We're thrilled that you're interested in becoming a part of the Southern University Band! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey:

1. Complete Your FAFSA: Ensure that your financial aid opportunities are unlocked by completing your FAFSA at FAFSA.gov. This is a crucial step to securing your future and making your dreams a reality.

2. Apply to Southern University: Take the next big step on your path to excellence by applying to Southern University. Your extraordinary education and unforgettable college experience await.

3. Complete the Interest Form: Express your enthusiasm for joining the renowned Human Jukebox Marching Band by filling out our interest form. This is where your musical journey with us begins.

4. RSVP for Your Audition: Get ready to shine! RSVP for your audition, where you'll have the chance to showcase your incredible talent. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the greatest band in the land.

5. Audition and Evaluation: Complete your audition to showcase your skills and earn your spot in the Southern University Marching Band. Following your audition, we will provide you with an evaluation of your performance that will determine your eligibility for membership in the band.

6. Scholarship Opportunities: If you meet the criteria, you may have the opportunity to earn scholarships based on our three tiers.

7. Enrollment: Once accepted into the band, ensure you're registered for classes at Southern University and enrolled in the fall semester when your band membership begins.

8. Band Camp: Be prepared to attend the scheduled band camp that kicks off the season.

9. Band Fee and Membership Profile: Pay your band fees and complete your membership profile for the year you are participating in the band. This is essential before beginning band camp.

We look forward to seeing you take these steps toward joining the Southern University Band and becoming a part of our incredible musical legacy!

Tier 1: Top-Tier Scholarship Member (High Expectations)

To qualify for Top-Tier Scholarship (High Expectations), students must meet the following criteria:

- Be in good standing with their high school band program, with a recommendation from the high school band director.

- Exhibit elite tone quality and sound on their instrument.

- Proficiency in fluently and efficiently performing all 12 Major Scales (instrument full range 12 major scales.)

- Proficiency in the (instrument full range chromatic scale.)

- Prepare and fluently perform a Grade 1 solo piece.

- Successfully pass Part 2 of the audition process, which includes the sight-reading assessment (can be a part of their initial audition or scheduled separately).

Meeting these criteria will qualify students for Top-Tier Scholarship (High Expectations), similar to an NBA superstar.

Tier 2 Scholarship Member (Above Moderate Expectations)

To qualify for Above Moderate Scholarship (Above Moderate Expectations), students must meet the following criteria:

- Be in good standing with their high school band program, with a recommendation from the high school band director.

- Demonstrate exceptional tone quality and sound on their instrument.

- Proficiency in fluently and efficiently performing all 12 Major Scales.

- Proficiency in the chromatic scale.

- Prepare and fluently perform a Grade 1 solo piece.

- Successfully pass Part 2 of the audition process, which includes the sight-reading assessment (can be a part of their initial audition or scheduled separately).

Meeting these criteria will qualify students for Above Moderate Scholarship (Above Moderate Expectations), comparable to an NBA starter.

Tier 3 Scholarship Member (Moderate Expectations)

To qualify for Moderate Scholarship (Moderate Expectations), students must meet the following criteria:

- Be in good standing with their high school band program, with a recommendation from the high school band director.

- Demonstrate a great tone quality and sound on their instrument.

- Proficiency in fluently and efficiently performing the following Major Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, and G.

- Proficiency in the chromatic scale.

- Prepare and fluently perform a Grade 2 solo piece.

- Successfully pass Part 2 of the audition process, which includes the sight-reading assessment (can be a part of their initial audition or scheduled separately).

Meeting these criteria will qualify students for Moderate Scholarship (Moderate Expectations), similar to an NBA role player.

Tier 4: Band Participation Only Member (Basic Expectations)

To qualify for Band Participation Only (Basic Expectations), students must meet the following criteria:

- Be in good standing with their high school band program, with a recommendation from the high school band director.

- Demonstrate good tone quality and sound on their instrument.

- Proficiency in fluently and efficiently performing the following Major Scales: F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and G.

- Proficiency in the chromatic scale.

