Marching Band
Marching Band (Music 1131)
Meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m. - 137 Castleman Hall
The Miner Marching Band is open to all students who play a band instrument. The band plays for all home football games as local parades. Besides regular class meetings, the band will also rehearse on Fridays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. the day before a home football game. Other sectional rehearsals may also be required, especially for Color Guard and Drumline.
Questions? Contact Dr. Samson.
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Pre-Season Camp
The Miner Marching Band Pre-Season Camp takes place the week before classes begin (see "Pre-Season Camp Schedule). Freshman will already be on campus for O-Week activities, but upperclassman will need to move in early. All students who plan to march this season MUST fill out the "Pre-Season Camp Form" below regardless of whether you'll be able to attend camp.
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Early Residence Hall Move-in
(upperclassmen only)
While Freshman are automatically allowed early move-in due to O-Week, upperclassmen living in residence halls will need to get permission to move in early for camp. If this us you, first be sure to indicate this on your "Pre-Season Camp Form." Then, go to the Residential Life homepage (reslife.mst.edu) and look for a link to an early move-in form and fill it out. The form should become available sometime over the summer.
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Part Selections/Auditions
ALL NEW MEMBERS
It's to your advantage that you arrive in good playing shape this fall. For the instruments not listed below there are no formal auditions. Your Section Leader will assign parts in consultation with the Director.
DRUMLINE
The MMB Drumline consists of a battery of 5 snares, 3 tenors, 5 basses, and cymbals. Returning members retain their positions on the line from last year and do not need to re-audition. New members as well as returning members who wish to switch instruments may need to audition depending on the openings that need to be filled. Over the summer you will be notified if auditions are necessary and material will be sent to you based on what you indicate on the "Pre-Season Camp Sign-Up Form" as your "Top choice(s)" of drumline instruments. Auditions will take place on move-in day of O-Week (see "Pre-Season Camp Schedule") with results announced later that day. Those not earning a spot on the battery will be given the option of either joining the front ensemble or cymbal line.
TUBAS (CONTRAS)
We have a limited number of marching tubas (we march contras, not sousaphones) available which means that we may need to hold auditions. If this become necessary, you will be notified over the summer and audition materials will be sent to you. Returning members retain their positions and do not need to re-audition. Auditions will take place on move-in day of O-Week (see "Pre-Season Camp Schedule") with results announced later that day. If you are a new member and have experience on another instrument (marching baritone, trombone, etc.) we may ask you to switch to help with the band's overall instrumentation.
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Accessories
All players are responsible for providing their own instrument accessories whether they own their own instrument or check one out from the university. This includes (but not limited to)
- Reeds
- Mouthpiece (required if using a university instrument)
- Valve Oil/Slide Oil/ Cork Grease
- Lyre
- Flip Folder (with extra pages)
All accessories must be obtained BEFORE arriving to camp
TUBA PLAYERS: We use contras for marching season, so you'll need to purchase an armband-style "flute" flip folder.
PERCUSSION: We provide mallets/sticks.
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Uniforms
Full Uniform
During O-Week we'll fit you for a marching uniform (see “Pre-Season Band Camp Schedule”). Your uniform will be placed in a garment bag and kept in the uniform closet when not in use (140 Castleman Hall). The rest of the full uniform includes white long-wrist gloves, black socks, and black marching shoes.
At the beginning of the season, you'll receive one pair of gloves for free. While these gloves are easy to maintain and are machine washable, it may be necessary to replace them during the season. A second pair will be provided at no cost as long as you show need for them. Piccolo and clarinet players will receive a pair of one-size-fits-all fingerless gloves (one replacement pair available if needed) and Color Guard members will receive a pair of guard gloves (replacements must be paid for by the student). Percussionists do not need gloves.
The only part of your uniform we DO NOT provide is black socks and black marching shoes. If you currently own a pair of flat black (not patent leather) marching shoes, you can use those as long as they're in good condition. If you do not own a pair, you will need purchase them on your own. ALL MMB MEMBERS MUST HAVE A PAIR OF UNIFORM SHOES WHEN YOU REPORT TO CAMP.
