Wildcat Marching Band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The University of Kentucky Wildcat Marching Band | |
|---|---|
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| School | University of Kentucky |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Conference | SEC |
| Founded | by 1893 |
| Director | Dr. Shayna Stahl |
| Members | ~274 |
| Fight song | "On, On, U of K, Kentucky Fight" |
The Wildcat Marching Band (WMB) is the marching band of the University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, Kentucky. The WMB performs at all UK home football games and selected away games. The WMB's repertoire ranges from contemporary jazz to classical favorites. Any UK, BCTC, or Transylvania University student, regardless of major, is eligible for membership. The Wildcat Marching Band is directed by Dr. Shayna Stahl.
Band rehearsals are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Shively Field. Rehearsals on home game days begin six hours before kickoff and last two hours. Game day rehearsals are held at Shively Field. No extra rehearsals are scheduled.
Registration
Marching Band, MUC 190, earns one credit per fall semester, which may be used as an elective in any degree program. The Wildcat Marching Band also includes a few students each year from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) and Transylvania University whom do not field a marching band.
Early week
"Early Week", as UK's band camp is called, is held one week before classes begin and includes extensive training in marching and playing. New members begin a day before the rest of the returning members. The camp runs 9:00am to 9:00pm, with breaks for meals. Time is divided between learning drill at Shively Practice Field and indoor music rehearsals. By the end of Early Week, all members have learned their music and drill for the pre-game show and the first Halftime performance. In the evenings, there are activities sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi Theta Epsilon and Tau Beta Sigma Eta Zeta. Recent activities have included kickball, a volleyball tournament, Band Olympics, and an Annual Pie in the Face competition. The band provides three meals each day, and students living in residence halls are allowed to move in early.
Travel
The band provides a pep band for every away game and travels with the full band to one away game. The Wildcat Marching Band has recently traveled to Georgia, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU, Tulane, Auburn, Alabama, and Florida and has participated in bowl games, a BOA Regional Championship, a Presidential Inauguration, a World Series and professional football games. Individuals have been selected as members of the Olympic Band, the Liberty All-Collegiate Band, the Disney World All-Star Band, the Collegiate Presidential Inaugural Band, and the Rose Bowl United Way Collegiate Band. Expenses such as lodging, transportation, and meals are provided by the University of Kentucky. There is no cost to the band members.
