Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LAKER MARCHING BAND?
The Laker Marching Band is open to any student at GVSU or any student at other colleges or universities in the Allendale area (see information below). If you want to be a part of a great "family," carry on our sense of pride, work hard, and above all have fun in performing for the best fans in the country, then the Laker Marching Band is for you! If you enjoy music and performing, then you have what it takes to be a member!
Simply click here to get started!
WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS?
- All new members must perform an audition, consisting of sight reading and a range check.
- Must be a registered student at GVSU or other recognized institution (information below).
- Proficient on a band instrument used by the Laker Marching Band or on auxiliary equipment (Color Guard).
- Enrolled in MUS 107-01.
- Attend the mandatory band camp before classes begin at GVSU.
CAN STUDENTS AT AREA COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES AUDITION FOR THE LAKER MARCHING BAND?
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY and applies to those who marched in the Laker Marching Band in 2022 and before.
Non-GVSU students who are attending at area colleges/universities full-time:
- Can audition for the Laker Marching Band but will have to complete the Guest Application to GVSU and be admitted by GVSU.
- Guest Students who are Returners in the Laker Marching Band have to complete the Guest Application to GVSU but do not have to re-audition.
- The Guest Application to GVSU, information, and instructions can be found on the website linked below:
- GUEST STUDENTS AT GVSU
- The course number for the GVSU Marching Band is MUS 107 Section 01
- The cost of 1 credit hour at GVSU for 2023-24 is $614.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
- We offer the "Thomas and Marcia Haas Family Marching Band Scholarship."
- This competitive scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior in the marching band.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES BAND REQUIRE?
- The marching band rehearses on M,W,F from 4:00-5:50 p.m. and Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- The band also rehearses on Saturday mornings before home football games.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- All members pay a $40 band camp fee and a $10 Cleaning fee for the end of the year uniform dry cleaning.
- Additional dry cleanings for the uniform are the responsibility of the member throughout the season.
- Items that members purchase or own include:
- Black marching shoes
- Lyre
- Flip folder.
- New members are provided the LMB baseball cap, winter cap, LMB T-shirt, LMB Scarf and one pair of gloves.
- The annual LMB banquet is furnished for all members.
DO BAND MEMBERS RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT?
YES!
- Band members receive one (1) hour of academic credit for successful completion of the course.
- Enrolled band members (after the last drop deadline) who are registered for more than 15 credit hours for the fall semester will receive a refund of one (1) credit hour of tuition in early November. Students must pay for ALL credit hours for the fall semester before the refund can be applied to the students account.
- Students registered for 12 to 15 credit hours or less than 12 credit hours for the fall semester do NOT receive a refund.
- All GVSU students MUST be registered for MUS 107 (marching band) to participate.
ARE ALL BAND MEMBERS MUSIC MAJORS?
- No...you do not have to a music major to be a member of the Laker Marching Band.
- The band is made up of students from almost every department and program at GVSU!
- In fact, non-music majors make up 80% of the membership of the marching band!
DOES THE LAKER MARCHING BAND HAVE AUXILIARY UNITS?
YES!
- We have a great Color Guard section and Feature Twirler(s)!
- We do not use a mallet/auxiliary percussion sideline "pit" with the Laker Marching Band, but we encourage anyone who played in a "pit" to audition on other instruments or the drumline.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE LAKER MARCHING BAND THAN BEING A MEMBER OF MY HIGH SCHOOL BAND?
The Laker Marching Band offers you many of the positive benefits that you have already experienced. Friends, travel, and the satisfaction of playing great music and performing a variety of shows (we perform a new show for every home game) are all part of being a member of the "Pride of the Midwest." There is nothing like the excitement of being an integral part of of the high energy generated on game day at GVSU and supporting and cheering on our National Champion Laker Football Team!
DOES THE LAKER MARCHING BAND USE AN ALTERNATE SYSTEM?
A. Pregame Show:
- The Laker Marching Band uses an alternate system for the Pregame show ONLY.
- There will be a set instrumentation for the Pregame Show to ensure there are no empty spots in the show during the season.
- Auditions for Pregame show positions will take place during Band Camp.
B. Half-Time Shows:
- ALL members of the Laker Marching Band will march in every half-time show.
- There are NO alternates for half-time shows.
The Laker Marching Band is at the heart of game day spirit and we invite you to contact us to set up an audition or schedule a game day visit to see for yourself!