Aggie Band
Texas A&M University's Fightin' Texas Aggie Band marked its centennial year during 1994. It has grown from a mere 13 members in 1894 to more than 350 musicians today.
Key Facts and Figures About the Group
- With approximately 350 men and women musicians, it is the largest military marching band in the country.
- The musicians all are members of Texas A&M University's Corps of Cadets. Band members live, eat and are housed together as a unit of the corps.
The infantry and artillery bands, which form the combined band, are the two largest units in the Corps of Cadets.
- The band is led by members of its senior class, who wear distinctive senior boots.
- Twelve senior cadets march on the band's front row as the "bugle rank."
- The group prepares its drills with seven to 10 hours of actual practice time per week. Members say that's possible only because of the discipline inherent in their military lifestyle. Some of the band's maneuvers are so complex that a computer says they can't be done because they require two people to be in the same place at the same time.
- The band performs at all of the university football games as well as in inaugural parades for presidents and governors and at numerous other university and special events.
- The band is nationally known for its stirring renditions of patriotic tunes and precision military marching style. Among its most popular numbers are "The Aggie War Hymn," the school's fight song; "The Spirit of Aggieland," its alma mater; "Noble Men of Kyle," the group's signature march; "The Ballad of the Green Berets;" "Patton;" "When Jonny Comes Marching Home;" and "Strategic Air Command."
Membership
All prospective members of the Aggie Band are required to have had both high school playing and marching band experience. In addition, a playing audition for one of the band directors must be passed during the summer new student conference. Anyone interested in auditioning for the Aggie Band should bring their instrument with them to their summer new student conference. Prospective members of the Aggie Band are also required to schedule a personal interview with one of the band directors before membership may be approved. Membership in the Aggie Band requires full participation in all required activities of the Corps of Cadets in addition to those required of the Aggie Band.
Rehearsals
The Texas Aggie Band rehearses five days per week from 6:50-8:30 A.M. Indoor rehearsals are held in the E.V. Adams Band Building and drill rehearsals take place on the band drill field located adjacent to the band hall. Aggie Band members receive one academic credit each semester.
Instruments
A limited number of university instruments are available for student use. However, students are highly encouraged to bring their own instruments.
Activities
Members of the Aggie Band may choose to participate in the Texas Aggie Basketball Band, the Aggieland Orchestra, or the University Symphonic and Concert Bands. In addition to these activities, the Aggie Band represents Texas A&M University at all football games, various parades, and campus military reviews.
Scholarships
Prospective students are highly encouraged to pursue the many scholarships offered through the Office of the Commandant and their various academic areas.
Texas Aggie Band Staff
| Dr. Timothy B. Rhea, Director of Bands | trhea@tamu.edu |
| Lt. Col. Jay O. Brewer, Associate Director | jbrewer@corps.tamu.edu |
| Lt. Travis Almany, Associate Director | talmany@corps.tamu.edu |
| Jean Stanley, Business Coordinator | j-stanley@tamu.edu |
For Additional Information or Questions
|
Texas Aggie Band E.V. Adams Band Building Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77843-3153 Phone: (979) 845-3529 Fax: (979) 845-4733 |
