Frequently Asked Questions
Marching Band FAQs
Q: Do I have to be a music major to be in the band?
A: Not at all! More than 70% of the band are non-music majors. We are a community of students from almost every major at Liberty!
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Before school begins in August, there is one week of percussion/guard camp and one week of full band camp. These are full-day practices where we learn the fundamentals of music and marching, learn our pre-game show, and start learning our halftime show. We play for all home games (6-7) and post-season football games. We host a high school band competition and may also travel to local high schools for exhibition performances.
Q: Is there an audition process required for admission into The Spirit Of The Mountain?
A: Yes. All persons interested in joining the Liberty University Marching Band must complete the Marching Band Application on our website and then submit a video audition. Please visit the Marching Band Audition Page for specific information regarding the video audition.
Q: When will I know if my audition was approved?
A: We usually begin processing auditions in January. Typically, the Director will email you within 5 business days of your submission and notify you of your acceptance decision. Percussion and Guard auditions are typically due in early April, with results available by the end of April.
Q: What if I don’t have marching band experience?
A: It is best if you have experience in marching band, but we often have students who did not have experience in marching, and they learned quickly! We teach the fundamentals of marching during band camp. If you play well and are willing to learn, you will do just fine!
Q: Am I expected to provide my personal instrument?
A: All woodwind and trumpet players must provide their own instruments. All flute players will be required to play and provide their own Piccolo. Mellophone, Baritone, Trombone, and Tuba players will all be issued school-owned silver instruments. All Front Ensemble, Battery, and Guard will have their instruments/equipment issued to them upon their arrival for camp.
Q: Is the Spirit Of The Mountain Marching Band a class?
A: Yes. The Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band is a one-credit course for which all members must register, and meets MWF from 3:15 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Marching Band class is our field/music rehearsal time. The course is MUSC 184-001 for all members in their 1st-4th semesters in the band program (1st or 2nd for color guard), and MUSC 484-001 for members in their 5th semester or more (3rd or more for color guard). In addition, each section will meet for 1 hour each week, outside of band rehearsal, to work on music and drill issues within the section.
Q: What are the costs to joining?
A: $115 due at the time the member is accepted. This covers apparel that the band provides to each member. Typically, this includes navy Nike shorts, a red Nike show shirt, a navy Nike dri-fit shirt, and a white Nike ball cap. Additionally, this fee covers a uniform deposit, which we then use towards your band banquet expense at the end of the season. Students must still provide their marching band shoes, gloves, and guard-related hair/makeup items. When the band travels on behalf of the University, transportation, meals, and hotel expenses are typically covered.
Q: Are members required to purchase their own uniforms?
A: No. Uniforms are provided to band members for the season. All marching band members must purchase black “Super Drill Master” or “Viper Pro” shoes, and the hornline and front ensemble members must also purchase black cotton gloves. All guard members should contact the Guard staff, colorguard@liberty.edu, for additional uniform information.
Q: Does the marching band travel to away games during the season?
A: Yes. The Spirit of the Mountain typically travels to one or two events each season, in addition to performing at all home football games and hosting a high school marching band competition. The band covers trip expenses such as food, transportation, and lodging.
Q: Will I receive a scholarship as a member of the Spirit Of The Mountain?
A: Yes! All members of the Liberty University Marching Band receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.00 for the first fall semester, and this amount increases for each additional consecutive fall semester that a student is involved in the marching band through their fourth (or more) fall semester the member receives $3,000.00. The total award for a marching band member who continues marching each year of undergraduate study will amount to $9,000.00 across four consecutive fall semesters. For more details, please visit the Marching Band Scholarship page.
Q: Do I have to move into my dorm early?
A: Yes. You will be able to get your dorm key from the Office of Student Housing on the date you are scheduled to arrive for band camp. The band will cover your lodging expenses beginning on the designated check-in date. You may choose to move in early, but there will be an additional charge to the student’s account for each day that a student chooses to arrive before their designated camp check-in date.
Q: Tell me about the spiritual mission of the band?
A: Liberty University develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world. Here, we Train Champions for Christ. Everything we do is done to exalt Christ and build His Kingdom—including how we prepare the Liberty University Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band members. We have an annual spiritual theme and weekly devotionals during our Wednesday practices. We also regularly host guest speakers and pastors who inspire and challenge us to live for Christ. We have optional student-led “band girls” and “band guys” bible studies, and we meet on Sunday evenings. We have a service project that has included drives to raise support for the local pregnancy center, Lynchburg City Schools YMCA program, and most recently, Hurricane relief for a hard-hit band community in Georgia.
Q: What fun and social things does the band do?
A: First, nothing is more fun and cool than a game day at Liberty! In addition to game days, we enjoy large-group activities such as the band luau, band hayfest, movie night, numerous section activities, and formal social events like the Band Christmas Banquet.