The Down and Dirty Dog Band is the Pep Band of UMBC. The mission of the band is to support the activities of the Athletic Department and student athletes of UMBC. The band is comprised of the standard band instrumentation which includes woodwinds, brass and percussion (field drums and drum set) plus electric bass and guitar. Membership is by audition, and participation is open to all UMBC students. A stipend is offered for playing home games.

Rehearsals and Games
Rehearsals are Wednesday nights at 7 PM. Rehearsals are important. We will do weekly rehearsals to learn new music and keep our musical skills sharp. As we get into the season we will not schedule rehearsals when we are playing the games. Band members are required to attend rehearsals and games plus any extra performances as required by the director. If you need to miss a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to inform the director by e-mail or phone and to make appropriate arrangements with music or equipment so that other members are able to perform in your absence. Stipends are paid to band members for performances at basketball games.

Pep Band members are responsible for their own instruments and music plus set up and tear down at games. Band members will be in place ready to go one half-hour before each game. Lateness to rehearsals and games will not be tolerated. Those not ready to start playing at the 30 minute mark will be considered late. A combination of two lateness or two not excused absences will result in a dropping of a letter grade. This also will affect your stipend for playing the games.

Music is to be learned as required. You are required to memorize UMBC Riser and the Star-Spangled Banner plus any other music as required. It is the responsibility of the band member to have their music at rehearsal and games.

E-mails and the website are the best way to communicate with all band members. Students must have a school e-mail address and an optional secondary address if desired. Students are responsible for checking e-mails and responding back when asked. Notices sent via e-mail will be considered official notices from the director. If a rehearsal or game needs to be canceled, notification will be made by e-mail as early as possible or game will be canceled at the very last minute.