UCLA marching band

Everything to know about the Solid Gold Sound

The UCLA marching band, also known as the Solid Gold Sound, is a 250-piece ensemble that performs at home UCLA football games. A smaller pep band consisting of marching band members also performs at other collegiate sports events, band festivals and private gigs.

More information about the UCLA marching band is available on the UCLA Band website through the button below.

For anyone interested in joining the UCLA marching band, here are a few important things to know:

First, students must submit an audition video in order to join the marching band. The requirements for the audition video differ depending on whether the student is joining Brass and Woodwinds, Drumline or Color Guard. Don’t be too intimidated by the audition process — according to the UCLA Band’s frequently asked questions page, most people who audition are accepted, though some sections are more competitive than others. 

Second, students should familiarize themselves with the rehearsal schedule. Students accepted to the UCLA marching band must attend Band Camp, in which the band rehearses for 10-full days preceding the start of the fall quarter. Once classes start, the regular rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. The band will sometimes cancel Friday rehearsals later in the season if there is no home game the next day.

Another commitment for students in the UCLA marching band is performing at every home football game. The band performs a traditional pregame show and a new halftime show at every home football game during the fall quarter. The band also travels to either the Cal or Stanford game each fall, and the band sends smaller pep bands to away games as well.

After the football season ends, marching band members can join the pep band and play at basketball games and other UCLA sports events. Members also have the opportunity to play at paid gigs and receive payment for their performances.

The marching band also provides some amazing performance opportunities; according to the UCLA Band website, the band opened for the Rolling Stones on their “50 & Counting” Tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, backed up Gwen Stefani at the Hollywood Bowl’s 100th Anniversary Gala Concert, and recorded “ON” with international K-pop sensation BTS.

For more information about the UCLA marching band, visit the band’s frequently asked questions page through the link below.