University of Oregon School of Music and Dance: Athletic Bands: About the Oregon Marching Band

The Oregon Marching Band (OMB) is the musical representation of University of Oregon spirit at home and selected away football games. Combining exciting and powerful musical arrangements and contemporary show design the OMB presents outstanding pre-game and half-time shows and provides energy and enthusiasm in the stands.

The OMB has a professional staff who have worked within a wide variety of both collegiate and drum corps programs. Students come from nearly every department, school and college at the University of Oregon. Woodwind and brass players interested in the OMB should be competent on their instruments, but there is no formal audition process. Percussion and color guard do go through a formal audition primarily designed to properly place members within their sections. Placement in the OMB is secured by willingness to work hard, have fun and attend rehearsals. The OMB is one of the largest student groups on campus and enjoys national recognition as they perform for over 55, 000 people in Autzen Stadium and before live television audiences. Recent performances include ESPN College Game Day, which was held at Autzen Stadium September 29, 2007.

The Oregon Marching Band emphasizes quality through high standards and dedication. Consistency and focus in the stands and on the field give the OMB its characteristic sound, power and energy.

Rehearsals and Games
The Oregon Marching Band rehearsal during the fall term on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:20 to 6:00 pm. Marching Band is a recognized university course that requires registration and awards credit. Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and performances. On game days there are light morning rehearsals followed by lunch and tailgating. Lunch and snacks are provided at the games.

Travel
The OMB supports the Oregon football team at numerous away games and post-season locations. Recent bowl games include the Las Vegas Bowl, Holiday Bowl (San Diego, CA), Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA), Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX). The OMB travels to at least one regular season away game every year, including The University of Washington (Seattle), Washington State University (Pullman), Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA) and UC Berkeley. Members of OMB are ambassadors of excellence in showmanship, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Accommodations and transportation are provided free to every member; we stay in fine hotels, fly chartered and commercial air and by chartered bus. Per diem allowances are given for food while on trips. The OMB provides an incredible, fun-filled and exciting atmosphere in which students can strive fore excellence and achieve high levels of performance on and off the field.

(Thanks to Jack Liu, Tom Emerson, and Kim Rottschaefer for photos.)

2009 OMB Camp starts
September 14!
Please e-mail bandadm@uoregon.edu
with questions!

Mission Statement
University of Oregon Band Department

The University of Oregon Band Program exists for the purpose of enlightening, challenging and leading our students to the highest levels of performance, professionalism, and musical understanding. Every effort will be made to facilitate knowledge, requisite skills, and an acute awareness of the work ethic necessary to achieve success as a professional musician, conductor and/or instrumental music educator.The University Band Program is uniquely positioned to reach a diverse musical audience. Performing organizations such as the Oregon Wind Ensemble and Oregon Symphonic Band bring a rich aesthetic and artistic contribution to the musical community, while the Oregon Marching Band and other athletic bands allow us to reach a wide audience and provide a musical outlet for students from varying backgrounds and disciplines while still upholding a high standard of musical excellence.

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1225 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1225, Phone: (541) 346-3761, Fax: (541) 346-0723
NOTE: The SOMD does not accept unsolicited advertisements at any of its facsimile numbers.
The University of Oregon is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Photographic snapshots on this site courtesy of: Scott Barkhurst, Pamela Gifford, Laura Littlejohn, Jack Liu, and Juretta Nidever.