The University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band, or "WMB," has a tradition of being one of the most spirited organizations on campus. Made up of students from the entire campus, with majors ranging from music education and performance to mechanical engineering and equine science, the WMB performs at all home football games and several other regional exhibitions and parades. Membership in the WMB is open to ALL students regardless of experience level. In fact, a majority of the band members are non-music majors and the band's GPA is consistently above the university average.
The season begins one week before classes start with band camp. After band camp, the band rehearses every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 8 PM. The WMB also meets Saturday mornings when there are home games to refine the show and go over the details for the day.
After rehearsals and games, many band members hang out and do social things together. Friendships are formed that last for life.
Students who wish to apply for the positions of drum major, section leader, colorguard captain, visual squad leader, or WMB Council member-at-large must apply by Wednesday, March 23rd at 11:59 PM.
Auditions will be held in person on Monday, March 28th (DM/Section Leader) and Wednesday, March 30th (CG Captain/VSL)
We will create a schedule for those evenings and post ASAP the day after the application deadline. WMB Council members-at-large will be selected after auditions and may have a separate interview with Casey.
Requirements for student leaders:
In 2019, we said the Wildcat Marching Band was Unstoppable. We proved that to be true by carrying on through the 2020 season. Throughout the trials of the past year and a half, the WMB remained a home and family for our dedicated members.
This time wasn't without its challenges. We missed out on many traditions and experiences. Our members, friends, and families had some struggles. But we worked through this time together, supporting each other.
Now, as we enter the 2021 season, we know that blue skies lie ahead. We will build a home for our future members and, like a phoenix from the ashes, we will rise again.The University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band proudly presents:
All colorguard members are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the scheduled spin days this summer. These days are a great opportunity to brush up on and improve your skills, get to know other members of the section and instructional staff, and for the staff to get to know you and your skills. This allows us to write work that fits your skill level. While we don't hold official auditions for the team, we will make some decisions about who might be featured on weapons or in other subgroupings.
New Hampshire Hall Newman Dance Studio (more information about where to meet will be sent out after registration). May go outside, weather-permitting.
Make sure you also complete the Participation Form by July 21st
Each individual member of the Wildcat Marching Band comes with their own background in the marching arts, from never having moved their feet in time before through marching in a highly-competitive marching band, winter ensemble, and summer drum and bugle corps, or anything in between. There are nearly as many approaches to visual technique as there are ensembles in the marching and pageantry arts. Whatever your background, there will likely be something new and/or different for you. We have developed our own visual program that is used in the Wildcat Marching Band. While you may have had certain techniques drilled into you over four years of high school that differ from what we do, it is not an indication that either one is right or wrong. There are simply differences that exist. Parts of our technique program are utilized to minimize “wear-and-tear” on the marcher, as overuse injuries can occur. Some approaches are easier to clean but are not as ergonomically sound. While issues may not arise in high school, continued use of these approaches can cause lasting pain and injury, so we select more ergonomically safe techniques. Other techniques have multiple approaches that have equal pros and cons, so we simply selected one that we prefer. Regardless, please do not interpret anything we say or do as an indication that what you learned before was wrong. Likewise, please do not interpret anything WE do as wrong simply because it is different from what you learned previously. You may make a few mistakes early on as you adapt to our style, but that’s okay. It won’t take long to adapt.