Prospective Members

Welcome! Holà! Guten Tag! Goedendag! Bonjour!


So, since you've made it to this page it seems that you're interested in becoming and Down and Dirty Dawg Band member! The UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg Band (DDDB) is always welcoming new members to come out and play to support the University!

Want to get Down and Dirty? The UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg Pep Band is looking for new members for the 2013-2014 season!

Why join?
  • Get Paid to Play Music
  • Earn class credit (PHED 193) and fulfill your Physical Education GEP requirement
  • Travel with the Basketball Teams to the AEC Tournament
  • Friendships and Memories that will last a lifetime!
Here is a list of frequently asked questions from new members:

New Member: I haven't played my instrument in a while and I might be a little rusty, can I still join?

UMBC DDDB: Yes! In fact, playing in the Pep Band often rekindles one's love for playing fun music in a large ensemble and it's also a great way to get your chops back in tip top shape!

New Member: That's great! ...but how am I going to balance the Pep Band and all my classes during the semester?

UMBC DDDB: We understand how you feel. We were in your position when we started as well, and just as the old Pep Band members helped us find a good balance between band and academics, we will treat you the same! Band members are excused from any events that conflict with their class schedule. Also, did you know that the Pep Band is a class as well? Pep Band is a PE class that can fulfill your PHED graduation requirements!

New Member: When does the band rehearse?

UMBC DDDB: The band and drumline rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:10-9:40PM in the RAC arena from the first day of school through the beginning of November. The drumline also rehearses on Sunday evenings from 7-9PM. The exact rehearsal and performance schedule will be updated under the events page It is important that you DO NOT sign up for any fall class that conflicts with rehearsals..

New Member: Is the DDDB just for music majors?

UMBC DDDB: Certainly not! The DDDB is comprised of a extremely diverse set of people ranging in majors from Computer Engineering to Linguistic Studies. This is not to say that we do not accept music majors, of course we do! You are more than likely to meet some new people in the band that also have your major which means you can ask as many questions to us as you want about music OR school!

New Member: Is an audition required to be in the band?

UMBC DDDB: Aside from earning course credit, promoting school spirit, and traveling with the basketball teams, members of the pep band and drumline are eligible to earn a yearly stipend (typically about $500). To be eligible for the stipend, the student must attend a minimum number of games, as well as pass the audition. Band members are encouraged to audition (we want to pay you), but the audition is OPTIONAL. Due to the nature of percussion instruments, all drumset and drumline members must audition. Learn more about our audition process on the audition page.

New Member: What's this I hear about a Drumline?

UMBC DDDB: You heard right! In 2011, the UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg Drumline was officially formed. The drumline plays solo gigs in addition to band events. The drumline has a slightly different audition, rehearsal, and attendance requirement. Learn more by visiting the drumline page.

New Member: Wonderful! Is there anything else I should know before I jump right in?

UMBC DDDB: Not only do you get the opportunity to play at all the men's and women's home basketball games at UMBC, we also do a bit of traveling! Every year, we follow both teams to their respective conference championships! In 2006, the women won their conference and we followed them all the way to NCAA, and the next year the men followed in the women's team's footsteps and made it all the way to the NCAA as well! The band traveled all the way down to North Carolina (all expenses paid by NCAA) to help support the team! Oh, and did I forget to mention stipends? Provided that as a new or returning member, you pass a simple audition, you will be compensated for your playing and support by means of a yearly stipend! You heard me, we get paid to do what we love!

So you still want to hop on the bandwagon? Great! There are two easy steps to join the band.
  1. Make sure you play a pep or marching band instrument!

    This includes:
    • Flute & Piccolo
    • Clarinet
    • Saxophone (all flavors)
    • Mellophone & Horn
    • Trumpet & Cornet
    • Trombone
    • Baritone & Euphonium
    • Tuba
    • Guitar & Bass Guitar
    • Drumset
    • Bells
    • Marching Snare
    • Marching Quints
    • Marching Bass Drum
    • Marching Cymbals
    (Please note: Color Guard is not a part of this group or UMBC Athletics.)
  2. For more information, let us know you are interested in joining!

    Send an e-mail using the contact form. Choose the option for Pep Band or Drumline Questions.
    Make sure you include:

    • Your name
    • Your instrument
    • Any questions you may have
And that's it! You should receive a response within 24 hours.

If you have any more concerns, questions, or just want to find out what we're about, don't hesitate to contact us!