The 73-member Shenandoah University Marching Band is ready to entertain and inspire our Hornets and Hornets fans. However, how much do you know about the band you’ll see on the field this year? 

Here’s a little extra info for you about all things marching band from Coordinator for Band Operations Libby Beller ’19. 

What instruments will fans see in the Shenandoah University Marching Band? 

Piccolo, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, trombone, sousaphone, bass drums, snare drums, tenor drums, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, synthesizer, and drum set.

So, what’s a mellophone, anyway? 

It’s the marching band equivalent of a French Horn. It looks like a trumpet that got squished.

And, what are sousaphones? 

Sousaphones are a type of tuba specific to marching bands – the tubing wraps around the musician’s body, which makes it easier to carry.

What are the largest and smallest instruments in the band? 

The largest instrument is a tie between the sousaphone and the tenor drums. The smallest is the piccolo!

What are the instruments with the lowest and highest tones? 

Piccolo is the highest, sousaphone is the lowest.

What are the most unexpected marching band instruments? 

For us, it’s the fact that we have a full rock band playing with us as well! They will be posted on the front sideline during our performances. The rock band consists of two guitars, one bass guitar, a drum set, a keyboard, and a synthesizer. They do not do any marching because their instruments need to be amplified and are stationary.

Besides that, the mellophone is usually the most unexpected because it is not typically used in a concert setting, so people will only see it on the field. 

How many members of the band are in color guard, and what items are they using in the show?

We have six in color guard and one feature baton twirler. Our twirler will use multiple batons throughout the show, and our guard will use flags (silks) and pom-poms. We will incorporate sabres and rifles into the color guard in the coming years!

How many drum majors are in the band?

We have one drum major – senior music education major Zachary Freshwater.

What should we expect from the band’s show? 

Expect some popular tunes both old and new that the whole crowd will be able to dance to!

Learn more about the band, including its schedule, leadership, and auditioning, at su.edu/mb!