Marching Band - "The Thunder of the East"
Join the UB Marching Band and you’ll be right in the middle of the action as you bring the sights and sounds of the band to life.
On this page:
Celebrating 100 Years of Spirit
How to Join the Band
The following instructions apply to all members of the band, including Dazzlers and Color Guard.
Marching Band
- Experience: Experience playing a band instrument in high school is required. You do not need to have experience marching.
- Auditions: No auditions are required to join the band.
- Major: Anyone can join the band, regardless of your major.
Color Guard
- Experience: Experience tossing a flag is required. You do not need to have experience marching or performing.
- Auditions: No auditions are required to join the Color Guard.
Dazzlers Dance Team
- Experience: Experience as a dancer and/or cheerleader is typically required.
- Auditions: Auditions are required to join the Dazzlers Dance Team.
Make Friends, Make Music, Make Memories
See Us at Accepted Students Day and Orientation
Look for Marching Band representatives who can answer your questions, talk with you about the band, and give you a membership packet.
Sections of the Band
Learn more about your section, including information about instruments you can borrow at no charge.
Instrumental Sections
Some experience playing a band instrument is required. However, no auditions are required to join the band, and you can join the band regardless of your major.
Low Brass
Low brass includes:
- Slide Trombone
- Baritone
- Contra Tuba (over the shoulder - no sousaphones)
Instruments, mouthpieces and accessories can be provided upon request at no charge. You can also use your personal equipment. If you need to borrow an instrument, please indicate this when you complete your band registration form.
High Brass
High brass includes:
- Trumpet
- Mellophone
Instruments, mouthpieces and accessories can be provided upon request at no charge. You can also use your personal equipment. If you need to borrow an instrument, please indicate this when you complete your band registration form.
Winds
Winds includes:
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Piccolo
- Saxophone (alto and tenor)
Instruments, mouthpieces, reeds and accessories can be provided upon request at no charge. You can also use your personal equipment. If you need to borrow an instrument, please indicate this when you complete your band registration form.
Drumline
Drumline includes:
- Bass drum
- Cymbals
- Snare drum (please note that snare drummers use traditional grip during the season)
- Tenor drum
All instruments are provided by the band, as well as sticks, heads and harnesses. There is no charge for instruments.
Dancers and Color Guard
Some experience is typically required.
UB Dazzlers (Dancers)
Get ready to entertain the crowds throughout football and basketball season (fall and spring). The Dazzlers incorporate pom, jazz and hip-hop dance styles while performing at athletic events (halftime and on the sidelines during games), pep rallies, open houses, alumni gatherings and charity events. Please note that the ability to pick up choreography quickly is required.
Auditions Required
Auditions are required to join the UB Dazzlers.To audition, you must submit an audition video that showcases your dance ability, technique and personality. The requirements include:
- Pirouettes (solid double, working towards triple)
- High kicks
- Grand jete
- Splits
- Jumps
- Sharp movements
- Ala seconds or foutte turns are strongly encouraged
Color Guard
All students are welcome to join the Color Guard. Whether you’re an experienced Color Guard member or just starting out (and willing to learn), you’ll play a key role in visual presentation of the band. Routines typically include standard flag, swing flag, sabre and rifle; we also try to incorporate some dance depending on the prior training our members have had.
Pep Band (Spring Semester)
You can also choose to participate in Pep Band, which performs throughout the spring semester at basketball games and other events.
Thank You Marching Band Endowment Donors
Through crowdfunding, the Thunder of the East Marching Band is writing the next chapter of its storied history. Thank you to the following donors, who have helped establish the UB Marching Band Endowment Fund (as of 9/25/2020):
- Donny Allen
- Remo Apuzzo
- Kenneth Asher
- Ronald Balter
- Robin Barber
- Tyler Bauer
- Melanie Bliz
- Mark Busch
- Jude Butch
- Lori Chiarilli
- Don Conover
- Lori Defranco
- Jaclyn DeGolia
- Erin Dengler
- Dimitra Dimeck
- Charles Erckert
- David Evans
- Phyllis Floro
- Ronald Frey
- William Gardiner
- Joe Giarrizzo
- Carol Gloff
- Paul & Lindsey Hallman
- John Kinney
- William Krone
- LaManna Family
- John & Kelly Lambert
- Kristin Manhardt
- Carmella Marinaccio
- James Mauck
- Josef Mazeiko
- Sharon Mitchell
- Thomas O'Connor
- Kaitlyn O’Rourke
- Jack Prybylski
- Linda Ramsey
- Jill Rexinger-Kuhn
- West Richter
- Barbara Ricotta
- Ginger Rinaldo
- Eric Rochman
- Dan Ryan
- Metin Sarci
- Susan Snyder
- Pamela Stephens-Jackson
- Amanda Tyson-Ryba
- Christine VanNostran
- Nancy Weinberg
- Mary Lou Wiltberger & Jim Santella
- Harvey Winokur
Join our organization on UBLinked to view current schedule, get information about tickets, see officer and staff information, or request a performance.
UB Marching Band
Student Engagement
Student Life
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6469