Band Program

As a part of the Chico State Department of Music, the band program provides goal-orientated students with a vehicle in which to reach their dreams. All students, both music and non-music majors, are given the opportunity to express themselves musically in a friendly yet challenging environment, and to bring out the talents and strengths of each performer. This atmosphere provides a social community where students can commune, creating a working environment that helps shape student's personal and social growth, making university life a more enjoyable, fruitful, and significant experience.

Chico State Bands

Wind Ensemble

Concert Band

Pep Band - Wildcat Pride

A new resurgence of an old beast, the Chico State Pep Band, MUSC 411B, known as the Wild Cat Pride, rocks through the Basketball Season and other specialty events. The Pep Band is a highly energized group of musicians that lends its musical abilities and school spirit to create a "home court advantage" for the Chico State men's and women's basketball teams. A great group if you want to have fun, play that funky music, and shake everything you got.  Open to all Chico State Students who play a wind or percussion instrument, no audition required.  Simply come to the first class meeting.

Other Information

Scholarships

We offer more that $45,000 in music scholarships each year. Auditions and/or interviews are required (contact Professor Winslow for details about application procedures). On-campus auditions (highly recommended) occur during the fall and spring semesters.

Leadership Opportunities

The Chico State band program offers several job positions, allowing qualified members of the performing ensembles to have an active role and voice in matters of great importance. Each student wishing to be heavily involved with the band staff must go though an interview process. All job positions are open to music majors and non-music majors alike, giving the staff a unique balance of talent and skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a music major to be in band or any other performing group?

No. Though many students playing in the bands and other performing ensembles are music or music education students, there are many students that are not. We enjoy having students who have varied majors because their talents outside of class add to the cohesiveness and diversity of the performing groups.

How will I have time for band?

Since you have made time in the past for music in your life, there is every reason to make time for music in college. In fact, you may find that there is more free time in college than you have ever had in your life. Each performing ensemble meets one, two, or three days a week for 50 minutes to two hours. Essentially, there is less time commitment for a college band than there is for a high school ensemble. Make the time; it’s worth it.

How many bands (performing groups) are there?

There are many large ensembles: Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Express. Some of the small ensembles include the Brass Quintet, Brass Choir, and Low Brass Choir, Clarinet Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, and Flute Ensembles. We also have excellent choral ensembles in which many of our instrumentalists perform.

Can I play in more than one ensemble and/or take private lessons?

All full-time music majors are eligible to have private instruction and are highly encouraged to participate in more than one group; however, it is not required. All students, regardless of major may participate in several performing ensembles. The more groups a musician participate in, the more rounded his or her musical experience is.