Schools where anyone can join the band even if they don't play an insturment

College Search & Selection
1

I know USC is like this. What are some bigger east coast schools that do this? I think it would be a lot of fun but I have about three months playing the snare drum in sixth grade.

2

Bump

3

Yale precision marching band. Known for comedy

4

My impression is that a lot of top schools in the Northeast (including most Ivies) have fairly casual “pep bands” or “scramble bands” that are fun, but not highly demanding in terms of dress, musical ability, or marching skills. The Yale band would be an example.

At the other extreme, schools with FBS football programs (e.g. Penn State, Syracuse, Boston College) may have “serious” marching bands (like USC), with fancy uniforms and elaborate, carefully rehearsed halftime shows. The downside here is that they may actually expect some degree of musical talent and marching experience.

There seem to be a few schools with FCS football that fall in between these extremes: they accept pretty much anyone (like the scramble bands), but actually do march (like the FBS bands). If that sounds interesting, check out the Cornell Big Red Marching Band, the Holy Cross Goodtime Marching Band, or the Lehigh Marching 97.

5

Flag people are in the band and (obviously) don’t need to play.

6

I can’t see how that would work at all. Even a pep band or casual band assumes some level of knowledge. You can’t just randomly play notes or bang on the drum.

7

Believe it or not, the [Lehigh band](Marching97.org) explicitly states that they can work with total newbies – and they are a “real” marching band, not just a pep band or scatter band. Presumably the newbies play very simple parts to begin with.

8

Doesn’t seem strange at all. Some serious bands probably need bodies just to make it look bigger and so they can do more maneuvers on the football field. So grab a piccolo and pretend to play.

9

Some kid in the Stanford band was banging on a stop sign the last time I watched their band at a football game. I can’t understand why anyone thinks that is fun to do or enjoyable for the crowd to watch.

10

Not East Coast schools, but both Duke and Vanderbilt have pretty relaxed marching band requirements, although some ability is required. And the kids have a great time.
Duke:

Vandy: