Join the Band

YES! Many members of the Maverick Stampede receive a marching band specific scholarship for their participation.  Scholarships typically range from $200-$500 depending on the student's ability, positive contribution to the ensemble, previous experience, and prior years of service with the Maverick Stampede. For more specific information, please contact Mr. Bajorek: [email protected] 

You do not need to be a music major to receive a marching band scholarship.  However, with the large size of the ensemble it is not possible for everyone to receive a scholarship. Scholarships are yielded based on ensemble needs.

Additional award money for participation in any of the CMU Bands can be earned by being appointed as a member of the Leadership Team or by participating in the Rowdy Brass Band (August-May).

All Maverick Stampede members must register for MUSP 147, 247, 347, or 447. The Maverick Stampede is an official CMU course. Students have the option to take the course for for either 1 Kinesiology credit (a requirement for all CMU students) or for "zero" credit. See the guide below for more detail on which course to take: 

Register for the Official Marching Band Course: 

• MUSP 147 (1st year participant)
  • Section 001: 1 Kinesiology/Elective credit option (KINE credit available 1 time only)
• MUSP 247 (2nd year participant)
  • Section 001: 1 Kinesiology/Elective credit option (KINE credit available 1 time only)
  • Section 002: 0 credit option (no cost option)
• MUSP 347 (3rd year participant)
  • Section 001: 1 Kinesiology/Elective credit option (KINE credit available 1 time only)
  • Section 002: 0 credit option (no cost option)
• MUSP 447 (3rd year participant)
  • Section 001: 1 Kinesiology/Elective credit option (KINE credit available 1 time only)
  • Section 002: 0 credit option (no cost option)

Yes. Students participating in the Maverick Stampede MUST register for the official course.  

Registration will enable you to receive college credit for your participation, and it is required in order to receive a scholarship should you be eligible.  

Students will be able the receive one Kinesiology activity credit (KINA, 2-3 required for all CMU students - like PE credits) for their participation in the marching band during their first year of membership.  This is a huge benefit and should be highly considered for students that are interested in participating.  

The Maverick Stampede is one of the most time-efficient student groups to join as it takes relatively few hours compared to the benefits of joining. The schedule is far less than most high school band programs.

Participants are required to participate in a short preseason camp, held approximately one week before classes begin each fall. 

Regular season rehearsals are from 5:30-8:30 pm on Tuesday & Thursday evenings starting the first day of the fall term.  

The band plays at home games and local band competitions. Full ensemble travel occurs from time to time, but nearly all commitments are finished by the last home game - usually early November. 

No, there are no "band fees", however, there are a few one-time-only purchases required for first year members. 

Participation in the Maverick Stampede is one of the least expensive campus activities at CMU and in many cases is less expensive than many other college bands.  

Even when the band travels, these costs are covered for members (FREE TRAVEL!).  

Members are asked to purchase few items which are discounted up to 60% off of retail. 

• An official CMU Bands Member Shirt: ~$15-20
• A CMU Bands Ballcap: $15-20
• CMU Bands Warmup Apparel: $30
• Black marching shoes: Available for purchase, however, most students already own these! Approved brands include Dinkles, MTX, Drillmasters, Speedsters, and StylePlus - if you are unsure, simply email Mr. Bajorek: [email protected]  

The Stampede Center is the home of the Maverick Stampede. Built in 2017, this state-of-the-art facility provides a dedicated field and storage space for the athletic bands. 

The Moss Performing Arts Center which is home to the CMU Wind Symphony, Rowdy Brass Band, and many other ensembles and courses associated with the department of music. 

In only a few short years of existence, the Maverick Stampede is proud to hold the titles of CMU's largest student organization and the largest marching band on the Western Slope.  Membership has been as high as 160 members with strong growth potential in the coming years! 

Hornline (all woodwind and brass instruments): No pre-audition is required for students wishing to perform on woodwind and brass instruments. Students will experience placement auditions during band camp to ensure all members have their best opportunity to perform with success. 

Previous participation in band is encouraged by not required. In fact, some members have had their first marching band experience with the Stampede! 

Percussion: Students interested in participating in the drumline and pit ensemble will participate in placement audition at a pre-training camp percussion clinic. 

Colorguard: No pre-audition is required however, colorguard members are asked to have at least one year of visual ensemble experience of some kind. 

Yes, there will be a short and fun camp starting one week before classes begin each fall.  Attendance at all events associated with this camp are required of all participants.  

Also, students that will be living in on-campus housing will be able to move-in early (the day prior to camp start) with no extra charge for this early arrival time.  This is a huge benefit for students that is only offered to marching band members and other student athletes.

Incoming freshman who are interested in being in the marching band, but would also like to take the ESP (Early Start Program) or FYI (Freshman Year Initiative) course also offered one week before classes begins are encouraged to participate in the alternative ESP or FYI courses that are also offered during the regular Fall term, so as not to interfere with this pre-season marching band camp.

If you would like further clarification, please contact Mr. Bajorek - [email protected] or Dr. Hinkle - [email protected] 

The department of music has purchased complete sets of marching battery percussion, approved pit ensemble instruments, and large brass instruments like Mellophones, Trombones, Baritones, & Sousaphones.  

Students who play smaller instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophones (alto, tenor, and bari), and trumpet) will need to provide their own instrument. Please contact Mr. Bajorek if you have concerns about providing your own instrument. 

Yes, regular attendance is expected. However, students with special circumstances or concerns should speak directly with Mr. Bajorek. The full attendance policy is available in our course syllabus, which is shared once a student is registered for Maverick Stampede.