The Ohio State University Athletic Band performs at various Ohio State varsity sporting events during the autumn and spring semesters, with the exception of fall football games. The number of participants in the Athletic Band each semester varies between 300 and 320 members.

Unlike the Marching Band, the Athletic Band includes all brass, woodwind, percussion, and electric bass instruments. Athletic Band is an open-enrollment ensemble, meaning anyone is welcome to participate.

Although a form of the Athletic Band has been around since the 1940s, the modern Athletic Band was started in 1996 under the direction of Dr. Jon R. Woods. Among the highlights of the Athletic Band are performing at a Skull Session, marching in a halftime show at the annual Spring Game, performing Script Ohio on Ice at hockey games, and performing Script Ohio on court during basketball games.

Most recently, the Athletic Band has performed a Script Ohio on Ice for the Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium Series game held in Ohio Stadium, and a Script Ohio at a Cleveland Cavaliers game. The group is in high demand by our various varsity sports to add energy and excitement to their events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Athletic Band?

Joining the athletic band is simple…just sign up for the class through BuckeyeLink! Talk to your advisor if you have any questions.

What is the class number for Athletic Band?

Music 2205.02 or Music 7205.02 (graduate students only)

What is the instrumentation of the Athletic Band?

Woodwinds, brass, percussion, and electric bass instruments are all included in Athletic Band.

At which events does the Athletic Band typically perform?

The Athletic Band performs at various sporting events, including ice hockey, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, softball and more!

Can I check out an instrument to use for Athletic Band? If so, does it cost me anything?

Brass and percussion instruments are available to check out for Athletic Band use at no charge. Unfortunately, we do not have an inventory of woodwind instruments or accessories. Students are responsible for lost or damaged instruments.

Does the Athletic Band ever travel?

Athletic Band members do get the chance to travel to tournament games for certain sporting events. The directors will determine travel bands based on students' Athletic Band seniority and availability. 

Available Classes

Fall Semester Athletic Band (Course No. 2205.02 or 7205.02 for graduate students)

The fall Athletic Band performs at many different sporting events throughout the fall semester, including volleyball, hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball games. Rehearsals are every Monday and Wednesday beginning the first week of class from 6:30-8:35 p.m.* in the Steinbrenner Band Center (times subject to change).

Spring Semester Athletic Band (Course No. 2205.02 or 7205.02 for graduate students)

The spring Athletic Band performs at hockey games, women’s basketball games and various other spring athletic events. In addition, there is a smaller, auditioned group that performs at the home men’s basketball games. Also during the spring, Athletic Band members have the chance to go on tournament trips for the various sports. The groups chosen for these trips are based on Athletic Band seniority and availability. The spring Athletic Band also performs at the annual Spring Game, where members perform a drill show at halftime. Rehearsals run every Monday and Wednesday from 5:20-7:00 p.m.* in the Steinbrenner Band Center. (Times are subject to change)

Uniforms

The uniform for the fall and spring semester Athletic Bands consists of a red pullover, black shirt, black pants, and tennis shoes. The pullover, shirt, and pants are provided to all members and can be picked up from the second-floor uniform office. Band members are responsible for purchasing shoes on their own. 

Instruments

Students have the option of using their own instrument or checking one out from the second-floor instrument office. All brass and percussion instruments are available to sign out for the entire semester, but unfortunately, the office does not provide any woodwind instruments or accessories. Students are responsible for lost or damaged instruments.