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Take the field during UTRGV’s 2026 football games as the sound and spirit of Vaquero Nation. From game days and campus events to holiday parades across the Valley, you’ll bring the energy, set the tone, and create moments the crowd will never forget.
Want to play music and get help paying for college? Members of the UTRGV Marching Band can earn up to $2,000 in scholarships.
March to greatness with UTRGV Marching Band
Marching
Forward
Want to learn more? Fill out our commitment form:
Travel & Enhance your college experience
Earn 0 or 1 college credit
Up to $2,000 scholarship & instruments available
Why should you join the marching band?
Requirements to Join
REQUEST INFORMATION
FAQs
Discover our other band ensembles:
Marching
Forward
Be a current UTRGV student in good standing or a new freshman or transfer student admitted and enrolled.
Play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, or be interested in participating in the color guard.
Have good time management skills and be prepared for three rehearsals each week, as well as game day and event attendance.
Pursue a UTRGV undergraduate or graduate degree. All majors welcome – no music major requirement.
Attend the Fall 2026 Band Camp on August 17-22 from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm and August 24th-25th from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Be available for Band camp and football games: (2026 Football Schedule - UTRGV Athletics)
Ready to join the UTRGV Marching Band? Fill out our commitment Form.
If you are a Current UTRGV Student, fill out the commitment form below, and we will contact you with more information.
If you are a Future UTRGV Student, follow the link below for "Future Vaqueros".
How does the $2000 Marching Band scholarship work?
- Students who join the inaugural UTRGV Marching Band are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in scholarships. $1,000 will be awarded in Fall 2026 during the marching season, and the remaining $1,000 will be awarded in Spring 2027 if the student remains enrolled and in good standing.
Who can join?
- Current UTRGV students in good standing.
- New freshmen and new transfer students who have enrolled at UTRGV.
Do I need to have marching band experience to join?
Although previous marching experience is not required, it is helpful if you have played an instrument recently, ideally within the past 2-3 years. However, we welcome everyone to participate in our auditions and give it a try!
Do I have to be a music major to join the marching band?
Students are NOT required to declare a music major to join the marching band.
Is there a class requirement to join the marching band?
Students will be required to register for MUEN 1156.
I am a prospective student in high school or a 2-year college student interested in joining the UTRGV marching band. How can I get more information?
Please fill out the interest form above to receive additional information on the marching band and the next steps needed to become a UTRGV Vaquero.
Which units will make up the marching band?
The marching band is composed of woodwind, brass, percussion, and color guard units.
Where will the marching band play?
The marching band will play at football games, holiday parades, and campus and community events across the Rio Grande Valley.
Will there be transportation between the Brownsville and Edinburg campus? What about games and events?
Transportation will be provided between both campuses including game day and community events.
Are there scholarship opportunities for Marching Band participants?
Learn more about UTRGV music scholarships and university scholarship opportunities.
Do I need my own instrument?
Instruments can be provided at no cost to qualified students.
Get EXCITED – UTRGV is getting a marching band!
Join UTRGV's Marching Band with up to $2000 available in scholarship.
March Foward
Your place in history awaits! From rehearsals to game day, see what it's like to be part of UTRGV's inaugural marching band. Meet our pioneers and imagine your place in our story!
For questions, please email marchingband@utrgv.edu.
I am a high school student interested in more information:
I am a Current UTRGV Student interested in more information:
Join UTRGV's Marching Band with up to $2,000 available in scholarships.
Are you a future or current UTRGV student with a passion for music? Join the award-winning UTRGV Marching Band!
Take the Next Step
Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video to francis.favis@utrgv.edu and marchingband@utrgv.edu titled:
“Last Name, First Name VMB Percussion Audition 2026”
The drumline packet with information and music can be found below. Prospective students should familiarize themselves with all music, in addition to the selections below, before Summer Band Camp.
Auditions:
1) Preliminary video submission must include:
- 8-8-16 @ 12 inches @ 132 BPM
- Accent Tap @ 12 inches+ 3 inches @ 144 BPM
- Triplet Diddle @ 6 inches @ 152 BPM
2) Final placements will take place prior to Band Camp (Aug. 17)
3) Percussion camp will be held on 8/17 Monday in the band hall PAC
4) Optional drumline help-sessions coming in Spring summer (Dates TBD)
DRUMLINE
Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drums, & Cymbals
March Foward
Your place in history awaits! From rehearsals to game day, see what it's like to be part of UTRGV's inaugural marching band.
Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video titled: “Last Name, First Name VMB Percussion Audition 2026”
Send your video link to marchingband@utrgv.edu and francis.favis@utrgv.edu
The drumline packet with information and music can be found below. Prospective students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all music, in addition to the selections below, before Summer Band Camp.
