The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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As the pride and joy of the crowd, you’ll take the field during UTRGV’s 2025 inaugural football game, making history as one of the first to march with Vaquero spirit at our very first football game! From game days and campus events to holiday parades across the Valley, you'll energize audiences and create unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.


Want to play music and get help paying for college? Members of the UTRGV Marching Band can earn up to $2,000 in scholarships.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your musical skills or join a team of passionate, like-minded performers, this is your moment. Don’t just watch history happen…


...be the Rhythm, the Energy, and the Heart of it all with the UTRGV Marching Band!

March to greatness with UTRGV Marching Band

Marching

Forward

Be First on the Field

I am a High School Student

Want to learn more? 

Fill out our interest form:

Enhance your college experience

All majors can earn college credit

Up to $2,000 scholarship & instruments available

Why should you join the marching band?

Requirements to Join

Get More Info

FAQs

Explore Music Ensembles

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.

If you are currently a UTRGV Student, fill out the interest form below, and we will contact you with more information. 

Future Students can follow the link below.

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.


UTRGV Ensembles
Start Your Journey!
FAQsRequirements

Get EXCITED  UTRGV is getting a marching band!

Start your Journey!

Join UTRGV's Inaugural Marching Band with up to $2000 available in scholarship.

I am a Current UTRGV Student
Learn MoreMarching Foward

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:

Future Vaquero

I am a Current UTRGV Student interested in more information:

I am a Current UTRGV Student

Join UTRGV's Inaugural Marching Band with up to $2,000 available in scholarships. 

Be First on the Field

Are you a future or current UTRGV student with a passion for music?
Join the 
award-winning UTRGV Marching Band!

Take the Next Step

Joining the Vaquero Marching Band is simple: Just submit a short video showcasing your skills, and you're in!

 Once your video is submitted, your spot is guaranteed. We’ll use your video to determine your best fit within the band, so we can place you where you’ll shine.


 DEADLINE: Submit your video by August 1st to secure your spot.

Woodwinds & Brass | Colorguard

Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video titled: “Last Name, First Name VMB Audition 2025”

Send your video link to 
marchingband@utrgv.edu

Woodwinds & Brass
Your video must include:
   Bb, Eb, and F concert scales (
full range)
   Full range


Color Guard

Your video must include:
   A single-take flag routine
   Choreography may be from Marching            Band, WGI, etc.

   Your high school fight song

Drumline (Optional)

Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video titled: “Last Name, First Name VMB Percussion Audition 2025”

Send your video link to 
marchingband@utrgv.edu and   francis.favis@utrgv.edu

Auditions are in two phases.
   Preliminary video submission must                    include:
         8-8-16 @ 12 inches @ 132 BPM
         Thirteen @ 12 inches+ 3 inches @ 72 BPM
         Triplet Diddle @ 6 inches @ 152 BPM

   Final placements will take place during            Summer Band Camp (Aug. 18–29)


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. 

Learn More About VMBLearn More About VMBExplore Music Ensembles

Woodwinds & Brass | Colorguard

Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video titled: “Last Name, First Name VMB Audition 2025”

Send your video link to 
marchingband@utrgv.edu

Woodwinds & Brass
Your video must include:
    Bb, Eb, and F concert scales 
 
    Full range


Color Guard

Your video must include:
    A single-take flag routine
    Choreography may be from             Marching Band, WGI, etc.

   Your high school fight song

Drumline (Optional)

Submit a single-take, unlisted YouTube video titled: “Last Name, First Name VMB Percussion Audition 2025”

Send your video link to 
marchingband@utrgv.edu and   francis.favis@utrgv.edu

Auditions are in two phases.
   Preliminary video submission             must include:
         8-8-16 @ 12 inches @ 132 BPM
         Thirteen @ 12 inches+ 3 inches           @ 72 BPM
         Triplet Diddle @ 6 inches @                152 BPM

   Final placements will take place        during Summer Band Camp              (Aug. 18–29)


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 an admitted and enrolled high school student.

 Step 2: Submit a video by following the instructions below, based on your section (woodwind & brass, percussion, or color guard)

 Once your video is submitted, your spot is guaranteed. We’ll use your video to determine your best fit within the band, so we can place you where you’ll shine.

 DEADLINE: Submit your video by August 1st to secure your spot.

I am a Current High School Student

Joining the Vaquero Marching Band is simple: 

Step 1: Be a current UTRGV student or an admitted and enrolled high school student.

 Step 2: Submit an interest form. Students interested in joining the drumline can follow the optional steps below.

 Once your form is submitted, your spot is guaranteed!