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. We all understand the change that comes with joining a new band, especially if you come from a program in which you were a lead player. Please understand that because we are a team you may be asked to play 2^nd or 3^rd parts based on our needs.

For those playing instruments who may need to audition know that I appreciate your willingness to go through the process. I also understand the frustration of not being placed on your preferred instrument, but it’s necessary for the band to do so. Know that if you stick with us, I will try to get you on your preferred instrument as future situations allow. Thank you for your understanding.

DRUMLINE

The MMB Drumline consists of a battery of 5 snares, 3 tenors, 5 basses, and cymbals. Due to so few openings, auditions for snare, tenor and bass will most likely be necessary. Returning members retain their positions on the line from last year and do not need to re-audition. Over the summer, audition material will be sent to you based on what you indicate in the “Band Camp Registration Form” as your “Top Choice(s).” Auditions will take place on move-in day of O-Week (see “O-Week Band 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 “O-Week Band 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.

Uniforms

Full Uniform
During O-Week we'll fit you for a marching uniform (see “O-Week 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.

O-Week Band Camp Schedule

Contact Dr. Samson if you're unable to attend camp or have conflicts with the schedule. 

The Band room is in 137 Castleman Hall which can be accessed through the doors near the corner of 11^th St. and State St. The Castleman Green is just outside the band room on the corner of 10th St. and State St.. The practice field is 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 get to the practice field. Talk to your section leader if you need help.

FRESHMAN: Provided that you’ve fill out the “Band Camp Registration 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 10

Time TBA Castleman Hall/Practice Field – Leadership Work Day/Cookout

Sunday, August 11

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 Meeting
7-8:30p.m. Castleman Green – Ice Cream Social sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma

Monday, August 12

9:30-11 a.m. Band Room – MUSIC Rehearsal (Upperclassmen required)
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout:  Returning Seniors, all Drumline
2:15-5:00 p.m. Castleman Green – MUSIC Rehearsal (Full Band)
7-8:30 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal
8:30-10 p.m. TBA – Chapter Social Event #1

Tuesday, August 13

9:30-11 a.m. Band Room – MUSIC Rehearsal (Upperclassmen required)
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout: Returning Juniors, Sophomores
12:45-2:15 p.m. Castleman Hall – Uniform Checkout:  All New Members
2:15-5:00 p.m. Castleman Green – MUSIC Rehearsal (Full Band), Continue uniform checkout
7-8:30 p.m. Practice Field – MARCHING Rehearsal (w/ instruments)
8:30-10 p.m. TBA – Chapter Social Event #2

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.

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.

Friday, Aug. 23
12 p.m. | MinerRama | Meet at Castleman Hall for march over (all available members)

Saturday, Sept. 14
6 p.m. | Miners vs. Lincoln University (CA)  | Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Saturday, Sept. 21
11 a.m. | Parade of Nations | Downtown Rolla
6 p.m. | Miners vs. Quincy University |Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Saturday, Oct. 5
6 p.m. | Miners vs. Southwest Baptist University  | Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Friday, Oct. 25 (Not definite, but please leave open on your schedule)
TBA | Homecoming Pep Rally | TBA

Saturday, Oct. 26
1 p.m. | Miners vs. Lincoln University (MO) [HOMECOMING] | Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Saturday, Nov. 2
1 p.m. | Miners vs. McKendree University [SENIOR DAY] | Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Saturday, Dec. 7
10 a.m. | Rolla Christmas Parade | Downtown Rolla