THE BAND APP

Why Join the Mt. SAC Marching Band?

The Mt. SAC Marching Band is one of the most visible and exciting organizations on campus. Whether you’re an experienced performer or brand new to marching band, you’ll find opportunities to grow as a musician, develop leadership skills, and become part of a welcoming community.

Perform

Perform at all Mt. SAC home football games, select away games, campus events, and special performances throughout the year.

Travel

Travel with the band to away games and special events while creating unforgettable memories with your fellow Mounties.

Learn from the Best

Our instructional staff includes educators and performers with experience in Drum Corps International (DCI), Bands of America (BOA), Winter Guard International (WGI), collegiate marching bands, and the professional music industry.

Leadership Opportunities

Students can serve as Drum Major, Brass Sergeant, Woodwind Sergeant, Section Leader, Uniform Manager, Equipment Manager, and Social Media Manager. Leadership positions may also be eligible for scholarships.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for student leaders and outstanding members of the organization.

Build Community

Marching band is one of the fastest ways to make friends and become connected on campus. The relationships built through rehearsals, performances, travel, and social events often last far beyond college.

Open to Everyone

The Mt. SAC Marching Band welcomes music majors, non-music majors, high school students, community members, and adult performers who want to be part of something special.

Transfer and Career Opportunities

Students gain valuable performance experience while building connections that can lead to opportunities in college music programs, drum corps, indoor percussion, color guard, music education, and beyond.

Who Can Join?

The Mt. SAC Marching Band is open to performers of all experience levels and backgrounds.

Beginners Welcome

Never marched before? No problem. We welcome students with little or no marching band experience and provide instruction designed to help you succeed.

Non-Music Majors Welcome

You do not need to be a music major to participate. Students from every academic discipline are encouraged to join.

High School and Community Members

The Mt. SAC Marching Band welcomes qualified high school students, community members, and adult performers who want to be part of the organization.

Color Guard

No prior color guard experience is required. New members are welcome and will receive instruction throughout the season.

Instrument Availability

The band can provide instruments for members of the drumline as well as mellophone, baritone, and tuba performers, subject to availability.

Age Requirements

Participants may join beginning in 7th grade. Younger performers should contact the band director for additional information regarding eligibility and participation requirements.

A Place for Everyone

Whether you are an experienced performer, a first-time marcher, a future music major, or simply someone looking for community and school spirit, there is a place for you in the Mt. SAC Marching Band.

College marching band is a very different experience than most students expect.

There are no marching band competitions at the college level. Instead, the focus is on supporting athletics, entertaining audiences, representing the college, and building community.

The time commitment is typically much lower than a competitive high school marching band, while still providing exciting performance opportunities. College marching band combines performance, school spirit, friendship, travel, and fun into an experience that many students describe as one of the highlights of their college years.

Band Camp

Band Camp is where the Mt. SAC Marching Band comes together as a team and prepares for an exciting season of performances, school spirit, and unforgettable experiences.

Dates

August 10–13
August 17–20

Daily Schedule

3:00 PM – 9:30 PM

A dinner break is provided each evening from approximately 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Students are responsible for purchasing their own meals.

Location

• M200 Music Building

• 750 Field Complex (FLX)

• Hilmer Lodge Stadium

Attendance

Band Camp attendance is required for all members. The material covered during camp forms the foundation for the entire season.

What You’ll Learn

During Band Camp, students will learn:

• Marching fundamentals and technique

• Music fundamentals

• Pregame performance

• Halftime field show

• Pep tunes and stand music

• Game day procedures

• Football and basketball game traditions

• How the band supports and entertains Mt. SAC fans

End-of-Camp Performance

At the conclusion of camp, the band will present a special performance for Mt. SAC faculty and staff, showcasing the music and visual performances learned throughout the camp experience.

The Band Camp Experience

Band Camp is designed to be both challenging and rewarding. Members work hard, support one another, and build friendships that last throughout the season and beyond.

We believe that hard work leads to exciting experiences. Through dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude, students leave camp prepared to perform with confidence and pride as members of the Mt. SAC Marching Band.

What should I bring to Band Camp?

Students should bring:

• A gallon of water

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Closed-toe athletic shoes

• Instrument and necessary equipment

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn

What Does the Season Look Like?

The Mt. SAC Marching Band season runs from late August through early December and is packed with performances, school spirit, friendships, and exciting opportunities.

Rehearsal Schedule

Tuesdays and Thursdays
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Season Dates

• First rehearsal: August 25

• Final rehearsal: December 8

Rehearsal Locations

• M200 Music Building

• 750 Field Complex (FLX)

• Hilmer Lodge Stadium

Rain or Shine

The Mt. SAC Marching Band rehearses rain or shine. Members should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions throughout the season.

Sectionals

Additional sectionals are recommended but not required. These rehearsals provide extra opportunities to improve performance skills and build stronger section camaraderie.

