Interested in joining the marching band?

Here's how in five easy steps:

1. Text BAND to 803-205-0280 and fill out the form sent to your phone.
2. Look over our new member audition instructions.
Woodwind and Brass Players: Submit your video link for screening audition as soon as March 1. Review of videos begins in April. We will continue to review submissions throughout the spring and summer, and auditions will continue to be accepted as space permits. Drumline, Colorguard, Coquettes: See specific web pages for more audition information.
3. Schedule an early date for your orientation session to avoid course conflicts with Marching Band.
4. Watch for registration information that will be emailed to you in early June.
5. Members report to band camp in August.

Who we are

Founded in 1920 as a student-led group of approximately 20 students, the Carolina Band has grown to number more than 360 students representing over 70 academic majors and 20 states. Students in the Carolina Band represent nearly every college and school on the USC Columbia campus, with numerous Honors College students and Capstone Scholars. Having marched for over a century, it continues to entertain fans, serve the university and community, and provide students with an outlet to represent the very best of what the University of South Carolina has to offer.

What we do

The Carolina Band performs for home football games at Williams-Brice Stadium and at all away games. Performing regularly for millions on national television, recent highlights include appearances at the 2013 and 2018 Outback Bowl, 2018 Belk Bowl, 2021 Duke's Mayo Bowl and 2022 Gator Bowl. In fall 2015 the band was invited to perform as the halftime entertainment for a Carolina Panthers NFL game in Charlotte, NC. The Carolina Band also performs at high school marching exhibitions, with recent guest appearances at the 2021 South Carolina 2A/4A Marching Band Championship and 2022 Cobb County Marching Band Exhibition in Atlanta.

“The Mighty Sound of the Southeast” performs powerful, exciting and entertaining music designed to reach a wide-ranging audience. The band’s traditional pregame show and varied halftime shows highlight all genres of music, from traditional school songs to pop music, including rock, jazz and music from movies and television.

Students in the Carolina Band participate in a pre-season camp and rehearse Tuesday through Friday from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at the Copenhaver Band Hall (326 Sumter St.), a $10 million state-of-the-art rehearsal facility.

Scholarships and out-of-state tuition reduction

Each member of the Carolina Band receives a $500 scholarship for participation. In addition, all out-of-state full-time Carolina Band students who are not already receiving a tuition reduction from other scholarships or sources on campus receive a tuition reduction for the fall and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year. Based on the 2024-2025 tuition rates, this waiver reduces out-of-state tuition from $17,949 per semester and $35,898 per year to $9,893.25 per semester and $19,786.50 per year. Minimum academic requirements apply.

Auditions

New woodwind and brass players interested in joining the Carolina Band must submit a prescreening audition video. Prospective members may submit videos beginning March 1, 2025. Review of videos begins in April 2025. Submissions continue to be reviewed throughout the spring and summer, and auditions continue to be accepted as space permits. On-campus auditions will be held in April for the Drumline, Colorguard and Coquettes. When openings occur, auditions are also held for Feature Twirlers.

For questions about the Carolina Band, contact the USC Band Office at 803-777-4278 or uscbands@mozart.sc.edu.

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