If you’ve ever attended any football or basketball games or gone to a concert in the Reynolds Performance Hall chances are you have, at some point, heard one of UCA’s many different bands play.
However, according to the UCA bands’ website, the Bear Marching Band is the largest and most well known band on campus with over 190 members.
Not only does UCA have a traditional marching band the BMB – the group of people sitting in the stands at games, holding instruments, and wearing purple and white outfits- but it also has three concert bands, three jazz ensembles, the Purple Rage Pep Band, and a few others.
While bands like the wind ensemble and the symphonic band are only for music majors or, as the website puts it, “exceptional non-majors.” The BMB provides opportunities to play in a band for anyone of any major with instrument experience.
Senior and drum major, Jake Gatlin spoke about his experience in the last four years with the band.
“I’ve grown a lot since I came here as a freshman and despite all the long rehearsals and rainy days it’s always been fun,” Gatlin said.
According to the band’s website the BMB rehearses every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two hours and they rehearse again on game days.
They play at all home football games, and women and men’s basketball games.
“It’s been an incredible experience getting to experience band on the collegiate level, senior, Ty Hollowell said. “I have absolutely loved marching season and going to guest performances at high schools.”
Hollowell said that even though he is not a music major or minor he plays for his love of music and the enjoyment he gets from being around other people who love to create music.
Their website says they go by the motto “Passion, Pride – Work Hard, Play Hard.”
photo by Lauren Swaim
