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How to Join the Gator Marching Band
Membership in the University of Florida Gator Marching Band is open to all students currently enrolled at the University of Florida or Santa Fe College. Membership is auditioned each year and consists of undergraduate and graduate students that represent over 100 majors at the university. Please check below to find out how to join the Gator Band and represent the Gator Nation in the university's most visible organization.
Meet some of our leadership and find out how they balance school, work, and being a member of the Gator Marching Band.
Winds
The audition for the Gator Band is a video audition that consists of all 12 major scales (1 or 2 octaves depending on your level of comfort) and the provided school songs. Fill out the 2023-2024 Gator Band Application to receive audition material. The audition must be pre-recorded, uploaded to YouTube, and the link must be sent in an email to Director, Jay Watkins, at watkins@ufl.edu before July 1st. All current student wind players must complete their auditions via video by July 1st. Contact the Director, Jay Watkins, at watkins@ufl.edu with any questions or concerns.
**New members - View our marching instructional videos here prior to band camp.
For audition materials, please fill out the 2024-2025 Gator Band Application
Florida Drumline (FDL)
Open Auditions:
April 27, 2024, 10 AM - 2 PM
May 11, 2024, 10 AM - 2 PM
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Final Audition:
May 25th, 10 AM - 4 PM
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Final auditions are by invite only based on performances at the April and May camps. If you are unable to attend either of those camps, you must submit a video audition to qualify for final auditions. If you are invited to the final auditions but have a conflict, another video audition will be required to determine eligibility for placement on the Florida Drumline. It is recommend to attend auditions in-person if possible to aid in determining each individual's placement on the line.
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If you are sending a video audition, reach out to jaredpotter@ufl.edu for more details.
For audition materials, please fill out the 2024-2025 Gator Band Application
Florida Visual Ensemble (FVE)
Auditions for the Fall 2024 season will be held in person at Steinbrenner Band Hall on April 20th, 2024 at 1 pm.
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The live audition (or video submission) will be required for anyone interested in becoming a part of the Florida Visual Ensemble. Applicants must fill out the band application (link below) to receive further information about audition requirements. For further questions, please contact ufvisualensemble@gmail.com.
For audition materials, please fill out the 2024-2025 Gator Band Application
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Majorettes (Gatorettes)
Auditions will be held in person at Steinbrenner Band Hall on May 5th, 2024 at 12:00pm.
If you are unable to attend in person, video submissions will be accepted and are due by May 4th, 2024 at Noon (please email ufbands@gmail.com if you will be participating via this option.) The live audition (or video submission) will be required for anyone interested in becoming a part of the Gatorettes. Applicants must fill out the band application at (link above) to receive further information about audition requirements. For further questions, please contact June Stoeber at junest@ufl.edu.
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For audition materials, please fill out the 2024-2025 Gator Band Application
University of Florida Gator Band Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Is there time to be in the Gator Band and maintain high academic standards?
A. Absolutely! The Gator Band is comprised of the University of Florida’s best and brightest students. The Gator Band has one of the highest cumulative GPAs on campus. Last fall, the combined GPA for the Gator Band was 3.94!
Q. What is the time commitment for a member of the Gator Band?
A. The Gator Band rehearses 8 hours each week. Monday 6:15p-8:10p; Tues/Thurs/Fri 4:05p-6:00p.
Q. Is the Gator Band offered for academic credit?
A. Yes. Gator Band members enroll in the Marching Band class for one hour of academic credit.
Q. How do I become a member of the Gator Band?
A. You must complete a Gator Band Application form as well as a video audition. You can find the application on the main
page under a tab that says "2023-2024 Band Application." After you submit an application, you will receive information about
audition music, important dates, etc.
Q. What are my chances of being selected as a member of the Gator Band?
A. Prospective wind-instrument members with high school band experience have an extremely high acceptance rate into the Gator Band. Florida Drumline, Florida Visual Ensemble, and Gatorettes follow more specific audition procedures that are outlined on this website.
Q. What are the costs of membership in the Gator Band?
A. Most expenses are covered by the Gator Band. Band members are provided with uniforms, large instruments, travel outfits, t-shirts, hats, music, and all travel costs. Members are asked to provide their own white marching shoes, lyres, flip-folders, gloves (for brass instruments), reeds, and valve-oil.
Q. Does the Gator Band travel?
A. Yes! Each year, the full Gator Band performs at all in-state football games, as well as SEC Championship and Bowl Game (when applicable). We send a “pep” band to all other away games. All meals/hotels/travel is covered by the Gator Band at no expense to the student.
Q. How many shows does the Gator Band perform each season?
A. The Gator Band usually performs 5 to 7 shows each season.
Q. What other ensembles are available to me?
A. The University of Florida band program offers a wide variety of performance opportunities including Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, two Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Basketball Band, and Volleyball Band.