The Pioneer Marching Band is a 70+ member band that performs at various campus events throughout the year. Home Football performances are the bulk of the season schedule, with High School Exhibitions during the season as well. The Marching Band occasionally takes part in various parades around the Tri-State Area. Past parade performances have been the Columbus Day and St. Patrick's Day Parades in New York City, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston, the NYC Halloween Parade and the Stamford Thanksgiving Day Parade in Stamford, CT.
Pre-Season Information
The Marching Band season starts in August for pre-season camp. Camp is approximately one to two weeks before the official start of school and held throughout normal hours of the day. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are planned within the schedule. This is a time for all members to brush up on basics, memorize the show music and learn drill. All members who make a commitment to join the Marching Band will be allowed to move into his/her room early. All pre-season meals are taken care of by the band (i.e. breakfast, lunch & dinner) and will not be subtracted from your yearly meal plan.
Practices
Practices are held during the week, Monday and Thursday nights from 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM. Some Saturday rehearsals are required before Football games. Members of the Marching Band are strongly urged to coordinate their classes so they do not interfere. This is done in hopes to maximize our rehearsal time. We understand that conflicts do occur but try to plan accordingly.
Financial Assistance
All Pioneer Marching Band members are eligible to receive a Pioneer Band Grant. The grant available for Marching Band is $750. A limited number of Band Scholarships are also available with an audition.
Travel
During the season, the Marching Band tries to accompany the Football team to at least one away game. These can be overnight trips, with hotel, and some meals paid for by the band or day trips. In 2006 the Pioneer Marching Band traveled with the Football team to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY to perform at half time. The band has also traveled to Robert Morris University (Pittsburgh, PA), Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) and St. John's University (New York). These trips usually leave late enough that students will not miss class due to there obligation to the Marching Band.
For more information on the Band Grant or the Pioneer Marching Band please contact Keith Johnston at 203-365-7664; JohnstonK@sacredheart.edu.