FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO I HAVE TO BE A MUSIC MAJOR TO JOIN?
No, you do not have to be a music major to join the Marching Miners! Most of our members are actually non-music majors!
HOW DO I JOIN?
You can join by clicking on the link provided on our social media platforms, here on our website or just by asking one of our staff members!
ARE THERE ANY BAND FEES?
You will be paying for your band shirt, white gloves, (black gloves for rehearsal if you are a brass player) and band game day cap. The price can vary slightly year to year. You may be required to take your uniform home to clean before returning at the end of the year.
WHEN AND HOW LONG IS BAND CAMP?
Band camp starts a week and a half before the fall semester begins. Monday-Friday, usually from 8AM-4PM.
Your section leaders will get in contact with you about any information needed concerning band camp each year.
DO I HAVE TO BE A FRESHMEN OR CAN ANYBODY DO IT?
We accept all college grade levels, from freshmen to PhD students!
Anybody can join at anytime!
HOW OFTEN DOES THE BAND LEARN A NEW HALF-TIME SHOW?
The Marching Miners perform a new show every 2 games. Rehearsals are fast-paced and require someone with excellent attention skills.Â
It's not as hard as it sounds! All of our members enjoy learning new drill every couple of weeks.
DO I HAVE TO BE A UTEP STUDENT?
No!
You do NOT need to be a UTEP student.
Many EPCC students join our band progran as long as you are either a student registered for the Marching Band course at UTEP or you audit the course for a small fee.
What is audting?
Auditing the course means you are registered on a pass/fail basis. It is cheaper, doesnt affect your GPA and is a viable option for non-UTEP students.
You can ask Dr Hunter, our drum majors or your section leaders for a UTEP Audit Registration form.
To download the audit form, click here.
CAN YOU BE IN SEVERAL ENSEMBLES AT ONCE?
YES!
We have several members of the Marching Miners that participate in each ensemble!Â
We offer, winds symphony, jazz band, pep band, marching band, symphony band and concert band here at UTEP. Other ensembles are also available to join, all via audition.
WHAT IS A SERVICE AWARD AND WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET ONE?
A band service award is basically a small scholarship only applicable to UTEP Music! Anyone can audition for it but auditioning for it means you have to participate in a band at UTEP. It’s great for people already interested in being in marching band! All you have to do is email Dr. Hunter in the provided email on the picture and you can set up a time to audition. All that is required is an lyrical or technical excerpt that shows off your skills as a musician.
Auditions do not gaurentee the full service award. Attendance, attitude and performance all considered by the end of the fall semester when configuring service award amounts to each student.