<p>The Marching/Pep Band at Duke University is an experience unlike any other. If you play a band instrument, we would love to have you. I joined the band as soon as I arrived at Duke, and I have not regretted the decision for one moment. I had never marched before, but band camp quickly remedied that problem. I had never been much of a sports fan either, but now I am a fanatic - I have been to numerous football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and even lacrosse games. Getting a great seat for every game in Cameron Indoor Stadium is awesome, especially considering the trouble that other students go through (living in a tent for a few weeks during the coldest part of the year). Commitment is minimal, but reward is maximal. Sure, rehearsals during football season can seem long in hot weather, but considering that we only practice four hours a week, they really are not that bad. In fact, field rehearsals are easily one of my favorite parts of band, since I enjoying being outside and working with other people to create a good show. And all the practice is worthwhile when you walk out on the field in Wallace Wade Stadium or watch the Cameron Crazies go wild during a performance of "Everytime." Traveling with the basketball teams is an incredible honor, too. What isn't there to love about chartered flights and hotel stays? Finally, as a freshman, getting to know upperclassman during the first week of school is nice as well. Tricky homework in chemistry? Ask the clarinet player that is a TA for the class. Not sure which teacher is best for Writing 20? Ask the others in your section and see what they think.
Besides being the perfect extracurricular activity, band is also a great social outlet. My most memorable experiences include milkshakes from Cookout, broomball at midnight, and the semi-annual softball game. There are always events going on within the band, and we strive to be a tight-knit group. Section bonding is also very important, and friendly competition between sections is encouraged as each strives to win "Section Wars."
In short, joining the band will guarantee four years of fun. For more information, please visit: Duke</a> University Marching & Pep Band</p>
<p>Ooooh
What instrument do you play?</p>
<p>Trumpet. :)</p>
<p>Same! So could you try to describe how good I have to be to join haha?
I’ve only been in the school band for 5 years. Would it be too big of a difference between marching & pep band and concert or jazz band?</p>
<p>I’ve been a competitive band musician through my four years of high school. I’m the type who actively seeks out honor bands and auditions for everything. I made my all state band each year in high school too. What does the Duke band program have to offer someone like me? Will I fit in at Duke?</p>
<p>@StarsAligned: As long as you can play your instrument, we would love to have you. The only section that requires a real audition is percussion, but brass players do a run through of the fight song on the first day so that parts can be assigned.
I had never done band before coming to Duke, so you are already ahead of me in that respect. We also have several members that participate in other musical groups as well, so there is certainly time to do more than one (the rehearsal schedules for marching band and wind symphony actually work out really well). As long as you are intelligent (which you are, obviously, since you got into Duke) and try hard, you should be fine in band.</p>
<p>@cornetking222: We have band members with all sorts of backgrounds; some participated in very competitive high school programs, and others (like myself) had never done band before. Since Duke students tend to be really busy, our rehearsal schedule is not very intense, but we get a lot done in a short amount of time. As I mentioned above, it is possible to join other ensembles if band is not enough to satiate your love for music. While we are not competitive, we do strive to perform at a high level and take our commitments seriously. I’m not sure how helpful you will find this response, so please let me know if you have further questions.</p>