The Band is open to all Princeton University undergraduate and graduate students. (Princeton University alumni may also participate.) While the Band is composed primarily of musicians (duh!), non-musicians are also welcome.

We're NOT Your High School Band

If you played in your high school band, and were turned off by marching back and forth in straight lines all day and playing cheesy music, you should definitely give us a try -- we're everything your high school band wasn't. And then some.

Sure, we play music. A lot of music; we perform at football, basketball, lacrosse, and hockey games. But our motto is "Music, marching, mirth and merriment"; and we take the "mirth and merriment" part as seriously as the music. (We're not really sure about that "marching" thing.)

We feature some of the best musicians on campus, but you don't have to be a virtuouso to join; we welcome musicians of all abilities. Even if you haven't played that old horn in five years, as long as you're enthusiastic and willing to give it a try, you'll be welcome in the Band.

Non-Musicians Also Welcome

Even if can't tell a "measure" from a "crescendo", there's still a place for you in the Princeton Band. Non-musicians form the "Elite Percussion Corp," fondly known as Trash Percussion.

You can devise your own instrument -- some good trash instruments have included stuffed animals, a pineapple struck with a banana, a Wisk bottle, the whip, lawn flamingos, a pair of french breads, and an inflatable kiddie pool (struck with a toilet plunger, of course). The ideal trash instrument is one that makes little or no sound, is easy to carry, and looks silly when used as an instrument.

During football season, trash percussionists are featured in our shows' many sight gags; they often construct and handle props, or play the part of icebergs, bullets, hieroglyphics, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, PacMan, a stain on a famous blue dress, etc.

How to Join

Very easily. You can always call our President. He can answer any questions you may have (at least, those involving the Band or the direction of the Falkland Islands).

Or show up at a music rehearsal; these are generally Tuesday nights; check the schedule for the next one. (Music rehearsals are normally held in the basement of Woolworth Music Center, Room 033.)

Or visit us at a gig (we'll be the ones cleverly disguised in the orange and black plaid).

The point is, you can join at any time. We recruit at the start of each year, but lots of our members joined much later, even in senior year, often after seeing us perform and realizing how much fun the Band is.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact any of the officers or fill this out and we'll get answer your questions as soon as possible.