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What is the Warhawk Marching Band? The Warhawk Marching Band, in existence since 1939, is an ensemble that shows the best that UW-Whitewater has to offer. Our students have been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for our dedication to excellence, precision, and pride. In the past 50 years, the ensemble has had the opportunity to perform at many prestigious events, including 15 NFL football games and 3 Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day ceremonies. Membership in this group will provide you with memories and friends that will last you a lifetime. Do I need to try out for the ensemble? The group is a non-audition ensemble, but placement auditions will be held for percussionists and colorguard positions. What does your band consist of? The winds consist of flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, baritones, mellophones, trumpets, flugelhorns, and tubas. Many instruments are provided by the university for you to use. We also have a full marching percussion section as well as a "pit" section. Similar to that of a drum corps, our pit includes xylophones, electric basses, and other related instruments. Our colorguard section has positions for flags, rifles, and sabres. How often do you rehearse? We rehearse from 3:30-4:30pm Monday-Thursday at our practice field at the Foster Track Complex (weather permitting) or in CA1005. On performance weekends, we generally have a 1.5 hour practice in Perkins Stadium on Friday afternoons. When we perform at Saturday football games (generally a 1pm start), the band meets to warm up between 11:30am and noon. The percussion section and colorguard may also have rehearsals outside of class time. Where do you perform? The Warhawk Marching Band performs at all UW-Whitewater football games, the WSMA State Marching Band Championships, and occasionally other special events (Packers/Brewers games, etc). This year, the band will perform at 5 home football games as well as 2 exhibition performances at the State Marching Band Championships. The WSMA show is held in our very own Perkins Stadium, and our 10:15pm performance is generally in front up up to 10,000 screaming fans. What marching style do you use? Our ensemble uses a drum corps style "roll" step. If you came from a high school that didn't use this technique, don't worry. You will learn everything you need to know in band camp. What do we play during our performances? All of the music that the band plays is memorized. For each game, the ensemble learns 2-3 tunes to play in the stands. In addition, we learn drills for about 5-6 pieces throughout the marching season. We do a pregame routine, halftime show, and postgame show at every home football game. The style of pieces that we play for our halftime shows varies from year to year. Last year, we performed "Thriller," "Blues in the Night," "Midnight Voyage," and "Phantom of the Opera." What do I need to bring and what is provided by the school? All parts of your uniform are provided by the school, including white gloves. Black marching band shoes with a "roll step" cut in the back must be worn at performances. Representatives from an area music store will come during band camp so you may order a pair if you need them. What is your fight song? UW-Whitewater's Fight Song is the "Warhawk Battle Cry" by Paul Yoder. A recording can be found on our "Music" page. If there are any other questions, please contact Dr. Hayes or Mr. Wilkinson (percussion) |
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