Join the Band!
Marching band returned to UWRF during fall 2023 and we're excited for our next season! Come join us!
Why join the band?
College marching band is a valuable experience that connects you to a great group of friends, fun trips and an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and take a break from your studies.
Never marched before? We’ll teach you!
Not a music major? No worries! The Marching Falcons will be open to all UWRF students, regardless of their major.
Worried about the time commitment? The time commitment will not be as strenuous as high school. Marching Falcons will be a great place to make new friends and connect with others with the same interest.
Frequently asked questions
No! In fact, the vast majority of college marching band members are non-music majors or minors. College marching band draws students from every major and academic area.
No, you just need to have experience playing an instrument or in color guard. If you do, then please let us know your intent to perform by completing this form.
When you're ready to be a Marching Falcon, complete the Marching Falcons participation sign-up form.
Yes! Marching band is an elective course that will support an elective credit requirement in any degree program on campus! You'll register for MUSE 102 Marching Band, a one credit course in which you'll receive a grade that counts toward your GPA.
Early move in for section leaders, drum major, color guard and percussion is August 21. Move in for the full band is August 24. Please email band director Tom Barnett if you have any questions or concerns about these move-in dates.
Students do not pay the band any money and do no fundraising. A minimal $150 program fee will be included in your tuition bill. The program fee covers travel, shoes, gloves and other uniform items. Early move in is rolled into your fall semester room and board for those staying in the residence halls. If you live off campus, you'll need to negotiate this with your landlord on your own.
The dining halls will be open and you can roll your meal plan into fall semester. If you do not have a meal plan, you can purchase meals at the dining hall, eat at local restaurants or prepare meals for yourself.
Absolutely! Many Honors students participate in college marching band. A portion of your time in marching band participation will count towards the “volunteer hours” you are required to fulfill.
Yes, and though it is not required, we have created the FIRST EVER music minor that will focus around athletic bands (pep band and marching band). This will not add time to your current degree program. Please email thomas.barnett@uwrf.edu for more information about UWRF's athletic bands minor and how marching band will support the degree requirements of the program.
The band will perform at UWRF home football games on Saturdays throughout the fall (typically four to five home games), along with a handful of exciting events on campus, such as the Homecoming parade, new student welcome and other special events. We will be visible but your time will be respected.
The band will rehearse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5-6:45 p.m., with a possible touch-up rehearsal before the Saturday game. We will only have one show per year that we will build upon so there is no concern with academics being compromised by excessive hours spent learning new drill.
- Indoor/music rehearsals will be in the band room at Kleinpell Fine Arts building (KFA 129).
- Outdoor/drill rehearsals will be close to the football stadium at a designated practice field within walking distance from KFA.
Class conflicts happen but we'll work with you to make attendance possible! Just show us your class schedule - we’ll work with you! As long as you are able to be at band camp and won’t miss more than 1/3rd of rehearsal time each week during the semester, we can make it work.
No, there are no required fundraisers to participate with the UWRF Marching Falcons.
We have been invited to perform as an exhibition band at a couple of local high school competitions. We also plan a trip to an exciting marching band event like Bands of America (BOA) in St. Louis or to attend another event as planned.
The band will be a modern, collegiate-style band, focusing on a high quality, entertaining show. We will utilize a modern corps marching style.
Our goal is 60-80 members for our inaugural year and we have plans to grow beyond that size in subsequent seasons.
Our uniforms will be a modern, collegiate design that’s comfortable and looks great! They will be similar to some modern drum corps uniforms you may have seen at DCI.
The Marching Falcons will focus on performing a diverse number of popular genres that are fun and recognizable to audiences and band members alike.
- Piccolos
- Flutes
- Clarinets
- Alto saxes
- Tenor saxes
- Trumpets
- Mellophones
- Trombones
- Baritones
- Sousaphones
- Snare drums
- Tenor drums
- Bass drums
- Cymbals
- Drum set as need with specific shows
- Piccolos
- Mellophones
- Baritones
- Sousaphones
- Percussion
- Color guard
Yes, we will have a color guard.
The Marching Falcons does not include a dance team but UWRF has a great dance team and we will perform with them from time to time as our show and schedules align.
We are looking for twirlers with extensive experience. Contact thomas.barnett@uwrf.edu if you would like to discuss options of becoming a twirler with the Marching Falcons.
If you still have questions or want to connect with Tom Barnett, marching band director, email thomas.barnett@uwrf.edu.