FAQs

3.  Do I have to audition for marching band?

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

4.  Is there a limit on how many 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?

We rehearse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30-6:30. We perform at all home games (6 a year), 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), exhibitions (like BOA or regional competitions), and other special functions. Green Brigade members also have the opportunity to be part of our Basketball and Volleyball bands, which have a blast playing for those sports, as well.

7.  Does GB travel to away games? 

Generally, yes. We usually travel to one or two away games that are a relatively close distance to UNT. In the recent past, for example, we have done road trips to Rice, SMU, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech. We do not travel to extremely far games, such as UTEP, 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. We (Green Brigade staff) report registration information to Housing and Dining Services. As long as you've filled out our registration, they'll know to expect you.

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

You'll have the morning (8 a.m. to noon, approximately) to load into your dorm room. Usually, there are members of the band leadership or College of Music organizations there to help you, as well. You can expect an hour-by-hour schedule 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 and is usually easily solved with early communication. Many apartment complexes that are 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?

The first thing to know is that if you are a freshman or transfer, you should avoid the later Orientation dates, as these conflict with summer band. 

In terms of First Flight, the Director has coordinated summer band camp with those activities. Generally, Green Brigade students are excused from First Flight Week. However, there a handful of First Flight activities that are important to attend. In the time that Green Brigade does not have scheduled rehearsals, students are free to attend those programs. It is purposefully designed to allow freshmen to visit, for example, College Day events and other critical events.

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

The Green Brigade has had many students participate in both music and non-music Greek Life rush weeks. Students need to communicate with Student Leadership in advance, but usually, no major conflicts exist.

16.  Do you provide instruments?

We provide mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and percussion equipment to members. Normal wear and tear is to be expected, but you will be held liable if there's major damage done, so please take care of them.

17.  Are there band fees?

No! The only financial commitment is for the acquisition/care of apparel and supplies we don't provide. These are things like marching shoes (most high school shoes are fine), a lyre clip, an "eFlip", a water jug, and the "band bundle." The eFlip is a device that holds your phone and connects to a lyre, as Green Brigade distributes drill and music exclusively digitally (via UDBapp Pro and Beam). The "bundle" is a self-contained order that includes what some schools call a 'summer uniform,' such as a Green Brigade hat, polo, etc. We have our own in-house vendor for this and orders will be taken prior to band camp.

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

- The Band Bundle via https://shopuntgreenbrigade.mybrightsites.com. (This is usually open only a couple of weeks before the season starts)

- An "eFlip." Green Brigade uses personal phones or small tablets as devices for reading drill and music. There is no paper ever distributed. You must have one of these devices (no, you cannot just hold them). Please browse/read through these sites to see which device works best for your instrument. Many brass players like the one that is a circle over the bell, as they find the clipped on ones to be flimsy. Note that those who get the ‘Original' will need a lyre to clip it into. You may want a portable charger for gamedays. Here are some distributors - each have slightly different designs:

• https://www.tonalinnovation.com/eflip
• https://shop.flipfolderapp.com/collections/all-products

- Our 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. Members should provide their own shoes. https://demoulin.com/collections/shoes/products/fanfare-by-demoulin-marc...

These are in addition to regular band items, such as a water jug or (even better) a Camelbak, sunscreen, athletic clothing, and your instrument, if it's not provided by the school. Color Guard generally also has undergarments of their own to secure.

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, and those can all 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 group?

Yes! We always have marching band members who play in Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, Concert Band, as well as many other performance groups, such as 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 group if I am not a music major?

Absolutely, and we hope you do! All non-majors are encouraged to audition for the concert ensembles. Visit this site for more info: https://windstudies.music.unt.edu/fall-auditions

22.  I am an orchestra or choral concentration but still want to march GB. Would that pose any conflicts?

Generally, this works out fine! We have orchestral and vocal students every year that march in GB. The only conflicts would occur when Green Brigade rehearsals/performances coincide with your concentration. Usually, it's not a problem and can be worked out with communication. Every year we have several students in non-band music concentrations and it's just fine. Students who are orchestral/choral concentration still must demonstrate proficiency in a standard marching instrument and have to enroll in the marching band course.

23.  When are auditions for concert ensembles?

The concert ensembles auditions usually begin the Monday prior to school starting. Please note that all music majors are required to audition for an ensemble as part of the degree plan. You are able to select your audition time slot so that you do not conflict with Summer Band Camp rehearsal times.

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

The music will be prescribed for each instrument. Please see the Wind Studies website (www.windstudies.music.unt.edu) beginning the afternoon of August 1st for the music and audition requirements. Sight-reading may be required. Be sure to register on that site for an audition slot. If you don't fill out the form located there (once it's live), we won't know to expect you for an audition.

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'd like to enroll, but do not intend to graduate here and are not auditioning to be a music major. That category simply allows you to enroll and makes the process simpler. Any financial aid still goes through your 'regular' institution and you can frequently show the institution your UNT registration to get figured into the aid from the other school (you always get aid at the school where you are enrolled the most hours).

Most colleges in Texas use the same basic ApplyTexas app that UNT uses. You just need to log into your account and resend your application to UNT and pay the UNT fee. The whole process takes a couple of weeks, then you can sign up for marching band. (MULB 1812, section 500, 501, or 502 depending on your section).

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

Please email greenbrigade@unt.edu