- Prepare and fluently perform a Grade 2 solo piece.

- Successfully pass Part 2 of the audition process, which includes the sight-reading assessment (can be a part of their initial audition or scheduled separately).

The Southern University Department of Band places your education as our foremost priority, understanding that excellence in academics directly contributes to your success as a member of our esteemed marching band. We firmly believe that your dedication to your studies comes before your commitment to the band.

To ensure you excel academically, we have established a comprehensive support system. Our dedicated Program Manager, who also serves as an academic liaison and advisor, plays a pivotal role in this regard. They oversee and continuously develop a set of carefully designed programs, including a series of workshops tailored to address your specific needs. These workshops cover a wide array of skills essential for academic excellence, such as effective study techniques, time management strategies, proficiency in writing, advanced reading comprehension, research and presentation skills, stress management and mental well-being, financial literacy, career development, and networking.

Furthermore, our Program Manager extends support to incoming freshmen by guiding them through course selection and academic advising until they attain sophomore status. Beyond academics, this key individual serves as a liaison, connecting you with vital resources within the Department of Band and other University Departments. This holistic approach ensures that, by prioritizing your education, you pave the way to not only being an exceptional student but also an outstanding member of the Southern University marching band. Your academic success is the cornerstone of your journey with us, and we are dedicated to empowering you in all aspects of your collegiate experience.

Your support is invaluable in shaping the future of the Southern University Marching Band. By making a donation, you become a vital part of our legacy of musical excellence. Your contributions directly fund instrument maintenance, uniform upgrades, student scholarships, and innovative show productions. To make a lasting impact, please visit our website's 'Donate' section, where you can choose specific initiatives to support. Be sure to earmark your donation for the Southern University Band Department and specify your preference, whether it's for scholarships, instrument repair, uniform upgrades, or another worthy cause. Your generosity ensures that aspiring musicians continue to receive a world-class education and that the tradition of captivating performances lives on. Join us in creating a harmonious future!

We appreciate your interest in having the Southern University Human Jukebox perform at your event. To initiate the process, please visit our booking page, where you can provide us with detailed information about your event, including the date, location, and your specific requirements.

Typically, we require event organizers to cover expenses related to transportation, meals, and an honorarium made payable to the Southern University Department of Bands. For more comprehensive details regarding these arrangements and to officially request our presence at your event, please complete the booking form. Rest assured, once we receive your request, we will promptly review it and aim to get back to you within five to ten business days.

Becoming a sponsor or partner with the Southern University Marching Band is an opportunity to align your brand with one of the most iconic and respected musical institutions in the nation. Whether you're interested in sponsoring specific events or being an overarching sponsor, we welcome your support. We value our sponsors tremendously and are committed to delivering on all agreed-upon benefits and commitments promptly.

To explore sponsorship opportunities or to discuss your proposals, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team via email. We're excited to collaborate with you and share the spotlight with your brand. Join us in celebrating excellence, as we continue to captivate audiences and uphold our legacy as 'The Best Band in the Land,' with a massive social media following and a musical tradition that's often imitated but never duplicated. Let's create harmonious experiences together!

Yes, you can audition before being officially admitted, but please note that any scholarship awarded will not be valid until you are enrolled at Southern University. This means that once you are admitted and officially enrolled, your scholarship, if awarded, will be applied.

The Southern University Marching Band operates at the collegiate level - think of it as the professional league for marching bands. We're not just looking for musicians; we're seeking elite talent to join our ranks. Our standards are exceptionally high because we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the outstanding legacy of Southern University's band. We expect our auditionees to already possess a high level of skill, allowing them to make an immediate and substantial impact once they become part of our program.

Scholarships in the Southern University Band are earned through exceptional musical talent demonstrated during auditions. Our evaluation focuses on your playing ability, musicality, and potential contributions to our program. We seek dedicated musicians who show a commitment to musical excellence and have the skills to make a significant impact within our band. While our goal is to assist as many students as possible, meeting the standards of our program is essential to maintain excellence and continuously develop our legacy, upholding the traditions of our organization. Additionally, the availability of scholarships is contingent on our instrumentation needs, ensuring that our band maintains a balanced and exceptional sound.

