The University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band, or "WMB," has a tradition of being one of the most spirited organizations on campus. Made up of students from the entire campus, with majors ranging from music education and performance to mechanical engineering and equine science, the WMB performs at all home football games and several other regional exhibitions and parades. Membership in the WMB is open to ALL students regardless of experience level. In fact, a majority of the band members are non-music majors and the band's GPA is consistently above the university average.
The season begins one week before classes start with band camp. After band camp, the band rehearses every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 8 PM. The WMB also meets Saturday mornings when there are home games to refine the show and go over the details for the day.
After rehearsals and games, many band members hang out and do social things together. Friendships are formed that last for life.
The UNH Beast of the East Band (formerly the UNH Pep Band) is a very visible spirit ensemble that performs at men's and women's hockey and basketball games during the Winter sports season. Performances begin in October and run through April, including playoff games. Generally, the Beast of the East Band as a whole is divided into two smaller bands, and each band is assigned to play an equal number of games. Over the past ten years, the Pep Band has traveled all over New England, and as far away as Minnesota and California for playoff games.
The Beast of the East Band is a course, for which members earn 0 or 1 credit per semester. Rehearsals begin on a limited basis during marching band season in the fall, and on a weekly basis when the marching band season ends. When classes begin in January, the band resumes regular weekly rehearsals. These are generally on Monday evenings from 6:10 to 7:30 PM.
The UNH Winterguard, instructed by Joe Meallo, gets together on Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in New Hampshire Hall during the Spring Semester. It is currently set up as a place to develop and hone skills with equipment and dance, rather than to put on a show. All are welcome!
