Student Membership
Membership is open to any student with previous band experience:
- Woodwinds
- Brass
- Drumline
- Front Ensemble
- Color Guard
- Majorettes
Auditions are held for part-assignment purposes only.
Bands
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In This Section
Overview
The Saint Vincent Band Program is open to students of all majors. Students with previous band experience can join any number of faculty-led groups including the SVC Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band.
Music, Theater, & Performing Arts
Marching Band
The SVC Marching Band is a dynamic performing arts ensemble and a vibrant, tight-knit community. It is one of the most visible and active performance organizations on campus. Students in the band forge lasting friendships, hone performance skills, and provide service to the college and community. Members participate in band camp, home football games, area band festivals, parades, and other campus events.
Benefits and Scholarship
There are no fees to participate, and all instruments and equipment are provided. Students do not pay for meals or housing during band camp. Incoming and prospective students can apply for a $500-$1,000 Marching Band Scholarship. These awards renew automatically each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the time commitment?
A: Members participate in band camp, two two-hour rehearsals per week, home Saturday football games (9:30am-3:30pm, approx. 5 per season) and select Saturday band festivals and events.
Q: Can I be in the band if I never marched in high school?
A: Yes! New members learn everything they need to know at band camp.
Q: Am I good enough to be in the band?
A: If you have previous band experience and are excited to perform, we are excited to have you. We accept students who have taken time off from band for any reason.
Q: I did marching band in high school - will college be different?
A: College programs can range greatly in marching style, difficulty, and time commitment. Saint Vincent is a corps-style, non-competitive band that prepares one field show each season. It has the same attendance requirements as a fall sport.
2025 Notable Dates:
Band Camp: August 17-22, 2025 Fall
Band Day: October 18, 2025
High school band students grades 9-12 can register to spend the day on campus and perform as part of the SVC Marching Band.
Get Started / Reach Out
Say hello, ask questions, or start the registration process today. Email bands@stvincent.edu .
Set up a time to meet with us: When scheduling a personal visit to campus, you can select Athletic Meeting - Band.
Concert Band
The Concert Band performs classic and contemporary wind band literature for college and community audiences throughout the year. Opportunities are available for woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Course number: MU 172, 0-1 credits
- Rehearsals: Mondays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Semesters: Fall and Spring
- Auditions are held each fall for part-assignment purposes only.
- Director permission is required: Email Dr. Sean Durkin, sean.durkin@stvincent.edu, for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I borrow an instrument from the school?
A: Select instruments (tuba, euphonium, french horn, bass clarinet) can be borrowed on request.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is a select group that performs music from the African and Latin-American jazz idioms. Students practice jazz interpretation and improvisation skills through weekly rehearsals and multiple performances throughout the year. Opportunities are available for saxophones, trombones, trumpets, guitar, bass guitar, piano, drum set, and auxiliary percussion.
- Course number: MU 175, 0-1 credits
- Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Semesters: Fall and Spring
- Auditions are held each fall.
- Director permission is required: Email Dr. Sean Durkin, sean.durkin@stvincent.edu, for more information.
Pep Band
The Pep Band supports men’s and women’s home basketball games plus other college events. Opportunities are available for woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Semesters: Spring
- Director permission is required: Email Dr. Sean Durkin, sean.durkin@stvincent.edu, for more information.
Contact Us
Email: bands@stvincent.edu for more information or to get started.
Marching Band Directors
Dr. Sean Durkin
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Bands
sean.durkin@stvincent.edu
Sarah Curran
Admission Counselor
Director of Auxiliary
sarah.curran@stvincent.edu