Big
Purple

NO!
We could not exist if we demanded too much of your time. The band rehearses MWF, and has multiple weekends off during marching season. The truth about grades is this: if you don’t make good grades, it won’t be because of band commitments. Many times in the past, members of the band have been ACU valedictorians and salutatorians. Additionally, many members of the band each year receive generous scholarships and assistantships to graduate schools in their areas of study including music, business, psychology, mathematics, law, medicine and others.

YES!
Members of the band participate in the Student Government Association, as RAs and other positions in Student Life, and many other leadership organizations . Members of the band participate fully in other campus activities such as Freshman Follies, Sing Song, Greek Life, mission trips, special courses and academics honor organizations, and many other related opportunities.

Members come from every size school, homeschool, international students, and more with diverse levels of ability and experience, including students from military traditions and those with no marching experience as all!. If you can play your instrument, we can teach you the rest. We use “corps” style marching which can be learned quickly and easily. We welcome anyone who wishes to participate. There is no need to feel intimidated!

NO!
The band performs at home football games (usually 5). When possible we march in a local parade, and will perform in exhibition at high school marching contests. Several open weekends allow you plenty of time to go home and visit friends and family, for academics, social activities, and more!

There is no audition for marching band, with the exception of color guard members (to assess experience level), and percussionists (to place members on the correct instruments). Enroll in MPEI-301.01 (non-credit), MPEI-311.01 (1 hour credit) or MPEI 210.01 (1 hour P.E. credit). The non-credit option allows you to be a member and it not count towards block tuition.

If you have already registered and have a conflict with the MW 11:15-11:45, and F 11:50-12:45 slot, we would be glad to work with you to make band possible in your schedule. In most instances, we can take care of the scheduling change for you. With freshman level courses, there are almost always additional sections available of the courses you need. If you don’t have a conflict, simply contact your advisor to add the course. (Remember to inform your advisor and our staff of your preferred enrollment option.)

The grading policy is based almost exclusively on attendance and attitude. If you are at rehearsals and performances, it will be an easy A! If you are enrolled in one of the 1 credit sections, your grade counts toward your GPA. If you are enrolled in the 0 credit section, you receive a grade but it does not count towards your GPA.

YES!
ALL members of the Big Purple receive the Marching Band Participation Scholarship automatically. And all members are eligible for additional money from the music department and you do NOT have to be a music major to receive departmental scholarship money!

Please see scholarships and auditions for more information.