Auditions:
1) Preliminary video submission must include:
- 8-8-16 @ 12 inches @ 132 BPM
- Accent tap @ 12 inches+ 3 inches @ 144 BPM
- Triplet Diddle @ 6 inches @ 152 BPM
2) Final placements will take place prior to Band Camp (Aug. 17)
3) Percussion camp will be held on 8/17 Monday in the band hall PAC
4) Optional drumline help-sessions coming in Spring summer (Dates TBD)
DRUMLINE
The Vaquero Marching Band is a year-round commitment (Fall & Spring), offered as both a for-credit and zero-credit course in the Fall, and a zero-credit course in the Spring.
Joining the Vaquero Marching Band is simple:
Step 1: Be a current UTRGV student or enrolled.
Step 2: Fill out our commitment form. Equipment & uniforms provided.
Once your form is submitted, your spot is guaranteed!
COLOR GUARD:
You’ve seen the flags. You’ve felt the energy. But have you ever wanted to be part of the action?
The UTRGV Color Guard is an elegant performance with power in motion. As the visual heartbeat of the Vaquero Marching Band, we bring every note to life with bold choreography on the open field. Whether it's motivating the crowd at UTRGV’s football season in Fall 2026, dazzling audiences at regional competitions, or lighting up the streets at iconic parades, we do it all with pride, precision, and passion.
No Experience? No Problem.
We welcome all performers, whether you’ve never touched a flag or you’ve spun for years. You’ll learn all core skills at our pre-audition workshop, and we’ll provide the equipment you need.
🎥 Watch our demo video to preview what we’ll cover at the workshop:
FAQs (Color Guard)
Do I need experience to audition?
Not at all! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
When do you practice?
•One week of guard camp
•Two weeks of band camp
•Practices: Mon/Wed/Thurs from 5–7:30 PM (Edinburg campus)
Do I need to be a music major?
Nope! Everyone is welcome. The class is zero credit with no cost.
Do I need to bring my own flag?
We’ve got you covered. Equipment is provided for both auditions and full-season participation.
This Is Your Moment.
Don’t just sit in the stands. Spin, dance, and perform your way into UTRGV history.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @utrgvcolorguard
COLOR GUARD:
You’ve seen the flags. You’ve felt the energy. But have you ever wanted to be part of the action?
The UTRGV Color Guard is an elegant performance with power in motion. As the visual heartbeat of the Vaquero Marching Band, we bring every note to life with bold choreography on the open field. Whether it's motivating the crowd at UTRGV’s football season in Fall 2026, dazzling audiences at regional competitions, or lighting up the streets at iconic parades, we do it all with pride, precision, and passion.
No Experience? No Problem.
We welcome all performers, whether you’ve never touched a flag or you’ve spun for years. You’ll learn all core skills at our pre-audition workshop, and we’ll provide the equipment you need.
🎥 Watch our demo video to preview what we’ll cover at the workshop:
FAQs (Color Gaurd)
Do I need experience to audition?
Not at all! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
When do you practice?
•One week of guard camp
•Two weeks of band camp
•Practices: Mon/Wed/Thurs from 5–7:30 PM (Edinburg campus)
Do I need to be a music major?
Nope! Everyone is welcome. The class is zero credit with no cost.
Do I need to bring my own flag?
We’ve got you covered. Equipment is provided for both auditions and full-season participation.
This Is Your Moment.
Don’t just sit in the stands. Spin, dance, and perform your way into UTRGV history.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @utrgvcolorguard
Take the Next Step
The Vaquero Marching Band is a year-round commitment (Fall & Spring), offered as both a for-credit and zero-credit course in the Fall, and a zero-credit course in the Spring.
Joining the Vaquero Marching Band is simple:
Step 1: Be a current UTRGV student or enrolled.
Step 2: Fill out our commitment form. Equipment & uniforms provided.
Once your form is submitted, your spot is guaranteed!
Requirements to Join
Be a current UTRGV student in good standing or a new freshman or transfer student admitted and enrolled.
Play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, or be interested in participating in the color guard.
Have good time management skills and be prepared for three rehearsals each week, as well as game day and event attendance.
Pursue a UTRGV undergraduate or graduate degree. All majors welcome – no music major requirement.
Attend the Fall 2026 Band Camp on August 17-22 from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm or August 24th-25th from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Be available for Band camp and football games: (2026 Football Schedule - UTRGV Athletics)
Join UTRGV's Marching Band with up to $2,000 available in scholarships.
Current UTRGV Students
Future UTRGV Students
HOW TO JOIN UTRGV MARCHING BAND
HOW TO JOIN UTRGV MARCHING BAND
Join UTRGV's Marching Band with up to $2,000 available in scholarships.
