Marching Band FAQ

The college marching band experience is very different from that of a high school band. The Bullets Marching Band is not a competitive band, but combines the best elements of traditional college band and corps-style drill and music.

Our Pre-game Show is a complete eight-minute show in the traditional college band style. Good musicianship, performance excellence, and fun are our goals. We are a major source of crowd spirit at games and pride ourselves on a close relationship with Gettysburg College Athletics.

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 7:30pm - 9:30pm and Friday afternoons from 4:10pm - 6:00pm. In total, the Marching Bullets rehearse less than 4 hours per week! The opportunity to participate in a highly respected college organization that offers social activity, musical enjoyment, and many personal rewards is available uniquely to the members of the Gettysburg Marching Band.

The drumline and color guard also hold a weekly sectional (scheduled during camp after consultation with members of the section). There are never extra rehearsals scheduled in the season, and you will not miss class by participating in the Bullets Marching Band.

All bands at Gettysburg are classes (0.25 credit). This means that they do not count against the total number of courses you are allowed to take.

You do not need to register for the course in advance; members will be administratively added during band camp.

Members are allowed an hour of course conflict each week. We understand that there is a potential for labs and degree requirements to be in conflict with our schedule. These are approved on an individual basis in consultation with your professors.

Any interested student with minimal experience will automatically be accepted into the Bullets Marching Band. Part selection takes place during band camp, and not through a formal audition. Whether it has been a few months or a few years since you last played your instrument, it is never too late to pick it up again. We want members who want to be members; desire is more important than virtuoso performance.

The Bullets Marching Band has a week-long camp that takes place on campus prior to 1st Year Orientation and the start of Fall Semester. Visual Performers and Percussion are asked to arrive two-days earlier due to the nature of their sections. Students are allowed to move into dorms early and all meals are provided. There is a band fee to cover meals, t-shirts, and other supplies. Our camp schedule is relaxed, with periods of focused work and long breaks to rest and get to know each other. Learn more about Band Camp

No - you can be in any combination of ensembles that will fit your schedule and musical qualifications. Some of our students prefer to participate only in marching, concert or jazz ensembles. Others prefer to maintain membership in some or all these ensembles.

Music majors, music minors and those on music scholarship should, however, consult with your advisor in the Sunderman Conservatory to make sure you understand any specific ensemble requirements associated with your degree.

There is a band camp fee that covers housing, meals, t-shirts, and other supplies. While this fee is integral for the band to exist, no one will turned away if money is an issue. Please communicate directly with Dr. Steven Marx if finances are an issue. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible, and you will be a member of the marching band, even if that means we need to make financial adjustments.