Hello! Here’s a little background about myself before I talk about my predicament.
I am an upcoming second year at UCLA. During high school, I fell in love with my school’s marching band. I enjoyed everything about them, the people and their personalities to their skillful performances. I would literally go to school sports games just to watch my band perform rather than pay attention to the actual sport. A lot of my friends were actually in marching band in high school too so maybe that’s why I’m so attached to marching band. This past quarter, I took a jazz history class and it got me even more interested in band, specifically with the alto saxophone instrument. My first year in college, I haven’t really found “that group of friends” that I could call my second family yet, but I really do believe I could meet them in band as well.
Anyway, I have no musical background, I don’t know how to read music but I can sincerely tell you that I have this driving passion of wanting to join the UCLA marching band. I want to audition for an alto sax position but I honestly have less than 3 months to learn how to play the alto sax to submit an audition… Is this realistic? When I set my mind to practicing something, I’m all for it. But this time constraint really makes me nervous… and I need to acquire an instrument somehow to practice with too. I’m aware of the time dedication and the intensity of band camp commitments, but I really want to be part of this community.
What do you guys think? Is less than 3 months of practice realistic or should I just call it a day? Also, does anyone have any tips on what I should do? I feel like I’ve never wanted to be part of something so badly like this and this is a huge leap out of my comfort zone as well…
I guess it depends on the skill level expected of the UCLA marching band. At my school, anybody can join the pep band and marching band, regardless of skill. All it takes here is passion. But if you are passionate, which it sounds like you are, I guess you have nothing to lose and I would say go ahead and spend the summer learning to play! Even if you don’t make the marching band, you’ll have learned how to play the saxophone which is impressive in its own right.
Are you a musical prodigy? Can you learn to read music and play in instrument in 3 months? I doubt it. (not being cruel, just realistic)
UCLA marching band is extraordinarily competitive. Why not go talk to the people in charge? Maybe there is another way of getting involved besides learning an instrument in 3 months time.
How attached are you to the music part of being in marching band? Because although I’m not sure learning how to play an instrument in three months is feasible (at least not without private lessons etc.) learning how to spin a flag certainly is!
If color guard interests you, there are plenty of videos and tutorials on YouTube which you could use to try to learn (I’d even be willing to give you a few pointers). It’s a lot of fun, albeit very different from the rest of the marching band. It doesn’t require a ton of prerequisite knowledge though, like learning to read music, play an instrument, etc. Just a thought - it may not be your thing.
BTW, if you’re interested in marching band, I strongly recommend checking out some of the drum corps stuff (Good starting point: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OOIb0Kqg-7Q). They do a tour over the summer, and it’s the best marching you’ll ever see - they do some really masterful stuff. It’s the marching band equivalent of seeing the New York Philharmonic live.
Sorry if I’m coming on too strong here - I’m just always excited to see someone who’s interested in marching band!
Doesn’t hurt to try with the alto…but it is a rather common instrument. It may help to find out what instruments they need…probably tubas and baritones. But I strongly agree with butterfreesnd you should look into colorguard.
I would say look into the parts of the marching band that do not play instruments…e.g. the Color Guard.
If you are interested for next year, talk to the leader of the Color Guard about how to prepare yourself for an audition.
Also most band members have probably been in marching band before. YOu need to learn thngs like
As others have said above I would say that it is pretty unrealistic to expect to learn to read music, play an instrument, and march to the level you would need for a prestigious marching band like UCLA in three months. However,that shouldn’t stop you from getting involved and possibly start studying. If you work hard, you can get pretty good over the course of this year and audition next year. Look into color guard or the dance squad (sometimes these are separate, don’t know for your specific school). See if there is work study or other jobs in the band department. Bands always need people to copy music, make folders and dot books, and set up chairs and stands.
You could also check to see if there is an entry level or beginner group you could join while you are learning to play your instrument. Some schools have groups that don’t require auditions and are open to all skill levels. If you are really serious this will help you learn to tune, blend, balance, and all of the other aspects of group playing.
Take the leap! Join in it can also be a good addition on your resume in the near future besides you can learn a lot of things when you join in plus the additional group of friends
besides you can learn a lot of things when you join in plus the additional group of friends