Basketball Band

Anyone can join BUBB without an audition! We divide the band into 3 core groups (Blue, Hink, and Dawg) and each Core is assigned a specific set of games. Part assignments could be auditioned to determine the best placement for a member (Trumpet 1, 2, 3 for example). However, any member of the group is encouraged to attend as many games as they are able.

We DO audition our drum set players for placement into the core groups; however, no matter their assignment, they are still accepted into BUBB. Drum Set Auditions occur during the first Friday night BUBB rehearsal with the director and a grad assistant. The drum set player auditioning will prepare the Butler War Song, and three tunes with different grooves to be announced by the director before auditions.

We rehearse only on Fridays starting in late September/early October from 4:45–6:30 PM.  The exact start date will be announced via Canvas several weeks in advance.

On Game Days: we arrive one hour before Tip-Off for Men’s games and 40 minutes before Tip-Off for Women’s games, and play about 40–50 minutes of Pre-Game Music; each game lasts about two hours. There are typically two to three games per week.

No! When you are assigned to your CORE BAND you will have specific games (approximately 12 games per the season) that you will be assigned to. However, you are encouraged to attend as many games as you would like! We require six games per semester to get an A in the course. The more games you attend, the more likely you are to travel. We have had students attend all 36 games before—and we take that kind of dedication seriously!

No. You are not required to be in Marching Band to be in Basketball Band. 80-90% of the Marching Band participates in Basketball Band.  So, while we encourage you to do both, it is not required.

It’s Possible! We send out a Google Form in January for those interested in Post-Season Travel (This is one of the big perks of being in the band!). A short audition is held to determine the make up of the band, then the travel band is selected based on the audition, instrumentation, game attendance, and discretion of the director. Many first year students who sign up to travel get to do so in their first year.

Yes! We have members that are in Greek Life as well as students from all majors and groups across campus. It’s truly up to you and how you can maintain a work/life balance. Several of our members make that priority and can help you figure out how to do it too!