Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I good enough to participate in the Stony Brook Athletic Bands program?
  Whatever your performance level, you can find an ensemble in which to participate. Stony Brook Bands offer ensembles designed not only for every ability, but also for every musical interest. If you have participated in a band in high school, you can be assured of an opportunity at Stony Brook. Band ensembles are a mixture of both music majors and non-music majors. You do not have to be a music major to participate! In the Marching Band, almost every academic department and class level on campus is represented. 
• Who may join and what is the instrumentation of the Marching Band?
  All university students of any major are encouraged to participate! The Marching Band instrumentation consists of piccolo/flute, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, mellophone, trombones, baritone/euphonium, sousaphone, marching percussion (snare [traditional grip], tenors, bass, cymbals), color guard (flags only), and one feature twirler.
  
  DRUMLINE: Please download the Marching Percussion Handbook here.
• Do I have to be a music major to be a member of the Spirit of Stony Brook?

  No. The Spirit of Stony Brook consists of more than fifty unique academic majors; in fact, the band typically consists of 10 or less music majors.

• How do I join/Do I get academic credit for being in the Marching Band?

  Membership is open to all Stony Brook University students. In order to become a member, you must first fill out our application (Fall 2022 will be available soon). Members are accepted on a rolling basis through July. Band members must register for MUS 268 (1 credit) on Stony Brook's SOLAR system once they are able to register for classes. Marching Band and Varsity Band are each one-credit letter-graded courses.

• What is the weekly time commitment?

  The band rehearses two-three times per week, on Mondays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Thurdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, and select Fridays (usually on home football game weeks) from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in preparation for all home football games on select Saturdays in the Fall. The Varsity Band performs at all home basketball games in Island Federal Arena. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory unless otherwise specified.

• Will practice and performances affect my academic work?
  Your academic standing will probably improve. Marching Band rehearsals are planned at a time of day that will not usually conflict with heavy class schedules and prime study time. The grade point average for band members is consistently and significantly higher than the all-university average. Scheduling conflicts may occasionally occur, but most can be resolved by conferring with the director.
• Are there any items I must provide as a member of the Spirit of Stony Brook?

  Woodwinds, Brass, Marching Percussion, and Color Guard must provide their own: crew-length black socks, black dress pants (no jeans or leggings), and black shorts (non-athletic). Members will purchase marching shoes from the band. Additionally, Color Guard members must provide a spaghetti-strap black leotard and black stockings. 

  Woodwind and Brass players must provide their own appropriate lyre, if needed and as necessary. The band will utilize e-Flips to use your phone as a flipfolder in the lyre.

  A full compliment of Spirit of Stony Brook gear will be provided, including: band polo, backpack, band t-shirts, baseball cap, and water jug. 

  University-owned instruments will be provided to Mellophones, Baritones/Euphoniums, Sousaphones, and Marching Percussion. This includes equipment for Color Guard memebers. 

• Can students participate in marching band as well as one of the other concert groups during the same semester?
  Some students do participate in more than one ensemble. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble are offered through the School of Music. Additionally, there are a variety of other student led ensembles and organizations. 
  
  Click here for information about the Wind Ensemble (Concert Band) and click here for information about SB Live (Jazz Band).
  
• What is Preseason?
  Preseason rehearsals (Band Camp) occurs the week before Fall classes begin. Band members rehearse marching and music in preparation for the upcoming football season. More information about Preseason.
• Are there leadership opportunities for me within the band?
  Yes! The Stony Brook Athletic Bands program offers its members many different leadership opportunities. Those roles include drum major, captain, section leader, executive board member, committee co-chair, annual student staff, and summer student staff.

If your questions were not answered here, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Email: marchingband@stonybrook.edu

Phone: 631-632-4815