Many Michigan colleges offer marching band programs that let you play, perform, and travel while keeping up with your studies. From energizing halftime shows to road trips with the band, these opportunities let you dive into campus life without pausing your academic goals.
Key Takeaways
- At some Michigan universities, marching band is a credit-bearing class that fits into your schedule like any other course. At others, it’s offered as an extracurricular activity. Either way, you can take part in a band while staying focused on your major.
- Most college marching bands are open to students in any major.
- Some schools offer scholarships just for marching band members, making college more accessible.
Are you looking at Michigan colleges with marching bands and wondering how music can fit into your college plans? You might love performing on the field, but also want to focus on your major and build toward your career. The good news is that you don’t have to set one aside for the other. Across the state, many Michigan colleges offer structured marching band programs that work alongside your academic schedule.
Which Michigan Colleges Have Marching Bands?
There are many college marching bands in Michigan, each offering its own style of performance, school spirit, and campus involvement. Here’s a highlight of a few of the schools and what makes each one stand out.
1. The University of Olivet
The University of Olivet is a small private liberal arts college located in Olivet, Michigan. The Marching Comets are an ensemble within the music program and reflect the university’s focus on having a well-rounded education. Woodwind, brass, percussion, and color guard students from any major can audition.
You’ll perform at football games, campus events and special events or festivals off-campus. Rehearsals and performances are structured so you can balance band with your major.
The University of Olivet offers performance scholarships for both music majors and non-music majors, so you can study any field that interests you and still stay active in music. Because of this inclusive approach, the band feels more like a campus community than a competitive corps.
2. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is the largest public university in Michigan and is located in Ann Arbor. The Michigan Marching Band (MMB) is a 400-member ensemble that includes:
- Drum major
- Flags and twirlers
- Woodwinds (piccolos, clarinets, saxophones)
- Brass (trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas)
- Drumline
MMB is a two-credit class offered through the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, but it’s open to students from all colleges within the university.
You’ll rehearse during the week and perform at home football games in Michigan Stadium, along with select rivalry games and bowl appearances. Students audition each week for a spot in the pregame and halftime performance block. After your first season, you’re eligible for marching band scholarships.
3. Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Chippewa Marching Band is a credit-bearing class and welcomes students from all majors. Once you audition and are accepted, you typically don’t have to re-audition each year.
Rehearsals are held on weekday afternoons, and the band performs at home football games and campus events. Students from more than 100 academic programs participate.
CMU offers scholarships connected to music and performance, including awards that support marching band members who demonstrate strong academics and leadership.
You don’t need to choose a major in music to be part of the marching band. If you want a consistent rehearsal schedule, school spirit, and financial support options, CMU gives you a structured way to stay involved while focusing on your degree.
4. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university located in East Lansing, with a student population of more than 50,000 students. The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is a 300-member ensemble and one of the university’s most recognized student organizations.
Only about 15% of the marching band members are music majors. That means you can pursue your academic goals and still be part of a high-level marching program. The SMB is a one-credit class that meets during the week, with additional time on game days. The band performs at all home football games and travels to selected away games and bowl games.
5. Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is a public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Its EMU Marching Band, known as the “Pride of the Peninsula,” is a one-credit course. The band performs at home football games and other campus events, helping create a lively and welcoming game-day atmosphere.
EMU emphasizes inclusivity and fun, and the marching band reflects that spirit. It’s designed to be a place where students from different majors can come together through performance.
Marching-band-specific scholarships are offered through the School of Music & Dance. These awards support active members who are in good academic standing.
6. Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is an access-oriented public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Bronco Marching Band (BMB) is a one-credit class and includes just under 300 students from virtually every academic discipline on campus. In fact, more than 75% of members are non-music majors.
The band is open to any WMU student, and even students from nearby colleges like Kalamazoo Valley Community College can participate through guest enrollment. All members must audition, but nearly 99% of students who audition are accepted. Drumline and color guard auditions require video submissions and are more competitive.
The BMB performs halftime shows at all home football games and travels to select road games. They also give exhibitions at local high schools and present a “Season in Review” concert each year.
7. Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is a public university with campuses in Allendale and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Laker Marching Band (LMB) is known as the “Pride of the Midwest” and is the university’s premier marching ensemble. It’s a one-credit class and is open to any GVSU student. Full-time students from nearby colleges can also participate by applying as guest students.
All members march in halftime shows, which means everyone has a role on the field. The band’s four pillars are growth, pride, relationships, and service. That focus shapes the way members lead, perform, and support each other.
GVSU offers marching band scholarships, including the Tom and Marcia Haas Family Laker Marching Band Scholarship for upper-level students who show strong academics and leadership. There is also a Moriah Muscaro Feature Twirler Endowed Scholarship for outstanding twirlers.
8. Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University is a public comprehensive university located in Marquette, Michigan, along Lake Superior. Its Wildcat Marching Band, known as the “Pride of the North,” is a 0.5-credit course open to all university students, regardless of major.
Before the fall semester begins, members attend a required week-long band camp. During that week, you’ll complete your marching and playing auditions and begin learning the season’s music and drill.
A typical season includes five home football games and selected campus events. The university plans band activities carefully so they fit alongside your academic schedule without taking over your semester.
NMU provides instruments and uniforms, and the university covers travel expenses for performances. That support helps keep the program accessible to students from all backgrounds. Scholarships are also available, which are specifically for active marching band members and awarded by audition.
Join the Marching Band and Grow at The University of Olivet in Michigan
If you’re looking for a smaller Michigan university with a marching band, consider The University of Olivet. With about 1,000 students and small classes, you won’t blend into the background. Professors know your name, check in with you, and genuinely want to see you succeed.
The University of Olivet offers strong programs in business, insurance, nursing, criminal justice, teaching, the sciences, and more—and those programs are shaped by mentorship and service. As a private university committed to accessibility, 100% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and the school works closely with students to keep a quality education within reach.
If you’re curious about what your college experience could look like at The University of Olivet, take the next step and apply for free today.