the McNeese State Bands.

• Can I receive a scholarship?


• Will I have time for band?


• What are my chances of becoming a member of “The Pride of McNeese”?


• When are auditions?


• What cost is involved?


• What is the cost of band trips?


• When does the Cowboy Marching Band rehearse?


• When do I enroll in band classes?


• What other ensembles are available during the fall semester?


• Should I take private lessons?


• Is marching band required to be in a concert band or jazz ensemble?

Can I receive a scholarship?

Yes!
Qualified students can receive up to $800 for the Fall Semester for participation in the Pride of McNeese Marching Band. Other scholarship opportunities are available! Please check our “scholarships” webpage and/or contact the Band Office for more information. (475-5004)

Out-of-state Access Awards
McNeese State University offers out-of-state access awards to qualifying students.  There are specific ACT and high school GPA requirements associated with these awards.  Please visit http://www.mcneese.edu/admissions/feewaiver for more information or call the MSU registrar’s office at 800-622-3352, ext. 5148.

As a university student, 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 never 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 University Bands. “The Pride of McNeese” rehearses only six hours each week plus game day Saturdays. There is no rehearsal on the Friday of a non-performance weekend. The percussion section and flag line rehearse slightly longer hours due to the nature of their role in the band’s performances. There are no extra rehearsals and you will miss no classes by participating in “The Pride of McNeese.”

What are my chances of becoming a member of “The Pride of McNeese”?

Your chances of making the marching band are very good as long as you have a grasp of basic musicianship and your major instrument.  Again, each year we have a number of students who express their regret for not auditioning for the band as a freshman. We simply suggest that one will never know if he or she can make the band unless they give it an honest try.

When are auditions for “The Pride of McNeese”?

Each year, two or three official audition days are scheduled.  If at all possible, interested students should attend one of these official audition days with their parents.  Professors from the department of performing arts, the head of the department and an academic advisor are available on these days, along with opportunities for campus tours.  (Campus housing tours are available only by appointment.  Contact university housing.)  If attending on of these dates is prohibitive, simply call the Conductor of University Bands and set up an on campus visit to conduct this audition at everyone’s convenience. During the pre-season band camp held one week prior to the beginning of classes and after students have moved into university housing, playing auditions for part assignments in “The Pride of McNeese” will be held. Playing auditions consist of a scale and memorized pregame music. The pregame music will be mailed and/or posted on the website with additional information to all prospective members the first week in July.  Should a prospective member not receive these materials by July 15th, we strongly urge them to notify the band office so that materials may be sent.

What cost is involved as a member of “The Pride of McNeese”?

In addition to the academic fee for two hours of credit (already included as part of your full time student fees), students must purchase a pair marching shoes, a pair of white gloves, a flip folder and lyre. Students are also required to own a pair of khaki cargo-type shorts, a belt, and “mostly white” athletic shoes.  Black socks are also required for wear with the official band uniform.  The band provides the required 2 band shirts. Students using university-owned instruments must pay a rental fee for each semester of use.

What is the cost involved in band trips?

When “The Pride of McNeese” travels, the band program will assume the responsibility of all transportation, meals and lodging. The only cost involved for the individual student will be spending money during free time while on the road. Students will never be asked to pay the total cost of any trip with the University Bands.

When does the Cowboy Marching Band rehearse?

The band rehearses three days per week: Tuesday 6:00-9:00 P.M., Thursdays 5:00-7:00 P.M., and Fridays 2:30-4:30 P.M. The band also rehearses in the morning on home-game Saturdays.

When do I enroll for band classes?

Freshmen enrollment takes place during the spring/summer freshman orientation sessions. At this time students receive counseling from advisors to arrange their schedules for the fall semester. When filling out your enrollment forms be sure not to sign up for classes that conflict with band rehearsal times. The course number for Marching Band is MUSC 390, Section V1. (Drumline section V2) Should you have any problems with scheduling band due to advisor recommendations or class conflicts, please call the University Band Office (475-5004) for clarification.

What other ensembles are available during the fall semester?

During the fall semester the University also has a Wind Symphony that meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:15 to 2:05. This group serves as a challenge for students who desire a medium for artistic expression with other outstanding musicians. Auditions are held on the first two days of classes, and audition music is posted in the band hall one week prior. The course number for the Wind Symphony is MUSC 487, Section A.
The band program also offers an outstanding Jazz Ensemble that meets during both the fall and spring semesters. Jazz Ensemble meets on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. The Jazz Ensemble is open to all students and auditions are held during the first week of classes. The ensemble prepares and performs a variety of jazz styles in addition to working on jazz improvisation. The course number for the Jazz Ensemble is MUSC 199, Section A.

Should I take private lessons?

Music majors are required to study privately on your instrument. However, for the non-music major it is not required. Some of the non-music majors in “The Pride of McNeese” do choose to study their instrument privately as an elective credit toward their degree major and to take advantage of the department’s outstanding music faculty.  We strongly encourage all students to try taking a semester of private instruction!

Is marching band required to be in a concert band or jazz ensemble?

No – you can be in any combination of ensembles that will fit your schedule and musical qualifications. Some of our students prefer to participate only in concert ensembles or jazz ensembles. Others prefer to maintain membership in some or all these ensembles. Music Education majors should, however, consult with your advisor to make sure you understand any specific ensemble requirements associated with your degree.  Also, for most service awards (scholarships), spring semester amounts are higher for students who participated in marching band in the fall.