Advice and Information

During June, July and August the OSUMB holds "Summer Sessions" - instructional marching and playing rehearsals open to anyone interested in trying out for the band. These sessions were started years ago by band members wanting to get in shape for the coming season and to instruct those new to the band in its marching and playing style and traditions. Summer Sessions are open to all! These practices give valuable insight into our marching style and are an excellent way to learn the maneuvers and get a head start on the coming season.

Candidates should understand that they are NOT required to attend these practices in order to make the band. The sessions are strictly voluntary. However, all the fundamental marching and playing skills candidates will be expected to master and demonstrate during tryouts are covered during these sessions and veteran band members and band staff are usually on hand to provide individual assistance to correct any problems that you might have before tryouts. If at all possible, prospective band members are strongly encouraged to attend as frequently as possible.

Summer Sessions typically start in late June and continue on through the end of August. Sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-9m (percussion) and 7pm-9pm (brass) and are held at the OSUMB practice field south of Ohio Stadium.  Visit the Marching Band calendar for a schedule of Summer Sessions.

If you are out of town and are unable to attend any of the Summer Sessions in Columbus it is highly recommended that you request the Marching Fundamentals DVD from the Band Office and work on your own at home. This free DVD video demonstrates and teaches all of the standard maneuvers that we execute. It is an excellent way to see each maneuver performed in slow motion so you can get the same exact precision out of your marching. Make sure that when you request the DVD, you indicate which instrument you play, as all DVDs are instrument-specific.

Here are a few suggestions that will help prepare you for tryouts. Be Forewarned that auditioning for the OSUMB will be physically and mentally challenging. Get in shape! These three days - during what is typically some of the hottest and most sweltering days of late summer - will test your physical as well as your mental endurance. Be prepared!

To help with your overall fitness and endurance:

• Run every day. If you have the facilities available, try running steps.
• Do the basics: sit-ups, push-ups, it will only help.
• Last and most important, STRETCH! You do not want pull a muscle a few days before tryouts!!

To help with the marching:

• Constantly work on your 8-to5 step. If that means marching up and down the field 20 times...Do it!
• Get yourself in front of a full length mirror. March in place. Watch and study yourself - critically - and correct any problems that you see. Alternatively, have someone videotape you as you march. This is the quickest way for you to perform a self evaluation of your marching, recognize deficiencies, and make corrections. By standing in front of a mirror, you will be able to tell how a maneuver is supposed to look and feel.
• If you are not able to attend any of the Summer Sessions we suggest you march at your high school field. If not available, try your back yard. You may feel awkward, but remember what you are trying out for!

After reading all this information, do not let it overwhelm you or change your mind about trying out. This is not an impossible task. Do one thing at a time, break it into parts and you will learn all that you need to know in time.

Never give up! Never tell yourself you're not good enough. Every band member has to tryout for the band every year. If you make it once, there is no guarantee you'll have a spot the next year. Veterans are cut nearly every year. It happens. A prospective member comes in and demonstrates that he wants the spot more than the veteran, and the veteran loses. S/he gets to sit and watch the band march down the field from the bleachers. So do your homework, prepare, and never give up!

Finally, if you follow the suggestions above and strive to be a member, you will know the feeling of pride all members of the OSUMB have when the drums take the field and you hear the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Pride of the Buckeyes, The Ohio State University Marching Band!"