Panther Marching Band New Students FAQ

UNI's Panther Marching Band is a fantastic way to continue to play your instrument, make new friends, and contribute to the campus community while you are in college! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Why should I join the Panther Marching Band?

The Panther Marching Band is a welcoming environment for all students with high school band experience, regardless of major or ability level. Our band is an outstanding ensemble with a tradition of excellence – and is known for providing high energy, fun, and electric performances!
With our successful recent international performances in London, Rome, Ireland, and most recently Madrid, you will not want to miss what we do next: the PMB will be returning to London in December 2024! You will love the camaraderie, music, and positive atmosphere of the Panther Marching Band!

What is the time commitment?

The Panther Marching Band performs at all five or six UNI home football games and other select events. Please see the calendar for a complete schedule.

Marching Band camp is approximately one-week prior to the start of classes. See the Summer Newsletter for exact dates.

During the semester, Marching Band rehearses three days a week in the beautiful indoor UNI Dome:

Mondays 6:30-8:30pm

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm

Fridays 3:00-4:30pm

Although you will be busy with marching band, most of our students also hold jobs and are involved with other campus organizations, and they remain some of the brightest academic success stories on our campus. In short, you definitely have time to be a member of the PMB! Your time with us is a great way to practice managing your time effectively.

What is the cost to participate?

New students must purchase a New Student Package (approx. $105.00), which includes your band t-shirt, baseball hat, shorts, and all other fees. You will order your package during your online registration and we will have the items ready for you when you arrive for camp. Please be aware there are no refunds.

In addition, we ask that you supply your own flip folder, lyre (one that can hold a smartphone), and white marching shoes and gloves. Information for how to order is located in the summer newsletter.

There are no additional costs aside from the ones above unless you rent an instrument.

Do you rent instruments?

Yes. We can rent almost any instrument for approximately 45.00. You will indicate that you need an instrument on your registration page.

Be advised that we do not march bass clarinets and baritone saxophones.

Do I need to audition for the marching band?

Prospective Drumline, Frontline, and Colorguard students need to audition for a position in the band. Woodwind and Brass students do not need to audition, but need to have performed with their high school concert band or marching band.

We have many students who have never marched before because their high school band did not have a marching band. These students usually learn the basics of marching very quickly and are a great asset to our band!

Do I have to major in music to join the band?

No. Around 70% of the Panther Marching Band are non-music majors and these students are very important part of the organization.

With approximately 200-300 members, the band is the largest student organization on campus. There are more than 79 different majors represented, so music majors are not the only ones who participate. We feel the mixture of students from virtually every school or department on campus makes the organization more exciting.

Will marching band interfere with my school work?

Rehearsals are schedules at a time of day when few other classes meet. As with any college activity, you will be responsible for keeping track of your time and keeping up with all your schoolwork. Plan ahead-you can do it! The camaraderie and friendships made in the marching band will last a lifetime. Remember, your freshman year is the best time to participate in marching band. Membership in this ensemble allows you to become quickly indoctrinated into university campus life prior to the beginning of classes.

Should I join PMB my first year, or wait until I'm acclimated to UNI to join?

While you are welcome to join the PMB at any time, your first year is actually the best time to join the PMB. Joining before your first year will allow you to get to campus early, and meet hundreds of other people that you share something in common with. You will have more connections and friendships earlier in your college experience by joining the PMB. We do a very good job welcoming first-year and transfer students to UNI. The older members of the PMB are more than happy to mentor you and help you make the transition to UNI. Membership in the PMB is an excellent way to become a student here and is the quickest way to acclimate to UNI. We are very proud of this and take it seriously!

Click here to join the band!

Community and Technical College Students

Panther Marching Band offers opportunities for you to be involved, as well. Please see the instructions for community college students.