New members must complete the Video Audition Form by July 1st.
You register for MUSC229F and MUSC229G if you are a wind player. For UMDrumline members, Color Guard and Twirlers you need to register for MUSC229F and MUSC229I. Dance Team members should register for MUSC229F and MUSC229K. Registration takes place during your scheduled Summer Orientation.
Not if you are interested in Color Guard or Dance Team. However, previous experience playing woodwinds, brass, or percussion is required for those sections.
No! Previous high school marching band experience is NOT required. In fact, many students who join MSOM each year having never marched have great success because they don't need to relearn any marching fundamental techniques.
Not at all. Nearly every major on campus is represented in our membership - Music Majors make up only about 5% of the band. Almost half of the students in MSOM come from either the College of Engineering or the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
Yes, all students in Freshman Connection or a Living Learning Program (i.e. Scholars or Honors) are able to join marching band and most can incorporate it into their schedule. Contact the Office of Extended Studies for more details on how to join MSOM as a Freshman Connection student.
Yes, all sections of the band are auditioned. Visit our Membership Information Page for the most up to date information regarding auditions. For section-specific audition excerpts and video submission details, see them here:
Dance Team and Twirler auditions usually take place during the spring semester — please visit the Maryland Dance Team website for the most up-to-date information.
*Auditions for MSOM 2024 are now open and will close on July 1st!*
Instruments are provided to students except for clarinets and some alto saxophones. We are adding instruments to our inventory every year with the hopes that not far in the future we can provide instruments to every member.
MSOM does not have a front ensemble. We encourage members with front ensemble experience to either audition for UMDrumline or join another section (this happens quite frequently and these members tend to fit in well). We've had many members who were a part of their high school front ensemble that had a great experience in UMDrumline even without prior marching percussion training. Additionally, percussionists with front ensemble experience are also encouraged to check out the University Band (MUSC 229U).
For 2024, UMDrumline Auditions will be held just before Early Week on Saturday, August 17th from 9AM-9PM at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. We also hold 3 Summer Drum Days throughout the summer where you can visit campus and play with current members to get an idea where you stand heading into Audition Day. For 2024, Summer Drum Days are May 18th, June 22nd, and July 27th. Details for these days as well as the 2024 Audition Packet are posted on the UMDrumline website. Also, make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram: @umdrumline.
For more information, contact umdbands@umd.edu and follow MSOM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MightySoundofMD.
If you are a wind & percussion player or color guard performer, you will be contacted at the beginning of July about your acceptance. Dance Team & Twirlers are accepted through their respective audition processes. You will also receive a member information form at the beginning of July - in order to provide necessary information for planning for the Band Staff.
Yes! We are happy to work with you if you have a required course for your major that conflicts with MSOM. You need to make sure that you have explored all options to minimize the conflict, but generally if the course is required for your major, there is only one section that must be taken in the Fall, and the total time conflict is under 2 hours a week, you'll be allowed to participate in the Band. Register for the course that conflicts with band first, then we'll look into adding the marching band section that conflicts during Early Week.
We learn a different show with new music and drill for each of our home football games. For 2024, we will be performing 7 different halftime shows.
MSOM usually travels to one away game each season with the football team. We also play at bowl games and home games held at local NFL stadiums.
Yes! The week before classes start, we host MSOM Early Week. During this week, you'll learn drill, music, and your way around campus with all the members of the band. You'll be allowed access to move in to your dorms a week early, and really become a part of the MSOM family. More information about Early Week will be sent out in the summer to accepted and returning members.
Many area university and community colleges, as well as schools in the University System of Maryland allow for cross-registration.
If you are a sophomore at one of these schools, check out your school's Inter-Institutional Enrollment office:
Bowie State
Coppin State
Frostburg State University
Salisbury University
Towson University
University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore County
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
If you are at one of these DC-area colleges, visit your schools DC Consortium office:
American University
Catholic University
Gallaudet University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Marymount University
Montgomery College
Northern Virginia Community College
Prince Georges Community College
Trinity University
University of DC