Summer Uniform
If it’s determined to be too hot or a performance does not require the full uniform, you’ll be asked to wear our summer uniform. The summer uniform consists of an official Miner Marching Band T-shirt and cap, both of which will be provided at no cost (Color Guard does not wear caps for the summer uniform but are free to have one). The rest of the uniform consists of khaki shorts (light to medium khaki please, not brown, olive or white) white socks and tennis shoes appropriate to march in.
Drawstring Bag
Along with your gloves, T-shirt, and cap, all band members will also be issued an official MMB drawstring bag. This bag may be used to carry necessary items (i.e. flip folders, water bottles, etc.) to and from performances while in full or summer uniform. No other personal bags are allowed to be worn with your uniform.
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Color Guard
While the Color Guard rehearses at the same time as the rest of the Miner Marching Band, they often do so separately in order to work on routine. Members of the Guard should also expect to practice outside of normal band rehearsals at times organized by the Captain.
The standard equipment we use consists of 6-foot flags, but we occasionally include other equipment such as air blades, rifles, and sabers based on our show demands and the abilities of our members. The university provides all regular equipment as well as a flag bag for your use. You are welcome to use your own equipment if it works with our shows and matches our current equipment.
The university provides the main parts of the Color Guard formal uniform, but there are other parts, such as pants, shoes, socks, and makeup that will need to be provided by individual members.
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Pre-Season Camp Schedule
The schedule below is tentative, and minor adjustments may be made between now and the start of camp. Please contact Dr. Samson if you are unable to attend any part of camp or have conflicts with the schedule.
Locations:
Band Room - 137 Castleman Hall. Can be accessed through the doors near the corner of 11th and State St.
Castleman Green - Grassy area just outside the band room on the corner of 10th and State St.
Practice Field - Across the parking lot from the Student Recreation and Fitness Center between the Miner Dome and baseball field. You may park in the Rec Center parking lot and walk the path between the Miner Dome and intramural fields to get to the practice field.
FRESHMAN: Provided that you’ve fill out the “Pre-Season Camp Form” by mid-July, you will be placed in an O-Week team with other marching band students. During most of your scheduled “Project X” times, you’ll be joining us for rehearsals. If you sign up for camp too late or for some reason do not get assigned a band O-Week team, DON’T PANIC. We’ll get you involved.
Saturday, August 16
Time TBA Castleman Hall/Practice Field – Leadership Team Workday/Cookout
Sunday, August 17
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Band Room – Drumline and Contra Auditions (if necessary). Those auditioning will be contacted over the summer and asked to sign up for a 10-minute audition time that works with your move-in schedule.
2-3:30p.m. Band Room – Leadership Team Meeting
7-8:30p.m. Castleman Green – Ice Cream Social sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
Monday, August 18
9:30-11 a.m. Band Room – MUSIC Rehearsal (Upperclassmen required)
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: All Drumline
1-4 p.m. Castleman Green – MUSIC Rehearsal (Full Band)
4-5 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: 4+ Year Members and remaining Drumline
7-8:30 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal (Full Band)
8:30-10 p.m. TBA – Chapter Social Event #1
Tuesday, August 19
9:30-11 a.m. Band Room – MUSIC Rehearsal (Upperclassmen required)
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: 2nd and 3rd Year Members
1-4 p.m. Castleman Green – MUSIC Rehearsal (Full Band)
4-5 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: 1st Year Members
7-8:30 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal (Full Band)
8:30-10 p.m. TBA – Chapter Social Event #2
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Wednesday, August 20
9:30-11 a.m. Band Room – MUSIC Rehearsal (Upperclassman Required)
11:30 p.m. Castleman Hall – Assemble for Pep Band Performance (Upperclassman only - Summer Uniform)
12-12:30 p.m. Location TBD – Pep Band Performance
1-2:30 p.m. Castleman Green – MUSIC Rehearsal (Full Band)
2:30-4 p.m. Various Locations – Sectional Rehearsals (Full Band)
4-5 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: LAST CALL FOR ALL
7-8:30 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal (Full Band)
8:30-10 p.m. TBA – Chapter Social Event #3
Thursday, August 21
12-1:30 a.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Closet Open
1:30-2:30 p.m. In Front of Leach Theatre – Band Photo (Full Band)
3 p.m. Gibson Arena – Assemble for Convocation Performance (Upperclassman only - Summer Uniform)
3:30-5 p.m. Gibson Arena – Convocation Performance (Upperclassman only)
5-7 p.m. Various – Section Dinners (see Section Leader)
7-9 p.m. TBA – Section Olympics
Friday, August 22
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal (Full Band)
12:30-1:30 p.m. Castleman – End of camp lunch (provided) and Section Awards
7:30 p.m. Location TBD – Assemble for Project X Awards Performance (Full Band, Summer Uniform)
8-8:30 p.m. Location TBD – Project X Awards Performance
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What to Bring to Camp (and Beyond)
Marching Band is physically demanding, so please bring clothing appropriate for the weather, especially a good pair of athletic shoes. As you prepare for camp, remember the following:
Water – We provide water jugs during outdoor rehearsals, but it’s good to have your own too.
