Athletic Bands
Marching Band
The Boston University Marching Band is a campus-wide ensemble that is open to all students, and it is also open to college students in the Greater Boston area who do not have a marching band at their institution. The ensemble performs each fall at college band shows, university and civic events, and regional high school band shows as a featured collegiate band in exhibition. The BU Marching Band was founded in 1920 and continues to be a source of pride and exciting performance opportunities for all members.
- There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Marching Band
- Marching Band meets 3 times per week, and rehearses less than most high schools
- The Marching Band season ends in early November, five-to-six weeks before final exams begin
- Students can earn a Hub unit in the area of “Teamwork/Collaboration” in Marching Band
Check out these Frequently Asked Questions about Marching Band.
Visit our Band Camp page for more info.
Learn about Marching Band Fees.
Percussion, see your Video Requirements.
Click here for Marching Band Course Registration Info
Director: Aaron Goldberg (agold@bu.edu)
Course Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:00 PM (and once per weekend by arrangement)
Location: 300W Babcock St. Boston MA 02215
Pep Band
Pep Band is the most flexible music ensemble to join. We form two bands that rotate through performances, and students can miss a performance if they get a sub from the other band. And when we put both bands together for big events…look out!! The BU Pep Band is the driving force of the game day experience at all home Hockey and Basketball games. With a song list of over 100 classic and current tunes, the Pep Band is a high-energy, powerful ensemble beloved by our teams and fans alike. The Pep Band is also an integral part of the “Dog Pound” student fan section. Since our teams are perennial contenders for post-season play, the ensemble has many opportunities for paid travel to conference and NCAA tournaments around the country. There are even opportunities to get paid for playing at games that occur over breaks. Come be a part of this vibrant, energetic ensemble!
There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Pep Band, but students should already play an instrument before joining.
Students can earn a Hub unit in the area of “Teamwork/Collaboration” in Pep Band.
Click to view ONBOARDING INFO for new Spring 24 Pep Band joiners.
Check out these Frequently Asked Questions about Pep Band.
Learn about Pep Band Fees.
Click here for Pep Band Course Registration Info
Director: Aaron Goldberg (agold@bu.edu)
Course Time: By Arrangement
Location: 300W Babcock St. Boston MA 02215
Winter Drumline
BU Winter Drumline focuses on the technical development of percussion playing in the marching percussion idiom through performance. Students learn a variety of technical and musical skills, play a diverse range of music, and perform at various events on and off campus. Past performance venues have included Boston Red Sox games, BU sporting events, Harvard Square, and Faneuil Hall.
The Winter Drumline is a continuation of our Fall Drumline and serves as a way to give percussion students more performance opportunities throughout the academic year, all while preparing for the following fall semester.
The Winter Drumline is open to members of the Fall Drumline (in the BU Marching Band) and the entire BU community, as well as students from other colleges in the Greater Boston area.
The are no auditions required for entry to the BU Winter Drumline.
Students can earn a Hub unit in the area of “Teamwork/Collaboration” in Winter Drumline.
Click here for Winter Drumline Course Registration Info
Director: Sharif Mamoun (smamoun@bu.edu)
Course Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 PM (and weekends by arrangement)
Location: 300W Babcock St. Boston MA 02215
Link to Spring Semester Calendar
Winter Guard
The Boston University Winter Guard offers a quality indoor color guard experience to all who are interested, provides high-quality instruction for all levels of color guard performer (beginner through advanced), develops color guard technique (flag or weapon) in a supportive environment while building skills towards performance. Winter Guard is a Spring Semester group.
The Winter Guard is open to members of the BU Fall Color Guard (in the BU Marching Band) and the entire BU community, as well as students from other colleges in the Greater Boston area.
The are no auditions required for entry to the Winter Guard.
Students can earn a Hub unit in the area of “Teamwork/Collaboration” in Winter Guard.
Click here for Winter Guard Course Registration Info
Director: Lennie Machado (bands@bu.edu)
Spring 2025 Rehearsal Times: Mondays 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM
Location: BU Band Room / SAC Gym / College of Fine Arts
Scarlet Band
The Boston University Scarlet Band performs during June & July on the BU campus and around Boston. Scarlet Band serves as the “house band” for the University by performing at the New Student Orientation Sessions held throughout June & July, and it also represents the music-making opportunities available to incoming BU students.
Auditions are required for entry to the Scarlet Band, and are typically held in late February. Students must perform in any BU Bands ensemble (Athletic, Concert, or Jazz) for at least one full semester in the academic year leading up to the summer for which they audition.
Director: Sharif Mamoun (smamoun@bu.edu)
Rehearsal Times: Summer Term – By Arrangement
Location: 300W Babcock St. Boston MA 02215
Athletic Bands Instrumentation
Flute/Piccolo
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Mellophone
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba (Contra)
Marching Snare*
Marching Quads*
Marching Bass Drum*
Xylophone/Bells*
Vibraphone*
Marimba*
Electric Guitar*
Bass Guitar
Synthesizer
Auxiliary Percussion
Drum Set
Flag/Rifle/Sabre
*Instruments used in Marching Band and Winter Drum Line Only