Frequently Asked Questions

ACADEMIC & SCHEDULE INFORMATION

What kind of time commitment does it take to be a member of the marching band?
The Golden Wave Marching Band only rehearses three days per week, 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The band performs at all home games and at least two away games during the season. Game days involve a morning rehearsal and lunch is provided. Color Guard, Drumline, and Golden Girls have a one-hour sectional each week outside of normal rehearsal time.

Is college marching band just like high school marching band?
The Golden Wave is unlike most high school marching band experiences. We only rehearse every other day and instead of performing one show all year long, we perform new marching shows for every home game. We include all styles and genres from Motown to movie music and jazz to modern rock. It keeps things fresh, new, and always exciting!

I am not a music major. Will I have time to participate with a heavy academic major?
Yes you will! You might be surprised to know that Golden Wave Band membership is comprised of the most academically rigorous programs at Baylor University: 30% in the College of Arts and Sciences, 20% are enrolled in the Hankamer School of Business, 20% in the School of Engineering and Computer Sciences, 20% in the School of Music and 10% in various other academic units within the University. Statistics have shown members of The Golden Wave have a higher grade point average than the campus-wide average and achieve a higher grade point average during marching season (fall term) than they do in the spring term.

Do you receive credit for marching band?

Participation in The Golden Wave provides one credit hour and is the equivalent to a Human Performance (physical education) credit at Baylor University. In many cases two semesters of marching band will satisfy all Human Performance requirements.

When does Band Week start and when can I move into university housing?
Band Week begins one week prior to the start of school. Due to the early starting schedule members of the band are allowed to move into university housing before the normal move-in times, prior to the start of Welcome Week. Move-in will occur in the morning of the first day of Band Week followed by the Golden Wave Band registration and a picnic for all members and incoming freshmen parents. For the 2013 season the move-in date is Monday, August 19th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

AUDITION INFORMATION

How do I join the Golden Wave Marching Band?
All new students interested in joining the band or interested in receiving updates about the band should fill out the Golden Wave Band Interest Form. The link is also within the Prospective Members area. This form generates an email to the director and your information will be placed in a database. You will receive e-mail updates regarding auditions and other important Golden Wave Band info.

Audition details for Woodwind and Brass, Drumline, Color Guard, and Golden Girls are located in the audition area under the Prospective Members section.

CONCERT BAND OPPORTUNITIES

How do I audition for the Concert Bands at Baylor University (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band)
The Baylor Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band meet during the fall and spring terms and are comprised of the finest student musicians on campus. The Wind Ensemble rehearses MWF from 2:25 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and the Symphonic Band rehearses MWF from 12:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Both the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band are audition-based groups. Auditions are held during the week prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Information and procedures for auditioning including the audition excerpts will appear in July on the School of Music website under the Ensembles section. Check at the beginning of July to download the audition materials.

The Concert Band is an ensemble that meets during the spring term. It provides a musical outlet and performance opportunities for non-music majors and music majors who want to improve their skills on secondary instruments. The mission of the Concert Band is to create maximum enjoyment with limited performance demands. Auditions are not required for membership but may be used for assistance in proper part assignments/solo assignments. The class meets only two days per week in the spring semester, MW from 4:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.

COST

What does it cost to be in the band?
Baylor charges tuition at a flat rate per academic year (fall and spring) for students taking 12 hours or more per semester. Therefore enrollment in the Golden Wave Band carries no additional charge IF you are already in enrolled in 12 or more hours. There is a lab/activity fee of approximately $300, plus applicable taxes (for all members). The fee covers the cost of the Band shirts (to wear as a part of the uniform), shoes, gloves, band hat, dry cleaning, game day meals, etc. Members of the Color Guard and Golden Girls may incur additional costs for their uniforms and/or equipment. Specific information for those sections can be obtained from their respective instructors. No cash is required on hand to pay the fee when students arrive for Band Week. It is all rolled into the student fees and collected through the Baylor Bill.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Are there scholarships available for band students?
Awards are available and distributed based upon ensemble needs. All scholarship awards are decided by audition and availability. To receive consideration for a Golden Wave Band Scholarship, you need to download the GWB Scholarship Application Form. This will provide you with all the information needed to apply for a Golden Wave Band Scholarship.

INSTRUMENTS

Does Baylor provide school-owned instruments?
We provide tenor saxophones, mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and percussion. Other instruments are also available on a limited basis.

MCC STUDENT INFO

I am a student at McClennan Community College. Can I join the band?
Through approval from the Dean and Chairman from each music department, MCC students may participate in the Golden Wave Band. Students register for either pep band or community band at MCC. For more information contact the director of the Golden Wave Band, Dr. Isaiah Odajima (Isaiah_Odajima@baylor.edu).