Joining the FSU Marching Chiefs

Membership is determined by audition. Flag and majorette auditions are held in April; brass, woodwind, and percussion auditions are held in August.

Who can be a Marching Chief?

Marching Chiefs is an ensemble-class in the College of Music open to students meeting the following criteria:

  1. Official enrollment at Florida State University, or admission to the Dual Enrollment program with a qualifying institution;
  2. Successful completion of the audition procedure;
  3. Permission of the Director to enroll in the ensemble-class.

How do I get complete audition information?

Complete audition information is provided upon request. You may request audition information by (1) using the request form provided at this web site, (2) calling the FSU Band Office at (850) 644-3507, or (3) by writing to us. The results of the audition are reviewed and approved by the Director of the Marching Chiefs. (All potential students need Director approval before admission to the course is granted.)

Once we receive your request, you will be entered in our data base of potential new students. During your senior year of high school, you will receive a variety of informative mailings about the Marching Chiefs as well as other FSU Bands.

If you are a flag or majorette student, the most important document to look for is the Auxiliary Audition Information sheet which is mailed to potential new members around March 1 of the spring before you first enter FSU as a freshman or transfer student. Look for this information in early March. If you do not receive it by March 15, call the band office immediately at (850) 644-3507.

If you are a brass, woodwind, or percussion student, the most important document to look for is the "Welcome Book" which is mailed to potential new members around July 1 of the summer before you first enter FSU as a freshman or transfer student. Look for the "Welcome Book" in early July. If you do not receive this by July 15, call the band office immediately at (850) 644-3507.

If you are a high school junior or younger and request information, you will receive some informative literature, but audition information will not be sent until the months before your enrollment at FSU. (Please note that it is your responsibility to notify the band office of address changes.)

Will Marching Chiefs interfere with my school work?

Rehearsals are scheduled at a time of day when few other classes meet and little class time is lost due to travel. With careful planning you should have time to participate in the Marching Chiefs.

As with any college activity, you will be responsible for keeping track of your time and keeping up with all of your academic work.

Plan ahead you can do it!