If you would like to have a pep band at your next event, please review all of the information below and complete the pep band request form. Please submit requests at least four weeks prior to your event.
Pep Band Sizes
One file – about 15 musicians
Two files – about 30 musicians
Full band requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are only possible pending student availability and the discretion of the director.
Pep Band Availability and Membership
Requests for pep bands can only be fulfilled pending student availability. During the fall and spring semesters, we generally cannot accommodate weekday events before 6:30 p.m. Pep bands draw members from both the Marching Band and the Athletic Band, so any given performance group may include students from one or both ensembles.
Pep Band Uniform
During the fall semester (September-December), pep bands will typically perform in Marching Band grays (athletic warm-up apparel) or in blazer uniform. During the spring and summer (January-August) when the Marching Band is out of season, pep bands will typically perform in the red Athletic Band polo and black pants.
Requests for performances in full Marching Band uniform are typically considered only in fall and at the discretion of the director.
Pep Band Repertoire
Performance music is at the discretion of the assigned director and is typically limited to Ohio State school songs. Additions to the repertoire are only considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval by the director. Some school songs include: "(Fight the Team) Across the Field," "Buckeye Battle Cry," "Carmen Ohio," "Hang On Sloopy," and "I Wanna Go Back to Ohio State"
Appearance Fees*
Performance Length: Up to 30 minutes
Distance 0-30 miles (one-way)
One File: $1,000 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $2,000 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $20,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 31-60 miles (one-way)
One File: $1,300 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $2,500 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $20,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 61-90 miles (one-way)
One File: $1,600 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $3,000 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $20,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 91-120 Miles (one-way)
One File: $2,000 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $3,500 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $20,000 + cost of transportation
Distance >120 Miles
One File: Contact Band Office
Two Files: Contact Band Office
Full Band: Contact Band Office
Performance Length: Up to 1 hour
Distance 0-30 Miles (one-way)
One File: $1,500 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $3,000 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $25,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 31-60 Miles (one-way)
One File: $1,800 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $3,500 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $25,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 61-90 Miles (one-way)
One File: $2,000 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $4,000 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $25,000 + cost of transportation
Distance 91-120 Miles (one-way)
One File: $2,300 + cost of transportation
Two Files: $4,500 + cost of transportation
Full Band (director discretion): $25,000 + cost of transportation
Distance >120 Miles
One File: Contact Band Office
Two Files: Contact Band Office
Full Band: Contact Band Office
*Ohio State departments receive a 20% discount. Performance fees cannot be prorated based for requests less than 30 minutes or less than one hour. A discount is also provided for events where the band is provided a meal, so long as the total required time for the band at the event, including travel, does not exceed three hours.
Drumline-only performances charge the same as one file.
Drum major-only performances charge $300 plus any applicable transportation cost.
For drum major only, please contact Marching Band office at osumb@osu.edu or call (614) 292-2598.
