Instrumental
Unleash Your Musical Potential
As part of the A&M-Commerce Department of Music, you will have the opportunity to participate in exceptional instrumental ensembles performing a wide variety of music.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the premier large instrumental ensemble at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Comprised almost exclusively of undergraduate and graduate music majors, the Wind Ensemble is equally dedicated to the performance of the cornerstones of wind literature, the finest contemporary works and a rich and varied repertoire composed for chamber winds. Led by Phillip L. Clements, Director of Bands, the Wind Ensemble continues to be on the forefront of new music for wind band, consistently commissioning new works from the nation's leading composers. Featured and guest composers have included David Maslanka, James Syler, Steven Bryant, John Mackey, David Sampson, Bradley Bodine, Michael Daugherty, James Stephenson and Julie Giroux. The Wind Ensemble has performed at numerous conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association and the College Band Directors National Association. Additional performances have included Carnegie Hall and a ten-day concert tour of Germany and Austria. The Wind Ensemble's most recent recording projects include Convergence and Traveler.
Symphonic and Concert Band
The Symphonic Band and Concert Band are comprised of undergraduate music and non-music majors who have demonstrated an outstanding level of musicianship and a commitment to excellence. The mission of the Symphonic Band and Concert Band is to create a high-level musical experience for the performers and to prepare teachers for careers in music education through exposure to challenging new works for wind band along with those works considered to be the “cornerstones” of wind literature.
Jazz Ensembles
A&M-Commerce features two outstanding Jazz Ensembles and multiple jazz combos led by Mr. Jack Courtright. Performing several concerts each semester, these ensembles provide opportunities for students to perform a uniquely American style of music that will further prepare them for careers in music education or performance. The Jazz Ensemble has performed at Jazz Festivals in New Orleans, with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra and has featured numerous guest artists. Both large Jazz Ensembles and jazz combos are open by audition to performers of all majors.
Pride Marching Band
ThePride Marching Band is A&M-Commerce's most visible instrumental ensemble. The Pride performs at all home football games and at marching exhibitions throughout the state of Texas. Recent notable exhibitions include the Area UIL Marching Contests, the UIL State Marching Band Contest, the Bands of America Super Regional Contest in San Antonio, TX, and the Bands of America Grand Nationals Contest in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pride is based on a foundation that a college marching band can produce a product that is both visually and musically exemplary. The ensemble continues to be on the cutting edge of design and recently has featured a unique electronic component to each show.
The Pride Marching Band is the largest and most spirited student organization on campus and draws its membership from the entire student body, representing numerous states and most majors. The Pride serves as the musical ambassadors for the university and the community. Students that are interested in participating in The Pride should follow the links below or contact the band office at [email protected].
Color Guard
The Pride Marching Band Color Guard is based on a foundation that a college marching band can produce a product that is both musically and visually exemplary. The Pride draws its membership from the entire student body, representing most majors on campus. The color guard rehearses approximately 6 hours per week and is a for-credit course. Scholarships are available for color guard members regardless of major. Contact the band office at [email protected] for more information.
Pride of the Court Basketball Band
The Pride of the Court is a highly spirited ensemble–selected by audition–to perform at men’s and women’s basketball games throughout the season. Comprised of some of the finest musicians and students from the university, the ensemble also performs at postseason Southland Conference and NCAA Tournament games. Auditions take place in early October and consist of both a prepared and a brief sight-reading excerpt. Instrumentation includes all brasses, a limited complement of woodwinds, drum set and accessory percussion. In addition to supporting Lion Athletics, the Pride of the Court performs at several other events as ambassadors of the university.
Marching Band Audition Requirements
Music Majors
Students who have formally auditioned and been accepted to the Department of Music are automatically accepted in The Pride Marching Band.
Non-Music Majors
In one video file (it DOES NOT have to be one continuous take), please record yourself performing each of the following. (Make sure the device is positioned closely enough in order to see embouchure, fingers, slides, etc.)
- Please clearly introduce yourself by stating your first name, last name, your current school and your intended major (Non-music majors are always welcome to audition for The “Pride” Marching Band).
- Perform one etude or solo with contrasting styles (i.e. one lyrical, one technical), or two contrasting etudes or solos.
If you do not have access, or have a question regarding the appropriateness of your excerpt(s), please feel free to contact us by email ([email protected]). We will be happy to help.
Please see the final tab below for video upload instructions.
In one video file (it DOES NOT have to be one continuous take), please record yourself performing each of the following.
Please clearly introduce yourself by stating your first name, last name, your current school, and your intended major (Non-Music majors are always welcome to audition for The Pride Marching Band).
Battery – A short solo demonstrating your abilities – no longer than 2 1/2 minutes. This can be anything from something you wrote to your favorite excerpt from your last marching show. Also, include your own exercises demonstrating:
- 8’s
- Accent tap
- Double beat
- Triple beat
- Diddle and roll exercises
- Basic flam accent and flam tap exercise
You may perform these on a drum pad if your intended instrument is not available to you. Tenors, you may perform your part on a single pad as well; ignore any cross-overs. Basses, you may perform your intended part on a single pad as well, matched grip. The metronome must be audible. Stand when you perform and place your camera so we may see your whole body. Mark time while you perform.
