Why join GW Bands?
For the music​
GW Bands offers the opportunity for students to play a variety of concert band and pep band repertoire. Whether you are studying music or just want to continue being involved with an instrumental ensemble in college, there is a place for you in GW Bands. We strive to create an environment where everyone can satisfy their love of music and improve their musicianship.
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For the perks
Being a band member comes with various benefits. Foghorns members typically earn a financial award, plus they get to travel to Atlantic-10 tournaments for free. Wind Ensemble members get to perform at GW's 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). Additionally, the concert bands are a low-stress way to earn some extra credits and get a break from more rigorous academic endeavors. ​
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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 band traditions like attending the NSO's Labor Day Concert at the Capitol. Many members make their best college friends through band. Joining band as a first-year student is also a great way to feel more comfortable in college. Not only will you get to know plenty of great people, but all first-year members are also assigned a returning band member to be their "Band Buddy," or mentor. For many members, band is a highlight of their college experience.
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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, we encourage you to give it a try! We think you will love it, and we will absolutely love to have you!​​
Want to try it out first?
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At the beginning of each Fall semester, GW Bands holds open rehearsals for concert band (this is a combined rehearsal for all interested in Symphonic Band and/or Wind Ensemble) and Foghorns. The date of these lowkey, informal rehearsals will be announced later in the summer, and they typically occur before the audition period. We encourage all potential new members and returning members to attend! This is a great opportunity to meet current band members, dust off your instrument, and get an idea of what band is like at GW.
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You are also 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 you want to join. To attend a rehearsal, simply 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.
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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 - 8:15 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. Interest Form
Fill our the Interest 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 that you may have. You will be added to our contact list and a member of GW Bands leadership will reach out to you to walk you through the joining process.
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2. Audition
Every member of GW Bands must complete a short audition. However, this should not be a source of stress; auditioning only has implications for chair placement in both concert bands 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 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!