Who can join?

The Duke University Marching Band is open to any Duke student with the ability to play a musical instrument and an interest in supporting the Duke football and basketball programs. Past marching band experience is preferable, however not required. Any person who can play and march in step is welcome.

Are there auditions

There are no formal auditions. All we require is that you are able to play a few basic scales, and can adequately play the music in your folio. Section leaders will listen and observe during the first few weeks of practice to make sure that no one falls behind. If you played your instrument in high school, you should be fine.

If you are a drummer and only play set, we still want you in DUMB! We will teach you how to play and march as part of a drum line, the heart and soul of the marching band!

Will DUMB fit into my schedule?

It's easy to make band fit into your schedule! Upperclassmen will be happy to help you arrange your class schedule so that you can make it fit to Wednesday and Friday practices. Additionally, you can even take marching band as a half credit course, so that it definitely will not conflict with any of your other courses.

A lot of busy people do band--it's a great way to relax, get outside, make new friends, support Duke athletics, maintain your music "chops," and--most importantly--have fun. The best people to ask this question are the students presently in band. As director, over the years, only had a handful of students drop out because of time, and this might have been more an excuse than the real reason.

How often do we practice/perform during football season?

During the fall, the band rehearses twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday, from 4:45 - 6:45 PM on East Campus. We perform at all the home football games (usually 5 to 6 games each Fall semester). Band members are also required to attend at least one away football game, and are encouraged to attend extra games.

What about during basketball season?

During the spring semester there are a few pep band practices, but most of our time is spent performing at all Men's and Women's home basketball games and traveling to all of the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament games. If you are not already a Duke basketball fan, then you will quickly become a screaming Cameron Crazy. The band is the heart of the Cameron Crazies, leading the cheers and keeping the energy of the crowd high. DUMB members do not have to wait in long lines all day or camp out to get into the games. We just walk in before the game. You get all the fun and none of the freezing cold nights in K-ville!

What else does DUMB do?

DUMB is a close-knit group both on and off the field. We have regular section get-togethers, as well as events involving the entire band. As evidenced in the support from our strong alumni group, DUMB friendships are strong and lasting.

DUMB also plays at other Duke sporting events, including volleyball, field hockey, and tennis competitions. Additionally, DUMB has ventured out into the community to play at local festivals and parades at Duke.

I do not have an instrument; can I borrow or rent one?

See the "Equipment - Uniforms - Instruments" section of the DUMB Information Manual (DIM) for information regarding this.

How do I get an instrument storage locker?

Go to the Music Department's main office in Biddle between 8 and 4:30 PM and see the secretary to sign up for a storage locker. However, if you only need your instrument for marching band - you may store it in the rehearsal hall storage room.

Can I also be in the Wind Symphony or the Jazz Band and still be in DUMB?

Yes. We will work along with the other directors (they are both great people) and they will work along with me. You will be excused from band rehearsal for performances with Wind Symphony or Jazz band. However, please note the attendance policies regarding this. You will be excused from part or all of the rehearsal, depending upon the time you need to be at the rehearsal.

Are there any extra duties or rituals that freshman have to go through as part of the organization?

There is no "hazing" in our organization, unlike some other college bands.

How do I get from East Campus to West Campus on the days of games?

We arrange for buses when the rehearsal is earlier than the bus schedule. HOWEVER - do NOT wait for the last bus to get to West Campus. If you do, it may be too late. The Duke bus service is not always on time.

Am I required to participate in a bowl game?

This cannot be answered yes or no without taking into consideration several factors. First of all, the bowl game is the ultimate destination of every college football team. Everyone in the marching band is expected to be there should we get to a bowl. However, if the bowl falls on Christmas, or requires us to miss being home for Christmas, we would argue for exemption for people who feel strongly about being home for this. Unfortunately, the athletic department might feel differently. There have been exemptions made in the past, on a case-by-case basis, and we are flexible. If the bowl were to be in Hawaii, we would probably not take a full band. We know this is not a direct answer, but it is the best we can do. We will always fight for the best interest of the student. Please do not take this as a criticism of the athletic department; they are very supportive of us.