Football Season

The band performs at all Mt. SAC home football games and select away games throughout the season. Members learn pregame traditions, halftime productions, and a variety of game-day music.

Basketball Season

The excitement continues during basketball season as members perform at home games and help create an energetic atmosphere for Mt. SAC Athletics.

Perform Often

Members can expect to participate in approximately:

• 10–11 football games

• Basketball performances

• Campus events

• Community appearances

• Special performances

In total, the Mt. SAC Marching Band performs approximately 40 times each year, making it one of the most active and visible organizations on campus.

Be the Face of Mt. SAC

Whether performing in front of thousands of fans at a football game or representing the college at a community event, the Mt. SAC Marching Band serves as one of the most visible ambassadors of the college.

Band Camp is a summer session course. Winds and Color Guard sign up for the MUS 38 taught by Dr. Walter Simonsen and Drumline sign up for the MUS 38 taught by Dr. Matthew Altmire. Band camp is vital for the fall season.

How to Join

Joining the Mt. SAC Marching Band is easy. Whether you’re a current Mt. SAC student, a high school student, or a community member, we would love to hear from you.

Step 1: Complete the Interest Form

Fill out our interest form to receive information about registration, band camp, auditions (if applicable), and upcoming events.

[Interest Form Link Placeholder]

Step 2: Register for the Appropriate Course

Wind Players and Color Guard

MUS 60 – Marching Band Winds
2 Units

Open to woodwinds, brass, and color guard members.

Drumline

MUS 61 – Marching Band Percussion
2 Units

Open to percussion students interested in performing with the Mt. SAC Drumline.

High School Students

Qualified high school students may participate through Mt. SAC’s Dual Enrollment program. Interested students should contact the band director for additional information regarding eligibility and enrollment procedures.

Community Members

Community members and adult performers interested in participating should contact the band director for information about membership opportunities.

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Walter Simonsen
Director of Athletic Bands and Jazz Studies
wsimonsen@mtsac.edu

Students are responsible for standard Mt. SAC enrollment fees associated with the course as well as a $100 program fee that helps support the marching band experience.

Leadership Opportunities

The Mt. SAC Marching Band offers students the opportunity to grow as performers, mentors, and leaders. Leadership positions are open to both returning and first-year members who demonstrate passion, commitment, and integrity.

Student Leadership Positions

Leadership opportunities may include:

• Drum Major

• Brass Sergeant

• Woodwind Sergeant

• Section Leaders

• Uniform Manager

• Equipment Manager

• Social Media Managers

Scholarships

Some leadership positions are eligible for scholarships ranging from $100–$400. Scholarship awards may vary based on position, responsibility, funding, and program needs.

Selection Process

Student leaders are selected through an application and interview process. Leaders serve during the fall marching season and spring season.

What We Look For

The best leaders are not always the loudest people in the room. We look for students who care deeply about the group, show up consistently, treat others with respect, and help create a positive culture for everyone.

If you are passionate, committed, and ready to serve the ensemble, there may be a leadership opportunity for you in the Mt. SAC Marching Band.

Conflicts are a part of life. As a band we adress conflicts on a case by case basis, but it is your responsibility to ensure you manage your work and life scheudle to make time for rehearsals and games.

Not to worry, the marching band has all the instruments necessary for performing. Some insturments are first come first serve such as flutes, clarinets, saxes, trumpets, mellos, baritones, tubas.

We have several options for people who are new to music and marching band. Everyone is allowed to join and we can find a place for you. Come be a Mountie!

Color Guard

The Mt. SAC Color Guard is an essential part of the marching band experience, bringing visual excitement, artistry, and energy to every performance.

No Experience Required

Never spun a flag before? That’s okay.

The Mt. SAC Color Guard welcomes performers of all experience levels. Whether you are completely new to the activity or have years of experience, our instructional staff will help you develop the skills needed to succeed.

What You’ll Learn

Color Guard members perform with:

• Flags

• Rifles

• Dance and movement

Members develop performance skills, confidence, teamwork, and artistry while contributing to the visual presentation of the marching band.

Equipment Provided

The Mt. SAC Marching Band provides the equipment needed for participation, allowing new members to get started without having to purchase their own gear.

Course Enrollment

Color Guard members enroll in:

MUS 60 – Marching Band Winds
2 Units

Instruction

The Color Guard is led by experienced instructional staff, including Guard Caption Head Bri Tomas.

More Than a Fall Activity

For many students, Color Guard becomes a year-round activity. Skills learned during the marching season can lead to opportunities in winter guard and other performance ensembles throughout the winter and spring.

Thinking About Joining?

If you’re interested but nervous because you’ve never done Color Guard before, don’t let that stop you. Every experienced performer started somewhere. Color Guard is an incredible way to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, and become part of a supportive community that works together to create something special.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage students to participate in multiple ensembles. Many of our members perform in concert ensembles, jazz ensembles, athletic bands, and other music groups throughout the year.