“I only want to play in Marching Band. Do I have to join Concert Band as well to march?” Not at Findlay. You pick the amount of participation that’s right for you and your schedule.

“I’m a clarinet player but I’d like to march with the Oiler Brass. Can I join?” While the Oiler Brass uses only brass and percussion instruments, all fine musicians are welcome. All members of the Oiler Brass are provided with a musical instrument. Many woodwind and string players pick up secondary instruments to perform with the Oiler Brass. If you need help and extra coaching, it will be provided for you.

“I’m concerned about time. Will I be able to keep up with my studies if I perform in the UF Bands?” All members of the UF Band program are “turning pro” in something other than music! The program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of students. Concert and Jazz Ensembles begin rehearsal in November as Marching Band season is winding down. While Marching Band meets for rehearsal 4.5 hours per week (Aug - Oct), the Concert and Jazz Ensembles each meet for 2 hours per week to rehearse. Band at UF is less about “stress” and more about “enjoyment” of making music and meeting new friends.

“I hate to audition! Do I have to audition to participate in the bands?” The Marching Oiler Brass and the Symphonic Band are open to all players. No audition is required. Jazz Ensemble participation does require an audition for seating only. All interested students are accepted. The only UF ensemble with limited membership and seating is the Wind Ensemble.

“I’ve always wanted to try Jazz Ensemble but I don’t know how to improvise. Can I still join?” Yes! For those who want to develop their improvisational skills, help and training are available but this is not required for membership.

“I played tuba in high school. The school owned my instrument. Do I need to buy a tuba to perform in the UF Bands?” UF owns a fine collection of instruments. All members of the Marching Oiler Brass use university owned instruments and a number of the players in the concert and jazz programs use university owned instruments as well, particularly for the larger instruments (tuba, euphonium, French horn, percussion, bass and contra bass clarinet, tenor and baritone saxophone, etc.) Contact Mr. Taylor for more information.

“I’m a little rusty on my instrument. Can I schedule private lessons?” Absolutely! UF Music offers lessons on all musical instruments at a very reasonable cost. These are scheduled at one half hour per week and you can study with a specialist on your own musical instrument. Contact Mr. Taylor for more information.