Preseason Information

Joining the UCMB means becoming part of the biggest student organization at UConn and becoming part of the largest family on campus. Membership in this family requires hard work and dedication. That hard work will pay off in the form of satisfaction, pride, and fun. The UCMB is known as "The Pride of Connecticut" because of the quality of sound, precision of movement, and spirit that is part of every band performance. Working together and playing together makes the band very much a family. Along with performance events, the band also provides social outlets for its members as a reward for excellence and as a release from hard work. Few activities offer the rich rewards of the UCMB; our Preseason activities are the first part of this invaluable experience.

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Where and When

Upper Leadership, Section Leaders & Junior Reps - Friday, August 17
New Members, Percussion & Color Guard - Saturday, August 18
Returning Members - Monday, August 20

Follow the signs! Check-in in the courtyard: receive a meal card, final Preseason information, and a detailed schedule. Check-in is the time to ask any questions of the Band Council members and Section Leaders. You then go to your own Complex office to get your keys and check into your room. Please check in at the Music Building first.

Try to be as early as possible so you do not have to rush later on in the afternoon.
See you there!

What To Bring

Alarm clock
Water bottle for outdoor rehearsals
Sneakers and socks (required)
Sunscreen
Hat
Extra shirts / extra shorts
Lyre for outdoor rehearsal (if applicable)
Extra reeds/valve oil/instrument needs
Something to wear in the rain
Khaki shorts or slacks (for performances)
Long black socks
UConn ID

The following items will be provided if you don't have them already:

Marching Shoes
UCMB T-shirt and "ball cap"
Gloves
Flip-folder for music
Uniform garmet bag (Only one will be provided per member. Additional bags will cost $2.50.)

Please purchase:

Nike warm-up suit - $30 ($140 value)
Banquet fee - $20

Other UCMB apparel will be available for order.

Instruments

If you play the following instruments, you must sign them out at check-in:

Mellophone (Horn)
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
Percussion

Other instruments are available in very limited quantities. If you need one, you must make arrangements with Mr. McNeill before you arrive for preseason.

Dorm Room Assignments

In almost all cases, you will be moving into the room that the Department of Residential Life has assigned you to for the fall semester. You should bring up everything you will need. Some band members choose to go home and get the rest of the things they need for their room during Labor Day weekend.

Meals

Meals during Preseason are provided for all members of the Marching Band until the regular meal service begins. Times and locations of meals vary from day to day. Band members attend meals together; it's a great time for band members to get to know each other in an informal atmosphere. Meals are an important part of team-building.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be issued during Preseason. Members are responsible for the condition of their uniform and are accountable for the uniform issued to them. You must have a garment bag to be issued a uniform. UCMB garment bag is free for 1st bag, replacement bag is $2.50.

Special Events

Social events are planned several nights after rehearsal and all band members should attend these events. "Spirit Days" are events that unite sections and groups within the band with a fun activity.

Preview Show

Plan on inviting your family, friends, and High School Band Directors to the Preview Show at the Sherman Family Sports Complex on Saturday, September 1, 2012. It is a great opportunity for everyone to see what the UCMB has accomplished during preseason and what it will have to offer this fall. (In the event of bad weather, the Preview Show will be held in Jorgensen.)