Hat – To shield your head and face from the sun. This is especially important if you’re bald like Dr. Samson.
Closed-toed shoes – We don’t march in sandals.
Sunscreen – Most of our rehearsals (including music rehearsals) are outdoors. Protect your skin.
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Miner Marching Band Leadership Team
Senior Staff:
Dr. David Samson – Director
Brileigh Cates – Drum Major (3rd year)
Karli Blevins – Drum Major (2nd year)
Ryely Owens - Drum Major (1st year)
Liz Tiedt– Gameday Operations
Bradley Schluben - Uniform Manager
Liz Grube - Color Guard Choreographer
Section Leaders:
Emma Spencer, Hannah Kean (music) – Flute
Isabelle Smith – Clarinet
Alex Padilla – Saxophone
Kean Jones – Trumpet
Parker Alexander – Mellophone
Joseph Schubert - Trombone/Baritone
Ryan Pregmon– Lows
Charlie Perkins – Drumline
Ben Schreder – Front Ensemble
Aurelina Vera – Color Guard Captain
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Marching Band Performance Schedule
All performances of the Marching Band are REQUIRED of all members unless noted as "all available members." Please get these dates on your calendar now so that there is no confusion as to what's required of you. If you see an issue with attending any of these performances, contact Dr. Samson as soon as you become aware.
NOTE: The times listed for games are KICKOFF times and those for parades are PARADE START times. "Call Times" will be given well in advance of each event and may be as many as 1-2 hours before the times listed. On game days, members of the MMB Drumline have an added responsibility of accompanying the football team's walkdown form Altman Hall to the stadium. The call time for walkdown generally occurs 3 hours prior to kickoff. You will be provided with food between the walkdown and the band's official call time.
Friday, August 29
12 p.m. | MinerRama | Location TBD - Meet at Castleman Hall for walkover (all available members)
Saturday, August 30
6 p.m. | Miners vs. Central Methodist University | Allgood-Bailey Stadium
Saturday, September 20
11 a.m. | Parade of Nations | Downtown Rolla
6 p.m. | Miners vs. Truman State University | Allgood-Bailey Stadium
Saturday, October 4
1 p.m. | Miners vs. Upper Iowa University [HOMECOMING] | Allgood-Bailey Stadium
Saturday, October 11
4 p.m. | Miners vs. University of Indianapolis | Allgood-Bailey Stadium (all available members) this is during our Fall Break and while it is not a required performance, I would like to be able to provide a pep band to perform at this game. Please keep this date on your calendar and I will ask for volunteers once the season begins.
Saturday, November 1
1 p.m. | Miners vs. William Jewell College | Allgood-Bailey Stadium
Saturday, November 8
10 a.m. | Rolla Veteran's Day Parade | Downtown Rolla
Saturday, December 6
10 a.m. | Rolla Christmas Parade | Downtown Rolla
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Marching Band Faculty
For more information about marching band, contact Dr. Samson
Dr. David Samson
Associate Teaching Professor - Director of Bands
573-341-6837 | samsondw@mst.edu |
131 Castleman Hall
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