Sense of community and belonging.
Each year at Presason Camp, the band spends nearly 72 hours together rehearsing and
bonding. After those experiences, the band becomes a community of friends; not just
musicians and marchers.
Source of help and guidance.
The marching band has over 100 incredible members who are always there to lend a helping
hand. Off the field, many members study together, and help each other with homework
and projects.
Connections.
Marching Band opens many doors and opportunities, and is an extracurricular asset
to your graduate/med/law school and job applications.
Love of the art.
Marching Band is unlike any other musical ensemble you can join in college (especially
at Stony Brook). You grow as a musician and marcher by working to perfect music and
drill with a quick turnaround.
Happiness.
Many of our members are highly involved on campus. Band is their safe space and the
place that will always make them happy.
Sense of pride.
It’s the feeling after a show when you realize all the hours of practice it took were
worth it. It’s hitting your final set and hitting the final note knowing the effort
you put in to make that show great. It's knowing you're contributing to a healthy
and spirited campus culture.
Promotes personal growth.
Marching Band can be difficult but every challenge in band can be transferred to other
situations. Persevering in Marching Band translates to academic success. Many successful
leaders were once in band; more than 70% of Fortune 1000 CEOs participated in band programs, either in high school or in college.
Academic achievement.
Band members are among the smartest students on campus. As of Fall 2018, over70% of
the Spirit of Stony Brook had a GPA above a 3.0, with many students achieving near
4.0. The most involved students are also the highest academic achievers.
Friendship and memories.
Most people in the band are friends with other people in the band, and those friendships
often extend beyond the field through college and after graduation.
Mentorship.
Every New Member is paired with a Returning Member who guides them through any questions
they may have about the University or in general. These connections build the community
of our band.
Stress relief.
Rehearsing and performing is a welcomed and healthy break from busy academic schedules.