We're eager to recognize exceptional talent quickly. While some prospective members may receive scholarship offers on the very day of their audition, it's typically our standard process to notify prospective members within 7 to 14 business days following the audition.

At Southern University Band, we are driven by a powerful mission to provide educational opportunities to all, regardless of their initial musical prowess. While we welcome aspiring musicians from various backgrounds, it's important to note that to become a member of the Human Jukebox, you must meet our minimum requirements for consideration. If you have a sincere desire to become a part of our legacy and are willing to put in the effort, our dedicated team, comprising staff and student leaders, is here to support your journey in becoming a proficient musician. While it may be less likely to earn a scholarship right away, we are committed to helping you grow and refine your musical talents. Our goal is to shape you into an outstanding musician who can make a significant contribution to the illustrious legacy of the Southern University marching band. Your dedication to your craft is what truly matters to us.

Our audition tour takes us to various states, where we make it a point to visit major cities within each state. We understand that in today's technology-driven world, flexibility is key. For areas we may not reach as often, we offer virtual audition options, ensuring that the audition process is accessible and convenient for you. We're committed to providing every prospective or aspiring member of the Human Jukebox with the opportunity to join our esteemed band, regardless of your location. So, whether in person or virtually, you can audition with ease and earn your spot as a member of the Human Jukebox!

We take our practice seriously, focusing on results rather than fixed time frames. Our daily practice schedule typically runs from Monday to Friday. The first session begins at 4:00 PM and concludes at 5:00 PM. Following a one-hour break for dinner, we reconvene at 6:00 PM, often practicing until around 10:00 PM.

However, please note that our practice schedules are dynamic and based on our goals and objectives. There may be occasions when practices start earlier than 4:00 PM or extend past 10:00 PM, though such instances are infrequent. We strive to maintain a productive and efficient practice routine while ensuring the highest standards of excellence within the Southern University Marching Band.

Preparing for an audition with the Southern University Band is an exciting journey, and we're here to provide you with essential guidance.

Here are some pivotal tips to ensure your audition stands out:

Mastery of Scales: Exhibit your proficiency in all 12 major scales and the chromatic scale. Focus on articulate tonguing for ascending scales and smooth, lyrical playing for descending ones. Initiate your practice at a moderate tempo, concentrating on precision and tone quality, and gradually increase your tempo while preserving clarity.

Prepared Piece Selection: Choose a musical piece that aligns with your personal style and effectively showcases your technical prowess and musicality. Dedicate sufficient time to comprehend the piece's dynamics, phrasing, and emotional depth. Utilize a metronome during your practice to maintain rhythmic accuracy and, during your performance, use this piece as a medium to express your artistic individuality.

Fluent Sight-Reading: Sight-reading is a fundamental skill that evaluates your adaptability and composure under performance pressure. Regularly incorporate sight-reading exercises into your daily practice regimen. Challenge yourself with diverse rhythms and musical genres. Before playing, take a moment to mentally analyze key signatures, time signatures, and intricate passages.

Overall Emphasis: At Southern University, we hold musicians in high regard who demonstrate precision, musical acumen, and an intimate understanding of their chosen instrument. While technical speed is important, paramount importance is placed on expressive depth and technical mastery.

Your audition serves as an opportunity to display your unwavering commitment, exceptional skillset, and profound passion for music. We await your performance with great anticipation and the potential to welcome you into the Southern University Marching Band family.

Audition season for the Southern University Band typically commences in the second week of January. It is crucial to act promptly, preferably auditioning as early as possible, as we have set deadlines for scholarship consideration. While we wish we could extend scholarships to all, our funding capacity is not limitless. Scholarships are primarily reserved for top-tier students who showcase outstanding musicianship and academic promise. These scholarships are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis among top-tier candidates. To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, ensure you audition well before the scheduled deadlines.