Why join
GW Bands?
Do you love music?
Do you want to be part of a supportive, inclusive community of amazing people?
Do you want to have a ton of fun while playing great songs and boosting school spirit?
Being a member of GW Bands is a wonderful way to make friends, memories, and music. If you played an instrument in high school and are not sure if you want to continue in college, just try it. We guarantee you will love it, and we will absolutely love to have you!
Section Title
Why Join?
For the love of music
Musicians know there's nothing quite like playing music in an ensemble, creating a sound bigger and more beautiful than anything one person could do. By joining GW Bands, you can continue to experience this incredible feeling and improve your musicianship in a low-pressure environment.
For the perks
Being a band member comes with various benefits. Foghorn members earn a financial award, plus they get to travel to March Madness tournaments for free. Wind Ensemble members get to perform at Commencement on the National Mall. All GW Bands members can take advantage of networking opportunities in an organization whose membership spans all majors, grades, and interests (we also have an Alumni Association). The University Band class is a low-stress way to earn some extra credits and get a much-needed study break.
For the people
GW Bands is a strong and supportive community of amazing people. In addition to playing music together, there are various formal and informal opportunities throughout the year to socialize with fellow bands, from section bonding events to hanging out in the Band Affinity Housing (aka "Bandfinity"). Many members make their best college friends through band. Joining band as a first-year is also a great way to feel more comfortable in college. Not only will you get to know plenty of great people, but also all first-year members are assigned a returning band member to be their "Band Buddy," or mentor.
Want to try it out first?
You are welcome to attend a Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and/or Foghorn 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.
Rehearsal Schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays):
Wind Ensemble: 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM ET
Symphonic Band: 5:10 PM - 6:25 PM ET
Dinner Break
Foghorns: 7:10 PM - 8:10 PM ET
How to Join
Any and all GW undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to join GW Bands.
You DO NOT need to own an instrument to join. No student will be excluded from band as a result of financial or any other barriers.
1. Contact Band
Use the Contact Form to the right or send an email to band@gwu.edu expressing your interest to join. Feel free to include any questions or concerns in your message, but you are also welcome to simply select the subject "Interest in Joining Band" and not write a message. You will be added to our contact list and a member of GW Bands leadership will reach out to you ASAP to walk you through the joining process.
2. Audition
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 Professor Schmitz at schmitz_m@email.gwu.edu (or use the Contact form) to schedule an audition. 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.
George wants YOU to join band!