The University of Arizona

Pride of Arizona Marching Band Course Info

Here is everything you need to know about being a member of the "Pride of Arizona." Please read it carefully.

This class meets M, W, F 3:00 - 5:30 and Saturdays 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Course Numbers are: MUS200B/400B/500B

We are very excited about the upcoming season and our role in Arizona Wildcat Football. Planning for the musical shows is well underway. We are high entertainment, high energy, and great fun. Our goal is making sure that your being a member of the "Pride" will be a significant life experience.

If you have not already done so, please fill out the on-line "Pride" Registration Form after you have read through this important information! Every member of the "Pride" must register, including auxiliary. We cannot stress enough how important this "Pride" Registration Form is for the smooth operation of this band.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Band Schedule: Please study the dates and times on the Band Schedule. Reserve these dates on your calendar now. Beyond our regular rehearsals, the "Pride" is actively involved on these dates and you should not schedule anything else at these times.

"Pride" Week: Our pre-season rehearsals will begin on Saturday, August 15, and continue through Friday, August 21. During "Pride" Week, we will learn pre-game and one half-time show, as well as stands music. The expectations are high and quality is always our priority. We will be working very hard while you meet new friends, laugh a lot, sweat a lot, and become the 2009"Pride of Arizona"!

We strongly recommend that you arrive for rehearsals in good physical shape and wear shorts, comfortable athletic shoes (no sandals), and a hat for rehearsal.

Temperatures here in Tucson are in the low 100's in mid-August. Plenty of liquids (water) and sun-block are a must. We encourage you to bring your own supply including a water bottle with your name on it. You will also be responsible for providing your own meals.

Keep practicing this summer so that you can contribute everything you have to us this Fall. We are looking forward to creating the finest possible experience for you.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Shoes, Gloves & Flip Folders: The order form for marching shoes (PDF), gloves and flip folders is online to download. If you are in need of any of these items, please place your order as soon as possible. Only black MTX shoes are acceptable for performance wear. No athletic shoes of any kind are allowed for performance, but are required for rehearsals. Everyone must have the proper shoes. Every wind player must purchase 2 pair of gloves and are also required to have a flip folder. Please use this order form and send it along with your payment to the address provided on the form. It must be received no later than August 1st. These items will be delivered to you at the University during "Pride" Week.

Uniforms: To all of the new members - if you feel you may need a uniform that is larger or smaller than an average size, please call or e-mail us with your jacket and waist size right away. Also, our uniforms are new - please take extra care with them.

T-Shirts: All "Pride" members will be required to purchase a "Pride" t-shirt which we will use during Saturday morning and road rehearsals. The cost of the shirt is $10 and will be available the first day of band camp. Please bring check or money order. We do NOT accept cash.

Misc. Supplies: Wind players only must purchase a drillbook, rope, and highlighter. These items will be made available for purchase at Band Camp registration.

Instrument Rental: If you play bari sax, marching horn, baritone or sousaphone and need to rent an instrument from the University, the School of Music has a limited number available. There is a $20 rental fee plus a $25 deposit for the bari sax, silver marching horn, and baritone. Sousaphones will have a $30 rental fee and a $40 deposit. Once you have completed the on-line "Pride" Registration Form and have indicated your interest in reserving one of these instruments, your Bursar's account will be charged. Your deposit fee will be credited back to your Bursar's account when you return your instrument on time and in good condition. Please note that these instruments are available on a first- come, first-served basis so submit your on-line registration and reserve your instrument as soon as possible.

Instruments will be checked out upon arrival for "Pride" Week. Bring your CatCard to registration! Flutists must play piccolo. If you are renting a University instrument, you are responsible for your own mouthpiece. If you need to purchase a mouthpiece and need information on where you can buy one, please call Prof. Thomas at 520-621-2057.

Parking: Parking permits for band camp and throughout the regular season will be available for purchase for $25 at registration. This permit is an option. We advise if you can park elsewhere and walk to rehearsal that you do so.

Registration for MB: Everyone in the band must be registered. We cannot issue you a uniform until you are registered. If you have a problem registering over the phone through WebReg, you can add this class with a Drop/Add Form. If you are a Pima College student, you can apply as a Domestic Non-Degree Seeking Student. You can obtain the form at the Admissions website at Ways to Apply Do it now - be registered before Band Camp! This registration is in addition to submitting the on-line "Pride" registration form.

Housing: If you are living in a UA dorm this Fall, you will be able to check into your room on Thursday, August 20. Band rehearsal does not begin until 1:30 p.m. on Thursday to allow you time to move in. For the evenings of August 14-19, freshman first-year "Pride" students only have the option of staying at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, which is within walking distance of the campus. There will be a nominal fee (for quad occupancy). If you are a freshman/first-year "Pride" member and need housing, be sure to indicate this on the on-line "Pride" registration form. We will send you more information during the summer.

Placement Auditions: They will begin promptly at 12:00 noon on Saturday, the first day of band camp. These auditions are mandatory. You will not have a spot in the first show if you are not at the audition. These auditions will determine part placement. Your playing will also be a factor in determining part-time or alternate status. Don't wait till the week before band camp to start playing again.

Notes and Reminders:

Please realize that you are responsible for several fees/charges/expenses. Please come prepared.

The schedule for "Pride" Week and the fall season is on line. Your attendance and participation in these events is mandatory. Please add these dates to your band calendar. You will receive a complete detailed schedule of band events for the 2009-2010 academic year during "Pride" Week.

If you still have questions, please contact Eve Dotson at dotson@u.arizona.edu

NOTE TO ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS: You MUST own and bring a lyre to Band Camp!