General Information
Q: What is the Mustang Band all about?
A: Known as "The Hub of SMU Spirit", the Mustang Band is the athletic and special events band for Southern Methodist University.
Q: What happens during the fall?
A: The band performs at all home football games as well as a couple of away games. During Homecoming, the band produces the Pigskin Revue (see below).
Q: How much time is required for rehearsals?
A: Band Camp occurs prior to the beginning of the semester and before Stampede (an event for first-year students). Once classes begin, marching rehearsals occur on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm. In addition, band members must attend two hours of playing rehearsal (one hour a day, two days a weeek), for a total of 5 hours of rehearsal per week. Yes; only 5 hours! Other than Pigskin Revue, extra rehearsals are not scheduled or called.
Q: Can I get academic credit for band?
A: Yes! Band may be taken for one credit hour each semester.
Q: What is the Mustang Band's instrumentation and musical style?
A: Instrumentation includes trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, tubas, saxophones, piccolos and a drum line. The Mustang Band was the first collegiate band to perform jazz on the football field; and while a few swing charts are kept in the book to honor that tradition, the repertoire now incorporates more classic rock and Top 40 tunes. All the music is arranged specifically for the ensemble.
Q: What about uniforms?
A: Known as The Best Dressed Band in the Land, the Mustang Band features a wardrobe of over 30 unique uniform combinations! Uniform parts are furnished by the band, and are cleaned and stored at the band's expense.
Q: What is Pigskin Revue?
A: Pigskin Revue is one of the oldest traditions on campus, having begun in 1933. It is a variety show which spotlights the Mustang Band playing several songs, along with singing, dancing, comedy, and other talented acts featuring SMU students, staff, faculty, and, occasionally, alumni. In addition to performing on stage, band members assist with planning the production, securing financing, designing and executing advertising campaigns, and working on various crews the night of the event. The Revue is rehearsed throughout the week of Homecoming and performed on Friday night.
Q: What happens during the spring?
A: From mid-November to March, the Mustang Band plays for men's and women's home basketball games at Moody Coliseum. (During the semester break, alumni will join current members at the basketball games.) Trips to the American Athletic Conference basketball tournaments (and potential trips to the NCAA tournaments) generally happen in March.
Q: What about traveling with the band?
A: Normally, the Band will make one or two trips to regular-season football games on the road. The Band also attends any championship or bowl game to which the Mustangs are invited. A smaller group attends the conference basketball tournaments each year, as well as any NCAA Tournament games featuring our men's or women's teams. These trips are paid for by the band and/or the University. When necessary, band members are excused from classes to participate in these events.
Q: Do I have to be a music major?
A: Band members do NOT have to be music majors or minors. Virtually every area of study is represented within the Band's membership.
Q: Does the band offer scholarships?
A: Yes! Scholarships are awarded based on the student's ability and the instrument needs of the band. An audition is required prior to receiving a scholarship, and any band member or potential member is welcome to audition for a scholarship.