About the Grizzly Marching Band

The UM Grizzly Marching Band is a select, fun, and close-knit group of hardworking, dedicated students. Our band is open to any student on the UM campus, as well as Missoula College, regardless of year or major. In fact, we have members of the band from virtually every major and discipline on campus and from almost every corner of the United States and around the world.

The band has its origins in the late 19th century and has since created a tradition of excellence lasting into the new millennium. Marching in contemporary corps-style, the program stays on the cutting edge of trends in outdoor music performances. As one of the most visible organizations on campus, we perform at all Grizzly football home games in Washington-Grizzly Stadium with crowds of more than 26,000 fans. The group travels when the football team advances in the playoffs to the championship game and has accompanied the football team to four FCS National Championship appearances.

We pride ourselves on the precision drill and exciting variety of entertaining musical arrangements performed each year. Recent halftime performances have included the following themes: Dance Music, Harry Styles, Classic Rock Hits, Latin-Jazz, Movie Soundtracks, Beatles Hits, and many others. In addition to the game day entertainment, we make several appearances in the community each season.

Our organization is a distinguished ambassador to the UM campus and surrounding communities.  We hope you will join us in the fall for another exciting year with The University of Montana Grizzly Marching Band!

What are some of the "perks" of joining the GMB?

All members of the Grizzly Marching Band receive scholarship money for their dedication and contributions to the program:

• $1,000 for 1st year and 2nd year members
• $1,250 for 3rd year members
• $1,500 for 4th year and above!

In addition to being part of one of the most exciting and visible organizations on campus, the members of the Grizzly Marching Band enjoy many benefits at NO cost to them:

• GREAT seats in Washington-Grizzly Stadium for every game
• Championship events with the Grizzly Football team when they qualify
• GMB apparel provided
• Game day lunches
• Refreshments during games
• Instant group of friends
• Receive General Education college credit
• Early campus move-in....beat the crowds!
• Good Music, Good Times, and Good Friends

In addition to participation perks, members have the opportunity to hold leadership positions with the band - regardless of major or discipline. Several paid staff positions are offered as well. Our organization provides opportunities for ALL students to become productive and supportive members of the UM community.

How much will it cost?

There is no cost to you if you meet the minimum course load for full-time students.  For part-time students, the only expense is the cost of the one-credit class (optional additional credits available if needed).  The Grizzly Marching Band picks up the tab for all on-campus housing and food during during Marching Band Camp. Uniforms, music, and, in most cases, even instruments are provided.  If the band travels during the season, all accommodations are covered by the university.  The balance of your contribution will be in the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm you bring to the program.

How much time will it take?

Not as much as you think! Rehearsals are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 -5:30 pm with extra rehearsals for drum line. On game days, we begin with a morning dress rehearsal in Washington-Grizzly Stadium, performance for Griz Walk, followed by lunch. We play an important part of the festivities on campus, and, in addition to our pre-game and halftime performances, we put on a post-game concert at the conclusion of each game.

What and When is Marching Band Camp?

In order to get ready for our exciting season of performances and appearances, the members of the UM Grizzly Marching Band report to campus the week before classes begin in the fall - August 18 - 23, 2024. Marching Band Camp is required for all members of the ensemble and includes:

• Informal playing assessments and part placement in appropriate sections
• Instrument, music, and uniform distribution
• Music and sectional rehearsals
• Marching and fundamentals practice
• Learning our pregame and 1st halftime shows
• And other activities that will make the UM Grizzly Marching Band an amazing experience.

So, if you have never marched before or are concerned you don't know enough about marching bands to become involved - DON'T WORRY! We will cover everything you need to know before the season begins, and you'll be able to begin the new school year already knowing the people and places on the campus of the University of Montana.

How do I become a member?

As long as you are currently or will be a student at the University of Montana, you are encouraged and welcome to become a member of the Grizzly Marching Band.  Please go to the "Request Information" section in the left navigation bar and complete the online form to request information about joining the GMB!  You may also e-mail us at grizzlymarchingband@gmail.com  to request details about becoming a part of this great organization.  As soon as we have received your request, or you have signed up for the course (MUSI 155A) with the university, you will receive information from us about marching band camp, schedules, and other important details pertaining to GMB membership.  We look forward to having you with us this season!

Go Griz!!

Contact Us

grizzlymarchingband@gmail.com | (406) 370-8730

The University of Montana 
Grizzly Marching Band
School of Music
Missoula, MT 59812