How to Become a Band Member
Everyone — first-year and upperclass alike — is invited to join the Harvard University Band. It’s a fun, flexible way to keep playing your instrument at Harvard, but without the hassle of demanding schedules and high-tension auditions. Here are just a few of the benefits that Bandies enjoy:
You Choose
…which games you want to attend. Three papers and a midterm all due on Monday? We don’t mind if you take a weekend off. Just attend the rehearsal the week of the games you do plan to attend, since we play new music and perform a new halftime show every week!
You Travel
…with the Band to places such as New York City, Philadelphia, and (gulp) Ithaca. We go where the teams go — all in the name of steadfastly supporting Harvard athletics.
You Lounge
…in the Band Room. Fully equipped with all types of games, free soda, and air conditioning — there’s no better place to hang out on campus.
You Sport
…a cool crimson blazer. The jacket flatters any figure and will get you into Harvard sporting events for free — FOR LIFE!
You Perform
…songs arranged by Band members. Everything we play is student-arranged and we are always eager to encourage creativity. And if the musical muses whisper in your ears, we’ll teach you how to arrange!
You Are
…a part of the halftime show at the yAle game. Be there. It’s an experience!
Even if you don’t play an instrument, you can still join the Band! Our illustrious Prop Crew documents the Band’s endless shenanigans on film and in photos. Plus, they’re charged with playing and protecting the honor of Bertha, the Band’s renowned six-foot bass drum. They enjoy the full membership benefits of the Band, but without the rehearsals, spit valves, and broken reeds! (And Prop Crew shines especially brightly at the yAle game, where they fashion anything from catapults to Trojan bulldogs to enhance the Band’s halftime show).
Still want to know more? Check out our Ten Great Reasons to Join the Band for some of the not-so-obvious benefits of being a Band member. We’ve got a page About Our Auditions process, if that’s what’s on your mind. And if you don’t find the information you need, you can always send a note to our Recruiting Team. They’ll respond to any Band-related questions you have, usually within 24 hours.
Or, if you’re ready to sign up, click the button below. Once you provide us with some basic Band information, we’ll keep you moving toward our auditions.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Harvard Band!