FAQ | Stony Brook University Bands

Absolutely! The Stony Brook Band Program is comprised of Stony Brook University's best and brightest students. The band has one of the highest cumulative GPAs on campus and is represented by nearly every academic discipline and major on campus. 53% of our Band Members major in Math, Science, Health Sciences, or Engineering.The Band's Cumulative GPA is 3.36 (higher than the all-University average of non-band students on campus). 52% of Band Members have a Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher; 66% have a 3.25 or higher; 76% have a 3.0 or higher. Data courtesy of the Stony Brook University Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness; December 2023.

As a participating member, your academic standing will probably improve. Rehearsals are planned at a time of day that will not usually conflict with class schedules and prime study time. The GPA of Band Members is consistently and significantly higher than the all-university average, as evidenced above. Scheduling conflicts may occasionally occur, but most can be resolved by conferring with the Director.

All Stony Brook University students of any major may participate! Membership in our program is open to all students on the Stony Brook campus who have had wind, percussion, and/or color guard experience in high school. Winds and percussionists must be able to read music. Previous marching band experience is not required, as you will learn everything you need to know about marching during Preseason Camp. You do not have to be a music major to parcipate. In fact, members of our Band Program represent nearly every academic descipline and major on campus, with Engineering representing a large contingent of our membership. We have both undergraduate and graduate students who participate, and our members come from many states.

Whatever your performance level, you can find an ensemble in which to participate. Stony Brook Bands offer ensembles designed not only for every ability, but also for every musical interest. If you participated in high school band (or orchestra, as a wind/percussion player), you can be assured of an opportunity at Stony Brook. You do not have to be a music major to participate!

Marching Band wind instruments can be provided at no charge for those who need them. Color Guard equipment will be provided at no charge. All regular marching instrument maintenance is covered by our Band Program but any additional damage will be the responsibility of the student. Those who join Wind Ensemble will need to provide their own concert instruments.

The Spirit of Stony Brook Preseason Camp takes place on the Stony Brook University campus in August, 8-11 days prior to the start of Fall Semeseter, and consists of full-day rehearsals and activities for the length of the camp, from 10:00a-10:00p daily. Visit the Preseason Camp page, under JOIN, for more information.

During the Fall Semester, Marching Band rehearsals are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30p-8:30p, select Fridays from 2:00p-4:00p, and on Saturday mornings on Football Game Days. Drumline and Color Guard Members rehearse one additional time per week in sectionals to prepare for Football Game Days. After the conclusion of the Football Season and for the remainder of Fall Semester, the Varsity Band rehearses on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30p-8:30p (and continues in Spring Semester).

During both Fall and Spring Semesters, the Wind Ensemble rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30p-9:20p.

Many students participate year round in both the Marching/Varsity Band and the Wind Ensemble.

Marching/Varsity Band is an academic course. 1 credit (letter-graded) is awarded for participation in the ensemble. All members must enroll in MUS268 (or MUS599 for graduate students) in order to be an official member. Registration is required for travel.

Wind Ensemble is also an academic course. 1 credit (letter-graded) is awared for participation in the ensemble. All members must enroll in MUS263 (or MUS599 for graduate students) in order to join.

Woodwinds, Brass, Marching Percussion, and Color Guard must provide their own: crew-length black socks, black dress pants with pockets (no jeans or leggings), black dress shorts (non-athletic), and black belt. Members will receive black marching shoes (Drillmasters) from the band. Additionally, Color Guard members must provide a spaghetti-strap black leotard and black stockings.

Woodwind and Brass players must provide their own instrument-appropriate lyre and E-Flip attachment to use your phone as a flipfolder in the lyre. Our band is completely paperless!

A full compliment of Spirit of Stony Brook gear will be provided, including: band polo, backpack, band t-shirts, baseball cap, and 1/2-gallor water jug.

University-owned instruments will be provided in Marching/Varsity Band to Piccolos, Mellophones, Baritones, Sousaphones, and Marching Percussion. This includes equipment for Color Guard memebers.

All Spirit of Stony Brook members will be assessed a $75 lab fee charged to the student account to supplement the costs of required uniform items and software licenses. Otherwise, the Band covers the majority of expenses throughout the school year. Band members are provided with uniforms, marching-specific instruments, music, and a full compliment of Spirit of Stony Brook gear, including a band polo, backpack, band t-shirts, baseball cap, and a 1/2-gallon water jug.

All members are required to provide the items above, listed in the "Are there any items I must provide as a member of the Spirit of Stony Brook?" dropdown. All housing, food, instrument, and travel costs are included in your membership. Band Members do not do any fundraising!

The Marching Band performs at all home football games and some parades. Occasionally, the band performs at various exhibition performances at high schools and/or an away football game. Members of the Varsity Band travel to Washington DC each March to support Women's and Men's Basketball in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Conference Tournament, and will travel to NCAA Tournaments if the teams advance. All expenses associated with travel are paid for by the Spirit of Stony Brook.

The Spirit of Stony Brook performs a new and different halftime show for each home football game. Typically, we will perform 5-6 new shows each season, in addition to our Traditional Pregame Show. You can view our Halftime and Pregame performances on our YouTube page.

There are a limited number of scholarships available to Returning Members of the Spirit of Stony Brook, which are selected via an application process during Spring Semester of each year, to be awarded the upcoming year. First Year Band Members may apply at the end of their first year, going into their second year. Year-round participation is required to be awarded, and to receive, band scholarships.

Yes! The Spirit of Stony Brook offers several different leadership opportunities, via auditions and interviews. Opportunities include: Rank Leader, Section Leader, Captain (drumline and color guard), Block Captain, Drum Major, Kappa Kappa Psi, Band Office Staff, and various committees.

Frequently Asked Questions