UCLA band

Music ensembles at UCLA

There are many UCLA band ensembles, including the UCLA marching band and UCLA symphonic band. On top of the larger, school-organized ensembles, there are lots of student groups to join. To explore student run UCLA band and music organizations, visit the link below.

UCLA Marching Band

The UCLA Marching Band, also known as the Solid Gold Sound, was officially founded in 1928 after evolving from a pep band and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) band. Since then, it has grown into a 250-person ensemble that performs pep songs and halftime shows at every home UCLA Football game. Band members also have the opportunity to perform at other collegiate sports events, band festivals and private gigs. 

To join this UCLA band, students must submit an audition video. The requirements for the audition video differ depending on whether the student is joining the Brass and Woodwinds, Drumline or Color Guard section. Students do not have to be music majors in order to audition. 

For more information about the UCLA Marching Band, visit its website through the link below.

UCLA Symphonic Band

The UCLA Symphonic Band is a traditional large concert band made up of undergraduate and graduate students from across the UCLA schools. Entry to the band is audition-based and students who are accepted into the band will receive course credit for their participation.

According to the Herb Alpert School of Music, the ensemble rehearses Tuesdays from 3 - 4:50 p.m. During the fall quarter, the Symphonic Band has the opportunity to play a wide variety of musical selections and regularly works with graduate and undergraduate student conductors. This UCLA band also performs concerts in Schoenberg Hall during the winter and spring quarters. 

More information about the UCLA Symphonic Band is available through the link below.

Find out more about other UCLA band ensembles on the Herb Alpert School of Music ensembles page, linked in the button below.