All inaugural year Titan Thunder members will continue to receive scholarship funds for every year they remain in the program. We are pleased to also offer scholarships to students who audition and are selected for leadership roles in the band in their returnee years.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
There are additional financial opportunities, including the Titan National Scholar Program for out-of-state students and the Ed Karrels Scholarship for musicians who are not music majors.

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The 2026 marching band season will officially begin with a preseason camp that opens with student leader training on August 25 and ends on September 8. All general members will arrive on August 28 for full-time camp.

When fall semester classes begin, the band will meet MWF afternoons (4:30-6:15 pm.), Tuesday evenings  (7-9 p.m.), and Saturday mornings before all home football games. The rehearsals avoid conflicts with most classes and allow resident hall students ample time to attend evening meals. The amount of weekly rehearsals will be reduced whenever the performance schedule allows, and there are very few commitments after early November.

A critical component of Titan Thunder Marching Band membership is your ability to commit to the entire rehearsal and performance schedule. Absence from a performance is not allowed except under extreme circumstances and by advance consent of the director.

Please review our rehearsal and performance calendars before applying.   

The marching band schedule is designed to be achievable for all UWO students.

In addition to Titan football home games, the Titan Thunder Marching Band will perform as the featured collegiate group on campus and select travel opportunities around the state.

The Titan Thunder Marching Band multiple different halftime shows throughout the season to entertain our fans and provide our students with a variety of performance opportunities.

2026 Performance Calendar (Subject to Change)
8/28-9/8 – Preseason Camp
9/5 – Titans vs. Linfield University (Titan Youth Spirit Day + High School Band Day)
10/3 – Titans vs. UW-La Crosse
10/4, 10-11 – Hold for High School Exhibition
10/7 – UWO Women’s Volleyball @ Kolf
10/24 – Titans vs. UW-Platteville (Homecoming)
11/14 – Titans vs. UW-Stout
11/19 – Oshkosh Holiday Parade
11/24 – Appleton Christmas Parade
TBD – The Sound of Thunder Indoor Concert
(11/21,28; 12/5,12,19; 1/9/2027 – Hold for potential postseason Football)

Do I need to have experience or know how to march? No marching experience is necessary! Instrumentalists should play at a high-school level. Contact the director with further questions!

Can I borrow an instrument?
Yes. University-owned instruments and equipment are used by students in all sections of the Titan Thunder Marching Band.

Do I need to be a music major?
No. While there are often music majors in a marching band, it isn’t required to join. In Year 4, only 20% of the band majored in a music area. Students are invited to just come out and make friends with people in your major and beyond.

Can I also be in other music ensembles?
Yes. You are welcome to perform in as many ensembles as you wish, including the Bolt Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles and other instrumental and choral offerings in the Music program.

Can I earn credit for Marching Band?
Yes. Marching band can be taken for either 0 credit or 1 credit. It also qualifies for USP Humanities and Arts credit, which is necessary for every major.

Do I need to be a UWO student to participate in the band?
Enrollment also is open to any student enrolled at a postsecondary institution, meaning current students at Ripon College, Lawrence University, Fox Valley Technical College and beyond are able to join the band through a special admission process.

How do I learn more?
Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Joseph Scheivert either by email, by phone at (920) 424-2276 or just by stopping at his office in Room N118 of the Arts and Communication Center with any questions.

Titan Thunder Thursdays 
Virtual information sessions are held on the third Thursday of the month in spring and summer. These Zoom meetings include audition and membership information, a chance to meet the staff and student leadership, the sharing of ideas for fall and more. Get Zoom details.