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FAQs - General
Do I have to audition to be in a band?
The Marching and Pep Bands are for everyone, so no audition is required for participation in these ensembles. All other ensembles have auditions.
Do I have to be a music major to be in a band?
Absolutely not. During the 2005-2006 academic year, over 250 members from 12 colleges within the university participated in the BU Band program. Almost every college within the University is represented in the BU Bands.
Can I receive a scholarship for participating in an ensemble?
Current members of a band can receive a $250 book scholarship from the Theta Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Section leaders and band council members also receive a $250 book scholarship.
Are instruments available for use, or do I provide my own?
We provide all instruments needed for the band including percussion equipment, sousaphones, marching baritones, mellophones, trombones, trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and piccolos, all for FREE.
Can I receive academic credit for being in band?
Yes you can. If you are registered for less than 18 credits, you can take one of our ensembles for 1 credit. Everyone must register for the zero credit (B1) section whether you are taking the class for credit or not.
| Course Number | Section | Ensemble | Credits |
| CFA MU 191 | A1 | Marching Band (Fall only) | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 091 | A1 | Marching Band (Fall only) | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 192 | A1 | Concert Band | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 092 | A1 | Concert Band | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 193 | A1 | Pep Band | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 093 | A1 | Pep Band | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 194 | A1 | Big Band | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 094 | A1 | Big Band | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 195 | A1 | Honors Jazz Combo | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 095 | A1 | Honors Jazz Combo | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 196 | A1 | Jazz Workshop | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 096 | A1 | Jazz Workshop | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 197 | A1 | All Campus Orchestra | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 097 | A1 | All Campus Orchestra | 0.0 |
| CFA MU 198 | A1 | Vocal Jazz | 1.0 |
| CFA MU 098 | A1 | Vocal Jazz | 0.0 |
Will band interfere with my studies?
As stated earlier, the band membership represents almost every college at Boston University. Once classes begin, the typical time commitment to the band is less than ten hours per week. The band staff fully understands your academic priorities. In fact, many of the band staff graduated from Boston University with degrees other than music. The Band Service Fraternity and Sorority offer free tutoring in almost every subject offered to freshmen (and upperclassmen as well). Furthermore, many students feel that participating in band helps them organize their time better and they actually do better in classes while in an ensemble.
How much will participating in band cost me?
For the concert and jazz ensembles there is no fee for participation. The following ensembles have fees:
- Marching Band
Registration fee, $60: This covers all band activities including: a marching band T-shirt, all travel, food and lodging on trips, uniform maintenance and upkeep, and the band banquet. This fee is required for membership and is non-refundable. Marching Shoes, $25: The marching uniform requires white marching shoes. Previously owned white shoes made specifically for marching that are in good condition are acceptable. White sneakers are not acceptable.
- Pep Band
Uniform Shirt, $25: There is a required Terrier Pep Band shirt as part of our uniform. Members are required to own their own pair of khaki or tan colored slacks.
- Winter Percussion
Please see our Winter Percussion FAQs for current fees.
Are there band fraternities or sororities?
Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are two national honorary service organizations for college band members. Both the Theta Beta Chapter of KKY and the Eta Gamma Chapter of TBS work to build better bands through service.
Will I belong in the band and at BU?
Joining one of our ensembles is more than just a way to become and stay involved in a great spirited organization. It is also more than a way to stay involved in a quality music organization. Joining a BU Band gives you a family. Band members might live in your dorm, or be in your classes, and will assist you in making your time at Boston University great. In a campus of over 15,000 undergraduates it is comforting to have that sense of family and belonging.