The original Shenandoah University Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band was formed in 2008 under the leadership of student director, Eric Price. The program grew rapidly through 2008-09, and this growth continued through the end of the 2021-2022 school year. From 2008-2022 the pep band was led by eight different student directors and maintained an average of 40 active participants each year. At the end of the 21-22 school year, it was announced that the Pep Band would evolve from a student-run organization to a group that is housed under the official Shenandoah University Marching Band.
The Shenandoah University Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band is a unique organization, with an ability to motivate and inspire the student body. The group’s goal is to foster a spirit of community and family within the band, the university, and the surrounding community. The Pep Band is responsible for supporting events both on and off campus in a fun, motivating, and spirited way.
2018 marked the 10-year anniversary of the Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band.
Audition Information
Are you interested in participating in the Shenandoah University Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band? All of the information you need to complete the application and audition process is listed below.
Step 1 | Film Your Video Audition
View the Video Audition Requirements for your preferred Pep Band specialty below.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- your year
- your major
- the instrument you’re auditioning for
- past experience on your instrument/dance
- any other instruments you play
- something interesting about yourself
- A chromatic scale ascending and descending that showcases your playable range. (No tempo requirement)
- Two Major Scales of your choosing, two octaves each. (No tempo requirement)
- Play Fight for Shenandoah up until the first repeat
- Play the Alma Mater
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
*When recording your video, please do not point your bell directly at the microphone. This has a tendency to distort the audio.
*If you play mellophone, baritone, or sousaphone and do not have access to your marching instrument, you can audition on your french horn, euphonium, or tuba.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- your year
- your major
- the instrument you’re auditioning for
- past experience on your instrument/dance
- any other instruments you play
- something interesting about yourself
- Play Fight for Shenandoah up until the first repeat with metronome 120-150 for the quarter note
- Play Hornet Victory! with metronome 60-80 for the half note
Notes:
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
*Metronome must be on in the video recording
*If you do not have access to the instrument you are auditioning for, you may use a drum pad
*Those auditioning for bass drum must read the Bass 2 line for both pieces
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- your year
- your major
- the instrument you’re auditioning for
- past experience on your instrument/dance
- any other instruments you play
- something interesting about yourself
- A one to two minute dance and/or equipment (flag, rifle, saber, or other) routine to music of your choosing.
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take. If you are adding a video of a separate performance, it can be two file uploads.
*When recording your video, please make sure that the camera is far enough away to capture your movements and/or flag.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- your year
- your major
- the instrument you’re auditioning for
- past experience on your instrument/dance
- any other instruments you play
- something interesting about yourself
- One solo excerpt that best demonstrates your musical ability.
Notes:
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
Step 2 | Submit Your Application Form
Complete the application form to apply for the Pep Band! You will upload your video audition file to the form. Applications for the 2025-26 school year will open Fall 2025!
Resources
For more information or to book the Pep Band for your event, please contact marchingband@su.edu.
Shenandoah University Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band
Undefeated since 2008