Frequently Asked Questions
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General
Instruments & Supplies
Finances
Foghorns Pep Band
General
Should I join GW Bands? Why?
Yes!! Being a member of GW Bands is a wonderful way to make friends, memories, and music. We would love to have you join us! To learn more about the many reasons to join band, check out the JOIN page.
Should I join GW Bands? Why?
Yes!! Being a member of GW Bands is a wonderful way to make friends, memories, and music. We would love to have you join us! To learn more about the many reasons to join band, check out the JOIN page.
Can I try out a rehearsal before committing to join band?
Yes! You are welcome to attend a Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and/or Foghorns
rehearsal any Tuesday or Thursday throughout the school year, no pressure and no commitment required. This way you can get a firsthand feel for band and decide whether it's for you. To attend a rehearsal, simply reach out using the Contact Form or email band@gwu.edu stating which date(s) and rehearsal(s) you would like to attend. Please also let us know if you will need to use a GW-owned instrument. Learn more on the JOIN page.
Can I be in more than one GW Bands ensemble?
Yes! Many students participate in two, or even all three, ensembles. If you are placed into Wind Ensemble, you are automatically allowed to play in Symphonic Band as well. All members of either concert band are welcome to join the Foghorns You must be a member of a University Band ensemble to participate in the Foghorns.
Do I need to audition for GW Bands?
Yes, every member of GW Bands must audition. However, this should not be a source of stress; auditioning is only for chair placement and placement in Wind Ensemble. Anyone who auditions is welcome to join at least Symphonic Band (and Foghorns) if not Wind Ensemble. Initial auditions are usually held during the first or second week of classes of the Fall semester. However, students are encouraged to join even if they miss the initial audition period. Simply reach out to band@gwu.edu (or use the Contact Form) and we will get you placed. Additionally, auditions will be held at the beginning of the Spring semester for anyone who studies abroad in the Fall, transfers to GW, or otherwise decides to join in the Spring. Returning members must re-audition at the beginning of each school year. Members who joined in the Fall semester do NOT need to re-audition in the Spring. Learn more about audition requirements.
Do I need to be a Music major or minor to join GW Bands?
Not at all! A wide variety of backgrounds and schools are represented in GW Bands. Students of all majors and interests are welcome. However, for those who do major/minor in Music, the University Bands class (MUS 1083) can count for 3 credits towards the Music major or minor over 3 semesters.
Will I still have time for academics/other extracurriculars if I join band?
Absolutely! GW Bands members have a variety of majors and interests, and are able to balance various other activities, academic pursuits and responsibilities with band.
Is band a class or a student organization?
A bit of both. Both Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band make up the University Band class. University Band class is a 1-credit, pass/fail class. However, students with a full academic load are allowed to take band at zero credits with an $85 fee. Course credit for MUS 1083 does appear on your transcript and counts towards the 120 credits required for completion of an undergraduate degree, however the course does not satisfy any general education requirements (Arts credit for the Columbian College, for example) for non-Music majors or minors. 3 credits of MUS 1083 in 3 semesters can be used to fulfill requirements for a Music major or minor. However, the Foghorns are a student organization, NOT a class. There is no grade or course credit attached to Foghorn participation. GW Bands as an organization is led by both a faculty director and a student officer corps.
Do I need to register for the University Band class (MUS 1083)?
Yes, all members of the Symphonic Band and/or Wind Ensemble must register for the respective class. Registration is how the University tracks participation in ensembles. However, you do NOT need to register for the University Band class on GWeb during the standard GW class registration period. Once you audition for band in the beginning of the Fall or Spring semester, you will be instructed on how to register for band.
Instruments & Supplies
Do I need to own my own instrument to participate in band?
No, you do not need to own an instrument to participate or audition for Band. No one will be excluded from participating in band due to lack of access to an instrument. GW-owned instruments are available for student use. If you do not own or have access to an instrument and are planning on enrolling in band, please reach out to Professor Schmitz, schmitz_m@email.gwu.edu or use the Contact Form.
Are lockers available to store instruments?
Yes, instrument storage lockers are available in the basement of Phillips Hall. For students enrolled in a music course, access to instrument storage lockers is $10 per semester ($20 per year). If paying this fee is inaccessible to you, please reach out and we will accommodate accordingly. To purchase access, visit the Music office (Phillips B144) during business hours.
Where can I buy reeds, oil, and other supplies?
The Band office, Phillips B113, has most of these items for sale. Please see an officer during their office hours or before band to purchase. Reeds are one dollar each.
Will I have access to practice rooms?
Everyone registered for the University Band class MUS 1083 will have tap access to the practice rooms in the basement of Phillips Hall.
What should I bring to rehearsal?
Every rehearsal you should bring your instrument (unless you play percussion and it's already there), a pencil, and anything else you need to play your instrument (e.g. reeds). You do not need to bring your own music; all sheet music for concert band and flipbooks for pep band are supplied and stored in Phillips basement.
Finances
Do band members have to pay dues?
No. There is no dues requirement to be a member of any of GW Bands ensemble. No GW student will be excluded from band as a result of financial barriers.
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes. Foghorn members receive scholarships that increase with each year they participate in Foghorns. There are also opportunities to earn additional scholarship money through leadership and staff positions.
Foghorns Pep Band
Why the name Foghorns?
The Foghorns name originates from the historical location of The George Washington: Foggy Bottom. Originally, the Foghorns were known as C-Brass, a shortened nickname for Colonial Brass. After the University decided to change the moniker from “Colonials” to “Revolutionaries,” C-Brass collectively changed its name to to emphasize our spirit for GW, uniqueness, and musicality. Thus, the Foghorns were born!
Do Foghorn members have to play away games or over winter and spring break?
All Foghorn members are required to play at home games for men’s and women’s basketball during the normal school year, as long as they do not have a class conflict. We do NOT play regular season away games. There are no requirements to play at games over winter break, but you are welcome to join our alumni band (GWU Band Alumni and Friends) at select winter break games. You may also be asked to stay a few days later or return to campus a few days earlier to play at winter break games, but this is not required.
Only away tournaments are required, meaning the Atlantic-10 and NCAA tournaments in March. Spring Break often falls around the time of the tournaments, so all Foghorn members are asked to leave their Spring Break open. Please do not make Spring Break plans that are not flexible! You will be excused from classes for tournament travel and performance.