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March to greatness with the Vaquero Marching Band
As UTRGV begins its inaugural football season, the Vaquero Marching Band rises as a vibrant symbol of school spirit and musical excellence. With more than 190 students from across the university, the band delivers high-energy performances that reflect the pride of UTRGV and the Rio Grande Valley. The ensemble builds a legacy rooted in unity, passion, and cultural celebration.
From electrifying pregame fanfare to halftime shows featuring iconic Mexican music, the Vaquero Marching Band offers more than entertainment—it represents community, commitment, and the dynamic spirit of the university. Whether in the stands or on the field, the band’s rhythm, energy, and presence resonate with every beat, every note, and every step.
Join the Band
- Be a current UTRGV student in good standing or a new freshman or transfer student admitted and enrolled.
- Play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, or be interested in participating in the color guard.
- Have good time management skills and be prepared for three rehearsals each week, as well as game day and event attendance.
- Pursue a UTRGV undergraduate or graduate degree. All majors welcome – no music major requirement.
Marching Band
Submit a Marching Band Interest Form. Once your form is submitted, your spot is guaranteed!
High School Students or Recent High School Graduates
Drumline and Color Guard
Students interested in joining the drumline or color guard can follow the optional steps listed in their respective tabs.
Add to your Marching Band experience with an optional Drumline sign up.
Auditions are in two parts. The drumline packet with information and music can be found below. Prospective students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all music, in addition to the selections below, before Summer Band Camp.
Part 1: Preliminary Video Submission
- Record a single-take audition video
- Preliminary video submission must include:
- 8-8-16 @ 12 inches @ 132 BPM
- Accent Tap @ 12 inches+ 3 inches @ 144 BPM
- Triplet Diddle @ 6 inches @ 152 BPM
- Upload your audition to YouTube
- Set video to unlisted.
- Title the video: “Last Name, First Name VMB Percussion Audition 2025”
- Send your video link to marchingband@utrgv.edu and francis.favis@utrgv.edu
Part 2: Final placements
- Final placements will take place during Summer Band Camp (Aug. 18–29, 2025)
You’ve seen the flags. You’ve felt the energy. But have you ever wanted to be part of the action?
Founded in 2023, the UTRGV Color Guard is an elegant performance with power in motion. As the visual heartbeat of the Vaquero Marching Band, we bring every note to life with bold choreography on the open field. Whether it's motivating the crowd at UTRGV’s inaugural football season in Fall 2025, dazzling audiences at regional competitions, or lighting up the streets at iconic parades, we do it all with pride, precision, and passion.
Submit your Audition Interest Form
No Experience? No Problem.
We welcome all performers, whether you’ve never touched a flag or you’ve spun for years. You’ll learn all core skills at our pre-audition workshop, and we’ll provide the equipment you need.
Watch our demo video to preview what we’ll cover at the workshop
Color Guard FAQs
Do I need experience to audition?
Not at all! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
- One week of guard camp
- Two weeks of band camp
- Practices: Mon/Wed/Thurs from 5–7:30 PM (Edinburg campus)
Do I need to be a music major?
Nope! Everyone is welcome. The class is zero credit with no cost.
Do I need to bring my own flag?
We’ve got you covered. Equipment is provided for both auditions and full-season participation
How to Apply
FAQs
Students who join the inaugural UTRGV Marching Band are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in scholarships. $1,000 will be awarded in Fall 2025 during the marching season, and the remaining $1,000 will be awarded in Spring 2026 if the student remains enrolled and in good standing.
- Current UTRGV students in good standing.
- New freshmen and new transfer students who have enrolled at UTRGV.
Although previous marching experience is not required, it is helpful if you have played an instrument recently, ideally within the past 2-3 years. However, we welcome everyone to participate in our auditions and give it a try!
Students are NOT required to declare a music major to join the marching band.
Students will be required to register for MUEN 1156.
Please fill out the interest form above to receive additional information on the marching band and the next steps needed to become a UTRGV Vaquero.
The marching band is composed of woodwind, brass, percussion, and color guard units.
The marching band will play at football games, holiday parades, and campus and community events across the Rio Grande Valley.
Transportation will be provided between both campuses including game day and community events.
Learn more about UTRGV music scholarships and university scholarship opportunities.
Instruments can be provided at no cost to qualified students.