Members of the Miami University Marching Band represent every division and almost every major at the university. Music Majors represent less than 25% of the group. The MUMB employs full band instrumentation, including Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Auditions are required for all new members and returning members who are not in leadership and help to confirm part assignments for wind players and roles for guard members. Percussion auditions determine membership and placement in the Drum Line and Front Ensemble. Twirler try-outs take place in the spring for fall assignment. The Shakerettes dance team try-outs are conducted by that team’s leadership.

The MUMB is committed to making membership in the band affordable to everyone. All members are required to pay a $110 course fee, which is billed to your Bursar account after registering for the course. This fee covers the cost of some meals at band camp, the required MUMB shirt, and other expenses that impact all students. All instrumentalists are required to provide their own matte black marching shoes, gloves, flip folders, and lyres, which are available for purchase during registration at Pre-Season Week.

These prices are estimates for the 2026 season:

• $50 for shoes
• $5 for extra pairs of standard cotton gloves; 1 pair included with course fee
• $7 for extra pairs of ‘gripper’ gloves (mellophones & baritones); 2 pairs included with course fee
• $14.00 for flip folder and lyre replacement; included with course fee for first-year members

There is also a $75 rental fee for anyone who will be using a university owned instrument ($50 rental fee for color guard), payable during Pre-Season Week.

Woodwinds: Piccolo, Flute, B-flat Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax

Brass: Trumpet, Mellophone, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Sousaphone

Percussion: Battery Percussion, Front Ensemble (mallet instruments, drum set, electronics, guitar, and bass).

Mellophones, baritones, sousaphones and percussion are provided by the MUMB for a nominal yearly rental fee of $75. These instruments will be assigned during pre-season week. This rental fee covers normal maintenance as well as helps supply sticks and mallets. A limited number of tenor saxophones are available for rental as well.

We have Color Guard, Feature Twirlers, and our dance team, the Shakerettes. If you are interested in any of these units, please contact Dr. Yahl directly for additional information

Pre-season auditions are held for Field Commanders (early Spring), Shakerettes (mid-March) and Feature Twirlers (April). Auditions for Color Guard, Woodwinds, Brass, Battery Percussion and Front Ensemble are submitted by video submission during early Summer (May-June).

Information regarding audition material and instructions are communicated directly to those who register their interest in joining by visiting our website and completing the requested forms.

Pre-season Week is a weeklong training process that teaches new members the Miami-style of marching, pregame, and portions of the first half-time show for the season. All members, new and returning, are required to attend pre-season week.

Pre-season week commences a full week ahead of the start of the fall semester. For the 2026 season, Percussion, Color Guard, and Leadership should report on Saturday, August 15. For all other members, Pre-season Week begins on Sunday, August 16. Pre-season week will continue through August 23. Pre-season Week rehearsals take place at Presser Hall and The Center for Performing Arts on the Oxford Campus.

Student housing and meals for the pre-season week for any student living in Miami University housing is provided by Miami University at a nominal cost of approximately $40 a day and is charged directly to the student’s bursar’s account with Miami University. This daily charge drops the day your regular housing contract begins. The MUMB will automatically submit your housing request once you register for Pre-season Week. If you have any special circumstances (arriving early, etc.) please make sure you indicate that in your Pre-season Week registration.

The travel schedule for the MUMB varies year to year depending on the football schedule as well as performance invitations from regional and national band events. Typically, the MUMB will make at least one away trip during the season. Post-season travel is a possibility and members are expected to participate in any championship game or bowl game to which Miami is invited. Special trips may require some student financial support.

Yes, the MUMB is organized as MUS 100E and is a credit-bearing and grade-earning class. Students can earn up to two credits. The MUMB rehearses Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4:25-6:25PM.

Yes! ALL duly enrolled Miami students who play a band instrument or have experience in one of our visual units are free to participate in the MUMB following an audition.

Absolutely! We always have regional students in the band. There are some extra steps that you’ll need to initiate with your advisor in order to enroll in MUS 100E but there is a spot for you with us.

It is possible to enroll in MUS 100E and participate in the MUMB if you have a limited conflict with another class. It depends on the extent of the conflict and should be discussed with the Dr. Yahl.

If you decide to join the Miami Marching Band, you will become a member of one of the largest and finest student organizations on campus. You will also join those members who have made life-long friends as well as gain an instant support network as you enter Miami University. Opportunities for leadership and service are also available to new members.

If you need more information concerning membership in the MUMB, please contact Dr. Ryan Yahl by phone at 513-529-9739 or email him at yahlr@miamioh.edu.