Concert Bands FAQs
Do I have to be music major to join the band?
No, membership is open to all students enrolled at The University of Akron or Wayne Campus, regardless of your academic major.
Are the concert bands a class?
Yes. Each ensemble is a one-credit course that goes toward your GPA!
- Wind Symphony (7510:104/604-001)
- Symphony Band (7510:125/625-001)
- Concert Band (7510:128/628-001)
- Summer Symphonic Band (7510:130/630-481)
Do I have to audition to be a member?
Yes. Auditions for The University of Akron Concert Bands (Wind Symphony, Symphony, and Concert Band) and Symphony Orchestra winds/percussion are held during the first week of the fall semester in Room 270 of Guzzetta Hall (Band Office Suite – 2nd floor of Guzzetta Hall near the Atrium). Percussion auditions take place on Monday evening, the first week of the semester in Room 09 of Guzzetta Hall.
How do I have to receive audition excerpts?
Sign up for one of the UA Concert Ensembles or visit www.uakron.edu/bands. Excerpts will be emailed to all students enrolled in one of the ensembles or you can obtain them on the web-site. Percussionists receive audition music directly from Dr. Snider. Contact him at lsnider@uakron.edu for more information.
How much does it cost to register for the class?
Students who are already registered at The University of Akron (or Wayne Campus) only pay a $30 Student Service Fee to enroll in the class.
Do I have to be in the marching band to participate in marching band?
No.
The Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Concert Band are all fall-spring semester classes. The Summer Symphonic Band meets for five weeks during the summer session.
Wind Symphony: M, W – 1:15 – 3:10 p.m. & F – 2:20 – 3:10 p.m.
Symphony Band: M, W – 1:15 – 3:10 p.m. & F – 2:20 – 3:10 p.m.
Concert Band: M, W, & F – 3:25 – 4:15 p.m.
Summer Symphonic Band: T & R – 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where do the ensembles rehearse?
The UA Bands Concert Ensembles meet in Room 09 or the Recital Hall in Guzzetta Hall – UA Campus.
The UA Concert Bands travel to area high schools each spring, on a rotation between the concert ensembles. On occasion, when selected, the ensembles also have appeared at the Ohio Music Education Association State Convention and the College Band Directors National Association Regional and/or National Conventions.
Does the band provide instruments for me to play?
The UA School of Music has a limited inventory of wind and brass instruments. All percussion equipment is provided for the concert ensembles. For information on checking out a concert instrument, contact the UA Bands at 330-976-6919 or uabands@uakron.edu. Students must stop by Room 270 (Band Office) to fill out an instrument contract. Instruments may only be checked out when a student is signed up to participate in one of the School of Music Ensembles.
Why should I join the UA Concert Bands?
- Continue the joy of creating great art on your concert instrument
- Experience camaraderie and develop life-long friendships
- Perform for area high schools and at music conventions
How do I get more information about the UA Bands / Pre-Season Camp / Schedules, etc?
Visit us at www.uakron.edu/band/marching or contact the Band Office at 330-972-6919 or uabands@uakron.edu.
Athletic Bands FAQs
Do I have to be music major to join the band?
No, membership is open to all students enrolled at The University of Akron or Wayne Campus, regardless of your academic major.
Yes, it is a one-credit course (7510:126-001) that goes toward your GPA.
How much does it cost to register for the class?
Students who are already registered at The University of Akron (or Wayne Campus) only pay a $45 Student Service Fee to enroll in the class.
Do I have to be in a concert ensemble to participate in marching band?
No.
Marching Band, like any worthwhile activity, requires an investment in time and work ethic from its members. However, the class only meets three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30 – 6:20 p.m. Game-day Saturdays – of which there are only six home games – are long days, but rewarding due to the important role the band plays in the game-day experience.
The UA Marching Band typically travels to one, perhaps two away games each fall. Additionally, the band performs for one high school band show as well as the annual Zips Invitational High School Band Show hosted in InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field.
Does the band provide instruments for me to play?
The UA Bands own the following instruments: drumline equipments, sousaphones, baritones, marching French horns, and Colorguard equipment. All other members are required to provide their own instrument. Information on renting equipment from area music stores is available on the band web-site.
Why should I join the UA Athletic Bands?
- Experience camaraderie and develop life-long friendships
- Travel in support of UA Bands and Athletics
- Fulfillment of performing for thousands of Akron Zips fans each year
- Each student receives a $1,000 yearly stipend for successful membership
How do I get more information about UA Athletic Bands / Pre-Season Camp / Schedules, etc?
Visit the Athletic Bands section of this site or contact the Band Office at 330-972-6919 or uabands@uakron.edu.