Marching Ram Band
General Information
The Marching “Ram Band” heightens the competitive atmosphere at football games through entertaining performances and a display of school spirit. The “Ram Band” is the largest student organization on campus and offers its students the opportunity to develop life skills through teamwork and leadership, on campus and beyond. In addition to performing at all home football games, the band generally travels to one away game each year. Regularly scheduled rehearsals now take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00am-12:50pm and before home football games.
With the exception of the twirlers, and drumline, there are no auditions to be part of the “Ram Band;” we welcome all students to participate regardless of their intended area of study. This is a fall-only ensemble, and our Early Week Band Camp will start on the Monday before the first day of classes in the fall: August 18, 2012. Any students that wish to be part of the organization are expected to attend Early Week. The students intending to participate will receive packet in the mail early summer of 2012 that outlines how to register for the class and what to bring to Early Week. Please take a moment to fill out and return a personnel form so that the packet can be mailed to an appropriate address.
For more information about being part of the Marching Ram Band and for scholarship opportunities, please contact Dr. Daniel McCloud, Director of Bands.
Audition Information
Because of the limited number of possible positions in the drumline, any student interested in being part of one of these sections must audition. Drumline auditions are primarily for placement purposes and will be conducted during the first day of Early Week Band Camp.
Drumline
Angelo State University Drumline is an official Educational Endorser Ensemble for Promark® and will exclusively use the following sticks and mallets:
- TXDC1W (snare sticks)
- ABR-AB4 (bass drum mallets)
- ATA1 (tenor mallets)
Any student planning to audition for the drumline must bring their own snare sticks and tenor mallets, and are strongly encouraged to procure the aforementioned products; we will provide bass drum mallets. Currently, there is no keyboard percussion in the “Ram Band.”
Color Guard
As of the fall 2011 season, we will no longer have a color guard. We have decided to move in a different and unconventional direction and we encourage all would-be color guard members that play an instrument to do so. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Twirlers
Twirler auditions usually take place in April for the upcoming fall season. Up to five twirlers will be chosen as members of the Twirling Line with one designated as the Feature Twirler of the Marching “Ram Band.” The number of positions is flexible based on the number of qualified auditions. Twirler auditions will be closed; no spectators allowed. Candidates are expected to wear a standard twirler uniform that is free of a school logo. Sound equipment will be provided, CD’s preferred.
The 2011-12 Feature Twirler is Vanessa Carrasco
Learn more about twirler auditions.
Angelettes
The Angelettes are the official Angelo State University dance team and can be seen at home football and basketball games, and at specially sanctioned university events.
Members of the Angelettes receive scholarships that increase annually for dancers who are invited to return-based on positive history in the organization and audition results- for the next school year. Any current or incoming female student is welcome to audition
Leadership Opportunities
There are a number of leadership opportunities for students in the “Ram Band” ranging from Drum Majors and Section Leaders to Band Council. Band Council is a group of peer-elected “Ram Band” representatives that work to maintain favorable student conditions in the organization. The Band Council is made up of 8 distinct positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Angelettes Representative, Senior Representative, Junior Representative, and Sophomore Representative. All members of the Band Council must have been a member of the “Ram Band” for at least one year, and should expect to attend periodic meetings and Special Sessions with the Directors of Bands as needed.
The 2011-12 Band Council:
President Brittany McCulloch
Vice-President Ashley Hagins
Secretary Bryan Simmons
Treasurer Jennifer Valdivia
Angelettes Representative Jade Robbins
Senior Representative Nick Alberts
Junior Representative Philip Linsey
Sophomore Representative Jerica Horn
“Ram Band” Section Leaders are responsible for the overall quality of their section, both in terms of playing and marching. They conduct music sectionals and act as field assistants during drill rehearsal. Additionally, they will distribute the drill coordinate sheets and music for all rehearsals. They are the role models for their section and strive to make their section the best it can be. Section Leaders are appointed based on positive history in the organization, playing/performance ability, and leadership qualities. Applications for section leader positions are submitted mid-spring semester and the candidates are then invited to interview with the directors. Students holding Section Leader positions are awarded additional scholarships.
The 2011-12 Section Leaders:
Woodwind Section Leader Brittany McCulloch
Mid Voice Section Leader Chloe Fann
Low Brass Section Leader Jeremy Flint
Center Snare/Drumline Section Leader Nick Alberts
Angelettes Captain Trisha Bradshaw
Angelettes Co-Captain Jade Robbins
Drum Majors are responsible for conducting the major portion of on-field performances, assisting with drill instruction, and serving as a visible leader in The “Ram Band.” Drum Majors act as a liaison between the Section Leaders and the directors. Students serving as Drum Majors will receive additional scholarships. Drum Majors are selected based on their musicianship and leadership skills. Applications for the Drum Major positions are submitted mid-spring semester and qualified candidates are invited to audition.
The 2011-12 Drum Majors:
Head Drum Major Nikki Moore
Assistant Drum Major Ruben Cadena
The Equipment Managers are responsible for transporting water, podiums, and stadium stands to and from rehearsal and performance areas as well as setting up and clearing those spaces. Additional duties may include assisting the directors with administrative tasks. Students serving as Equipment Managers will receive additional scholarships. We are now accepting applications for this position. Please contact Dr. McCloud for more information.
