FAQs

3.  Do I have to audition for marching band?

The answer to this question depends on which section you are in. Please visit "Join the Green Brigade" for the latest requirements and information.

4.  Is there a limit to how many people can participate in Green Brigade?

The Green Brigade generally marches 425-435 members.

5.  Is there a class I need to register for?

Yes. Once you go through orientation, you should register for MULB 1812. Woodwinds and brass should register for section 500, percussion for section 501, and color guard for section 502.

6.  When do you rehearse? When do you perform?

The Green Brigade rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30-6:30pm.

We perform at all home football games (usually 6 per year) and usually 2–3 away games (some are full band trips, some are pep band trips).

We also perform at various different events each year, such as at spirit events (Homecoming and pep rallies), exhibitions (like BOA or other regional competitions), and other special functions.

Green Brigade members also have the opportunity to be part of the Funky Fresh Volleyball and Basketball Pep Bands which play at all home games for those sports throughout the season.

7.  Does GB travel to away games? 

Sometimes. The Green Brigade usually travels to one or two away games that are a relatively close distance to UNT. In the recent past, we have done road trips to Rice, SMU, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech. We do not travel to extremely far games, such as UAB or FAU.

8.  Do I have to be a music major to march in the marching band?

No! All UNT students are eligible, regardless of major.

9.  Is marching band a part of the music education major degree plan?

Yes! Green Brigade counts towards ensemble credit for music education majors. Please discuss with your advisor for specifics.

10.  Do the residence halls open early for marching band camp?

Yes, the residence halls will open early for groups of band camp students (leadership, color guard, new members). 

11.  I received my housing assignment and it says one date, but summer band info on this site says another date. What do I do?

You don't need to do anything, actually. The Green Brigade staff reports information on registered Green Brigade members to Housing and Dining Services. As long as you've completed our registration, they will know to expect you.

12.  Exactly what happens on the move-in date?

You will have the morning (approximately 8am until 12pm) to move into your dorm room. Often, there are members of the band leadership or College of Music organizations there to help with move-in.

An hour-by-hour schedule of Summer Band Camp week will be sent to members about a week before camp begins.

13.  I live off-campus and my apartment lease date is later than the Green Brigade summer band start date. What do I do?

This is a very normal situation that is usually easily solved with early communication. Many apartment complexes associated with Off-Campus Life at UNT allow students to negotiate an earlier lease. While Green Brigade is not directly involved, each student can contact their respective apartment offices to request an earlier move-in date. Some apartments might charge an additional fee, but most are willing to work with individual cases. In some situations, apartment complexes actually contact Green Brigade to determine summer band dates specifically to assist students with this scenario. 

14.  Does Green Brigade conflict with Freshman Orientation / First Flight week activities?

If you are a freshman or transfer student, try to sign up for an orientation date early in the summer as the later dates conflict with Green Brigade Summer Band Camp.

Generally, Green Brigade students are excused from First Flight Week. For the handful of required events (e.g. College Day), the Summer Band Camp schedule is designed to allow freshmen to attend. Students are welcome to attend any First Flight events that do not conflict with Green Brigade rehearsal times.

15.  I want to rush a sorority/fraternity. Can I still participate in GB?

The Green Brigade has many students participate in the Greek Life recruitment process for both music- and non-music-related organizations every year. Students need to communicate with Student Leadership in advance, but usually, no major conflicts exist.

16.  Do you provide instruments?

Through the generous support of the university, the Green Brigade is receiving many new instruments in Fall 2025! We provide mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and percussion equipment to members. While normal wear and tear is anticipated, we expect all students to take the utmost care of these new instruments. Students will be held liable for major damage to their marching instruments.

17.  Are there band fees?

There is no fee associated with the Green Brigade aside from the tuition charged for the course. However, there are required materials and apparel that must be purchased during a student's first year in the ensemble.

The Green Brigade "Band Bundle" includes our summer uniform (dri-fit shirt, shorts, baseball cap). We use an in-house vendor for the Band Bundle and students will have the opportunity to place an order shortly before Summer Band Camp. Optional spirit wear may be purchased during this time, including member jackets and section T-shirts.

Other equipment that the student must provide include marching shoes (most black high school marching shoes are acceptable), lyre, eFlip, and water jug. Because the Green Brigade distributes exclusively digital music and drill, all students must purchase an eFlip device to hold their phone. Specific product recommendations will be communicated over the summer.

18.  So what, exactly, will I need to purchase?

• Band Bundle (shop link sent out shortly before Summer Band Camp)
• eFlip. Browse through the sites below and select the device that works best for your instrument. Many brass players prefer the one that is a circle over the bell; some report the clipped-on version to be flimsy. Please note that if you purchase the "Original," you will need also need a traditional lyre.
  • https://www.tonalinnovation.com/eflip
  • https://shop.flipfolderapp.com/collections/all-products
• Marching shoes. The Green Brigade's shoe of choice is the Fanfare, a new specially constructed marching shoe created in conjunction with New Balance. However, any solid black, well-cared-for marching shoe will be permissible.
• Regular marching band equipment. Sunscreen, water jug, athletic clothing, your instrument (if not provided by the University). Color Guard members may have additional required equipment that will be communicated to them by their staff.

19.  Are there scholarships for participating in Green Brigade?

At the moment, the Green Brigade does not have specific scholarships for members. However, there are ample scholarships available through UNT and the College of Music which be accessed through your myUNT account under "General Scholarships." This portal allows for you to enter your information just once and the myUNT system will automatically match your qualifications to hundreds of on- and off-campus scholarships associated with the UNT Scholarship Fund. 

20.  Can I play in marching band and a concert ensemble?

Yes! Members of the Green Brigade perform in every Wind Studies ensemble as well as other performance groups such as orchestras, choirs, or jazz lab bands. Music majors are strongly encouraged to participate in concert ensembles for both fall and spring semesters.

21.  Can I play in a concert ensemble if I am not a music major?

Absolutely! All non-majors are encouraged to audition for the concert ensembles. Please see the Wind Studies website for more information.

22.  I am an orchestral or choral concentration. Can I still participate in the Green Brigade?

Yes! We have orchestral and vocal students every year that march in the Green Brigade. This is generally made possible through timely communication. Any conflicts between rehearsals/performances for the Green Brigade and your primary concentration should be communicated well in advance. Students who are orchestral/choral concentration still must demonstrate proficiency in a standard marching instrument and enroll in the course.

23.  When are auditions for concert ensembles?

Concert ensembles auditions begin the Monday before the first day of classes and last that entire week. For your Round 1 audition, you are allowed to select your own time slot and should select a time that minimizes conflict with Summer Band Camp.

Please note that all music majors are required to audition for an ensemble as part of the degree plan.

24. How do I audition for concert ensembles, and what do I need to play?

Please visit the Wind Studies website (updated in July for the following school year) for information about audition registration and requirements.

25. I attend a nearby institution that does not have a marching band. Can I join Green Brigade?

Yes! You need to apply to UNT as "transient," meaning that you would like to enroll but do not intend to graduate here and are not auditioning to be a music major. This category simply allows you to enroll and makes the process simpler. Any financial aid still goes through your primary institution, but you can frequently show your UNT registration to get figured into the aid from your school.

Most colleges in Texas use the same ApplyTexas application portal as UNT. Log in to your account and resend your application to UNT and pay the UNT fee. Once you are admitted to UNT (usually 1–2 weeks), then you can sign up for marching band (MULB 1812, section 500, 501, or 502 depending on your instrument).

26. I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Please email greenbrigade@unt.edu and we will be happy to help you!