<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, and most importantly, basketball games in just a little over a semester. 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. And all the practice is worthwhile when the Cameron Crazies go wild during a performance of "Everytime." Traveling with the basketball teams is an incredible honor, too. I am really looking forward to my first travel season with the band. 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, however, and we strive to be a tight-knit group. Section bonding is also very important. This past week, the entire piccolo section watched the Duke-UNC game together, then headed to K-ville to greet the triumphant players when they returned.
In short, joining the band will guarantee four years of fun. Please let me know if you are interested in becoming part of the tradition.</p>
<p>What if you consider yourself a decent player (flute), but was not able to schedule band in high school? Is it difficult and rigorous to get into the band?</p>
<p>Hey, I’d love to join the Duke Band!! I play the clarinet, and I’ve played in my school’s pep band for the first two years of high school. Unfortunately scheduling got weird, and I wasn’t able to play in it for the last 2 years of high school. I really miss being in pep band, and I know exactly what you mean about it being a family. I want to continue my music in college, and I think Marching/Pep Band would be a great opportunity. On the flip side, I haven’t had any formal training in marching…but I’m all for learning how!</p>
<p>I’ve applied to Duke, not sure if I will get in though…still on edge, waiting to hear (as is everyone else, I’m sure). But yes, I’d love to be part of the tradition! (If I’m fortunate enough to be accepted that is…)</p>
<p>I might be interested if I get into Duke. I’m a trumpet player, though I’m mainly into Big Band and Jazz Combo.</p>
<p>if i get into duke (in 4 days!!!), i will DEFINITELY join this band
i’m an experienced trombone player in a variety of styles, and has been the 1st trombone in many school bands as well as a regional honor band
so yep, if i get in, count me in!!</p>
<p>I am really excited to see all the interest in the band. As for some of the specific questions:
Travard - My high school did not have a band of any sort, and though I consider myself a decent player, I am by no means excellent. The Duke Band aims to be as good as possible, but there are no auditions required and school work always comes first. For this reason, our practice schedule is fairly skimpy compared to some other schools. Our band director expects us to get more work done is less time. In short, anyone capable of playing an instrument is more than welcome to join.</p>
<p>wolfsbane101101 - We would love to have you! Marching fundamentals are taught during band camp (orientation week), so you should be able to pick up everything you need then. Technique is taught really fast, so you might need to practice a little on your own, but you should be fine. After all, I managed.</p>
<p>airegin - Our band can always use more trumpets. Please don’t feel pressured to choose between one of the jazz bands on campus and band - some of the trumpets players participate in both. There will likely be a brass stipend coming in the next couple of years, so you will get paid to be awesome and be a Cameron Crazie.</p>
<p>clevermagician2 - Certainly hope you got accepted! The trombone section is great, and I am sure they would love for you to join them.</p>
<p>My son just got admitted to Engineering College’s class of 2014, and we’re flying (from Phoenix) for this weekend’s Duke Days events. </p>
<p>Your post regarding the band was very interesting and helpful. My son is a very accomplished musician (trombone), and one of his concerns was that he was going to end up abandoning that passion when he went to college. I forwarded this thread to him, and I’m sure he’ll be excited about the opportunity.</p>
<p>I would love to join. I will be attending Duke in the fall and I am super excited. I have marched for a traditional southern style marching band for 5 years, so the transition should be interesting, but smooth. I have played the saxophone for 7 years and I love it. How do I join? And should I make contact with the band director prior to coming on campus in August?</p>
<p>I know that the band would love to have you! Visit their website [Duke</a> University Marching & Pep Band](<a href=“http://www.dukeband.org/]Duke”>http://www.dukeband.org/)
to get more information and contact them. You’ll probably get a letter from the band director and a call from your section leader. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m going into my third year in Duke’s band and still love every minute of it! I was also concerned that I would not be able to join band when I got to college because of the time commitment and intensity of the program, but Duke isn’t like that. We recognize that academics come first and still strive for excellence. </p>
<p>Also, band students get to move in a day early (a huge advantage if you’ve ever seen the chaos of regular move-in), so if you’re even a little interested, go to our website (thanks vonharp!) and fill out the prospective student interest form so you can start getting info and submit for early housing (if you decide not to do band, you can ALWAYS be removed from the list - better safe than sorry!). </p>
<p>Marcusbenning1 - We would be so excited to have you! To join, fill out the interest form on the website. We will contact you after that, but if you’re ready to go, you can email Jeff (his email is on the website) with any questions and/or your unique ID so we can sign you up for early move-in before the deadline.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ll do that today!</p>