Frequently Asked Questions

"Fun, Fun, FUN!!!!! The people in Marching band are great to hang out with. Friends made in the marching band can be friends for all of college and afterwards. Plus, it's a great atmosphere. How else could you see every game for free, and be on the field for halftime? And, you won't have to have a PE 102 class. Did someone mention the $100?"
-Jason Gilow (Telecommunication Arts, Trombone)

"As a freshman last year, I felt like I had 80 new friends. It was very comforting since I am the only member of my high school class here at Butler. And this is a great way to meet all different people within the university. It is a truly unique, wonderful experience."
-Amy Olin (Pre-Med, Tenor Sax)

The Butler University Flag Line and is under the instruction of Kristi Temple. The line is open to any university student, and experience is suggested, but not required. We use a variety of flags, rifles, "Air Blades" and other props to convey the mood of our shows. Flag line members get the same PE credit and $100 of tuition remission as the rest of the band.

YES! As a member of the marching band or the colorguard/flagline you will receive one physical education credit, which every university student needs to graduate. Though Marching Band is a physically demanding activity, it is a fun way to fulfill this requirement. For each year of participation, Marching Band members receive a $100 tuition remission. This $100 is provided to you so that there will be no cost to you to be in the band. See the next two items to see how this works!

Traditionally the band travels every other year. Eight years ago the band traveled to Morehead State University to support our team. We left campus Friday morning and returned to campus Sunday after dinner. The band performed twice at schools on the way down and did a performance in Cincinnati Friday night. We spent Sunday at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom on the way home after one of the most exciting Butler football games ever and a combined half-time performance with the 180-member Morehead State Band. The trip fee was $65. So if you spent $25 on shoes, $10 for instrument rental and than $65 for the trip, then you are still not over the $100 of tuition remission.

Four years ago we supported the team at the BU vs Dayton game, visited the National Air Force Museum, and spend a day at Kings Island in Cincinnati. The trip two years ago was to northern Indiana to perform for three high schools, including an evening performance at a marching band contest. We traveled to Valparaiso University for the Butler vs. Valpo game and then on into Chicago for the evening and Sunday morning in the Windy City. We are planning on a trip for this fall and the band will discuss trip options for 2009 at the spring meetings in April. These spring meetings are also when we audition drum majors. You need to perform in the Butler band for one year before presenting yourself as a drum major candidate.

Because of the complexity and number of selections performed each fall, students are encouraged to maintain an active practice schedule. Your instrument should be in good working order to be ready for the fall season. Due to the number of pieces and the variety of shows performed, flip folios are strongly recommended. The university has limited numbers of music folios, so we suggest you purchase your own. Beyond that, you are expected to cover your part, and have fun doing it!

"Nope, in fact, most of us aren't. I'm a chemistry major and I love being able to get away from science and into something totally different. Most years the largest major in the band is pharmacy! Being in marching band has allowed me to keep doing something I love playing and marching and band also provided me with some of my best friends."
-Johna DeNap (Chemistry, Mellophone)

If you are in need of a university-owned instrument, please contact the band office to insure there is one for you. The cost of renting a university instrument is $10 a semester and can be paid on the day of band registration. Flags and drums pay this fee as well. Flags each get two uniforms, three flagpoles, rifles and five performance or practice flags for their $10. Drummers get drums and the things to hit 'em with.

Participating in Marching Band is a moderately physically demanding experience. Staying in good physical health is a good idea. Appropriate clothing, such as tennis shoes and comfortable attire, are suggested for rehearsals.

Marching band members come from all colleges on the campus and with varied backgrounds. Many incoming students believe you must be a music student to participate in the Marching Band. Over 70% of the Marching Band members are not music majors.

Being a member of the Butler University Marching Band offers you many opportunities that you will not find anywhere else on campus. You will have an important role in campus life and make immediate contributions to Butler University as an active member of one of its most highly visible and valued organizations. Members develop lasting friendships with other students from diverse backgrounds and a variety of academic fields. Band helps make the transition from high school to university life smoother.

"I have marched with the Bulldog Marching Band for four years, and have taken an average of 20 hours every semester while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7. Even when papers were due and projects needed work done, I found myself having a good time at band practice... kind of a release from the stress of schoolwork."
-Jennifer Claudy (Telecommunication Arts, Alto Saxophone)

Rehearsals are held Monday & Wednesday from 5:15 to 6:45 p,m. and on Fridays from 4:15 to 6:45 p.m. We hold a run-through on Saturday mornings before the 1:00p.m. games and we are usually done by 4:30p.m. The entire performance schedule can be found on the web site as soon as it's confirmed and approved. (www.butler.edu/bands)

Actually no. That's why we give you the $100. You will need a pair of all black marching shoes and any quality marching shoe, like Dinkles, Drillmasters, etc will do. The flag line uses an all-black shoe as well, but I'll let them tell you what it is. If you need to use a university instrument the fee is $10. Sorry, flags and drum line, as you are the most expensive parts of the band to equip, we hit you up for the $10 also.

Not really. Everyone works hard to make this a good group because every member really wants to be here. There are only two official rules:

1. You are required to have fun.
2. It's more fun to be in a good band than a bad one!

Mostly you are expected to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment and the right attitude. The attendance information and grading policy can be found in the band handbook (PDF).

You simply register for ES119-01 at early registration. You can get more information by visiting the athletic bands page, calling the band office (317) 940-9876, sending email to the director, David McCullough at McCullough@butler.edu, or by stopping at the band office at 316 Atherton Union.