Front Ensemble – All keyboard percussionists should include a short 2- and/or 4-mallet solo or excerpt from a longer piece. You should also be prepared with exercises demonstrating:
- 2-mallet scales and arpeggios (major, minor, and chromatic)
- 4-mallet dexterity and blocked chords (vibes – Burton grip, marimba – Stevens grip)
Piano performers should submit a short solo or etude demonstrating their technical abilities, as well as basic scale exercises. Rack percussionists can submit the same material as either keyboard or battery percussionists.
Videos should be submitted no later than August 1. Following your video submission, a member of the percussion staff will review the video and respond with the results and additional information. Should you have any questions regarding the audition process, instrument access limitations, etc., please contact Dr. Brian Zator, Professor of Percussion, at [email protected] or Lauren Teel, Director of Marching Percussion, at [email protected]. Additional details will be sent to percussionists this summer.
Please also feel free to contact the band office with any additional questions at [email protected].
Please see the final tab below for video upload instructions.
In one video file (it DOES NOT have to be one continuous take), please record yourself performing each of the following:
Please clearly introduce yourself by stating your first name, last name, your current school, and your intended major (Non-Music majors are always welcome to audition for The Pride Marching Band).
In order to join the Pride Color Guard, there is no prior experience necessary. All we do ask is that you try the following. If you have been in a color guard before please use your best technique and submit.
- Perform 50 Right Drop Spins
- Perform 50 Left Drop Spins
- Perform 50 counts of Double Time or Peggy Spins
- Display knowledge of Cones/Carves
- Learn both TAMUC Fight Song and Texas Our Texas and perform them
(no music needed) - Display any basic tosses you have knowledge of
You can find the YouTube video of the fight song located at this link.
Videos should be submitted no later than August 1. Following your video submission, a member of the band staff will review the video and respond with the results and additional information.
Should you have any questions regarding the video process, equipment access limitations, the audition process, etc., please feel free to contact the band office at [email protected].
Please use one of the following options to submit your audition video:
- Create a Dropbox link to your video
- Create an Unlisted YouTube link to your video
- Create a Google Drive link to your video
Please fill out this brief form where you will enter your audition video link, and submit your audition.
You will receive an automated reply letting you know we have received your video link.
We thank you for your cooperation and patience. Please know our goal is to help you through this process in order to get you information on admission and scholarships as soon as possible. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, please feel free to contact us.
Go Lions!
Marching Band FAQs
As a Non-Music Major, can I still audition for concert or jazz ensembles?
Absolutely! We would love to have you audition for one of the many outstanding ensembles offered by TAMUC University Bands. Please send an interest email to [email protected] to notify the band staff. Auditions for these ensembles take place the weekend before classes begin. Audition music is generally posted 4-6 weeks before auditions. Please check the “Current Student Resources” tab on the Music Department webpage for audition material. Audition material for these ensembles will be posted on or before July 1st for the Fall semester, and on or before November 1st for the Spring semester.
Do I have to audition to become a member of The “Pride”?
Music majors who have already been accepted into the Music Department are automatically members of The “Pride”. Students majoring in other academic disciplines are asked to complete an informal audition for a member of the marching band staff. This audition consists of a brief musical excerpt (or two), of your choice, which demonstrates your range, technical and lyrical playing. We would love to have you on campus as our guest for your audition. If this is not possible, a video audition can be completed by clicking HERE.
What about auditions for Drumline, Front Ensemble or Color Guard?
Prospective percussion and color guard members can complete a video audition by following the instructions in the section above labeled “Non-Music Majors”. Percussionists should contact Lauren Teel, our marching percussion instructor ([email protected]). Those interested in Colorguard should send an email to [email protected].
What do I do to get started?
Please fill out The “Pride” Marching Band Interest form HERE. You will be added to our email and mailing list, and receive updates from the University Bands Office.
How do I register?
After your successful audition, you may enroll in one of the following courses: MUS100M (for brass and woodwinds) – MUS 100D (for percussion) – MUS 100G (for color guard)
When can I move into my residence hall?
Early move-in takes place on the first day of “Pride Week”. The Music Department covers the cost of your residence hall early during move-in. A link to the electronic Early Residence Hall Move-In form will be circulated in the Summer Band Information Packet, which is distributed on or before June 1st.
When do marching band rehearsals begin?
“Pride Week” for all members (including percussion and color guard) is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, August 19th.
I’m not a Music Major. Can I still become a member of The “Pride”?
Absolutely! The “Pride” is made up of students of all majors from across the university.
Are scholarships available for participation in The “Pride”?
Yes! Stipends are available for non-music majors based on audition and ensemble instrument needs. Stipend amounts increase each year a student participates as a member of the ensemble. Please contact the band faculty for additional information.
How much time does being a member of The “Pride” take?
The “Pride” only rehearses three days per week. On Mondays from 7:00-9:00 PM, then Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-2:45 PM. The Drumline, Front Ensemble and Colorguard each have a one-hour sectional outside of rehearsal time. The band only performs at home football games (approximately 5 games per season), and select exhibitions. On games days, there is a brief stadium walkthrough rehearsal for halftime timing, to coordinate with the Lion Dance Team, Cheerleaders, etc.
Is there a cost to be a member of The “Pride”?
There is a minimal fee which covers the cost of most of the gear you will need (Ultimate Drill Book membership, band polo, band dry-fit t-shirt, baseball cap, end-of-season banquet ticket, etc.). Beyond the band fee, members will need to purchase correct shoes, and may purchase a “Pride” jacket, additional cold-weather gear, etc. A complete listing of expenses is published in the Summer Band Information Packet, which is annually distributed on or before June 1st.