<p>I want to join Symphonic Band (I play clarinet). Do I MUST join marching band as well?</p>
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<p>No, the two are completely separate</p>
<p>As of this moment, budget cuts have caused the school to cut the Symphonic Band. Hopefully this will get resolved soon. I’m sure a showing of great interest in the group will help.</p>
<p>Hello Everyone,</p>
<p>I’m currently a member of the UCLA Marching Band and I also recruit for the Marching Band.</p>
<p>I can officially tell you that it is not too late to audition if you are still interested. But you should send in an audition soon (over the next week) as we are trying to get final numbers for our drill. I really hope all of you interested in joining the band do send one in. </p>
<p>Everything people have said so far is pretty accurate, but I’ll give a bit more information and my own feelings about being in the band. Being in the marching band has truly shaped my college experience for the better. UCLA is a huge school and the marching band makes it much less intimidating. You form many friends over the course of band camp, many of which will become your best friends. This is before school even starts. In my opinion, college is more than just about the academics (which are obviously important). People always talk about the “college experience” and how you should really take advantage of all that it has to offer. For me, marching band was the way that I did just that. </p>
<p>If you are worried about marching band taking away from your academics, don’t. We only rehearse 3 times a week for two hours each and if it’s not a game week, our director will often cancel the Friday rehearsal. Granted, game days do take up a good portion of your Saturday, but playing in the Rose Bowl in front of thousands of people is one of the best parts about being in the band. Additionally, marching band has actually helped people with the academics. I am a Neuroscience major, and having other “South Campus” majors in the band was a huge help. They could give me advice on which classes to take with which professors. Helped me in classes like Chemistry and LS. </p>
<p>Also the audition is nothing to be worried about. It’s just a way for us to make sure that you have played your instrument before. You certainly don’t have to be the best technician in the world in order to make it. If you haven’t marched before you also shouldn’t be too worried. I never marched in high school and was nervous to join the band because of it, but when I got to band camp we started off with the basics and there were a bunch of people there to help me along the way. </p>
<p>I know this was a long post, but basically I have loved my time in the marching band and I hope you that are interested decide to audition! For more information about the band or to watch last year’s Muse show go to [UCLA</a> Bruin Marching Band](<a href=“http://www.uclaband.com%5DUCLA”>http://www.uclaband.com)</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Derek Lee
UCLA Bruin Marching Band</p>
<p>Derek, thanks for the helpful post! It really makes me more comfortable with my decision to join the band. I’m an incoming freshman and was accepted into the marching band last month. I wasn’t ready to give up playing music after high school, so joining the band was natural for me. I’m really excited for this season. </p>
<p>By the way, it was nice meeting you at the band table during my orientation session earlier this month.</p>
<p>-Clint</p>
<p>Whoo! Same. I loved my high school band, just finished my first season in drum corps, and I knew I couldn’t give up on music yet. I was just starting to get pretty good 
Can’t wait to take the field with the Solid Gold Sound.</p>
<p>I am a nervous mom. I have been reading about hazings taking place at some other universities to band members. I know this is illegal EVERYWHERE, however it is still occuring. At UCLA are there any initiation traditions for new band members?</p>
<p>Relax, my son was in the band for 4 years and never alluding to any illegal hazing. He got off to a great start as a freshman, because marching band camp allowed him to move into the dorm a week ahead of everybody else, meet lots of friends, and get oriented to the campus before everybody else showed up a week later. They had a great time at BBQs, etc. Also, they got money to pay for all their meals that week.</p>
<p>I’m in the UCLA marching band, there is no such hazing. I was a bit worried about that too when I first entered, but to my relief there was none.</p>
<p>Thank you UCLA Band Mom and thelonewanderer for your input. This helps put my mind at ease.</p>
<p>AltoSxMom, you’re in for a lot of fun as the parent of a UCLA Marching Band member. The students each get two free season tickets to all home games, most of those tickets to go the parents. After every home game there is a “Parent’s concert” on the field at the Rose Bowl. When my son was a senior, they did a special recognition for him and the other seniors at the last home game, they all stood in a circle around the seniors and played the school songs for them. The band also goes into the locker room and plays for the graduating senior football players.</p>
<p>UCLA Band Mom, my hubby and I are really looking forward to seeing him performing with the various bands and ensembles for the next four years.</p>