Playing in the band comes with a lot of advantages, whether it’s learning valuable skills like teamwork, accountability, creativity, discipline, patience, responsibility, or making great friends that might be valuable in the future. However, the cost of college wants to kill this moment with the ever-increasing tuition fee, or even living expenses that are increasing alongside.
Speaking of living expenses, if you’re a single mom, did you know there is some aid the government provides to enable you to care for your household?
Anyway, one of the best ways – perhaps the best way – to enjoy your moment and gain the best value in college band is through these scholarships for band students, some of them go as far as paying almost all your tuition fee. The best part is that you can still receive other general scholarships provided by these schools.
Moreover, there are still scholarships for students with low GPAs if they don’t have very decent grades and even some ways you can get paid to go back to school.
Before we list these scholarships let’s know if it is possible to receive a full-ride scholarship for marching band.
Table of Contents
Can You Get a Full-ride Scholarship for Marching Band?
Yes, you can receive a full-ride scholarship for marching band, however, you should know that it’s rare and very competitive. You have to be among the most talented and the best musicians to qualify, and your academic performance will also play a huge role here.
Sometimes, your marching band experience will be an added advantage, which means if you had some experience in marching band during high school days, it will definitely boost your chances too. Your music experience and leadership qualities might also be considered.
Now that we have established this fact, let’s see some of the best colleges that provide marching band scholarships.
8 Best Colleges for Marching Band Scholarships
1. Purdue University – C & L Sims Marching Band Scholarship
This scholarship was created to recognize an outstanding student in the “All-American” Marching Band. Preference will be given to Members of the “All-American” Marching Band who are students in the College of Engineering and/or Krannert School of Management.
2. Western Carolina University Marching Band Scholarships
Even though WCU provides different kinds of scholarships for Marching band students, you can still apply for other Music Scholarships including the;
- Gulley Talent Awards
- Barbara Dooley Accompanying Award
- Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Mandy Buchanan and Daniel Ledford Music Scholarship
- Academic Excellence Awards
3. Tulane University Marching Band Scholarship
Regardless of your academic major, as long as you’re competent in one of the instruments played by the marching band at Tulane University, you can audition to be considered for their scholarship. Even though awards vary they still cover tuition charges for band course enrollment, and the scholarship is renewable as long as you maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.3.
4. Baylor University – Golden Wave Band Scholarships
Just like most scholarships for band students on our list, these awards are limited, and for you to be considered you need to have ensemble instrumentation needs, musical ability, leadership potential, and student financial need. Most of these scholarships are basically need-based therefore you’ll need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Marching Bands Scholarships
First of all, all the members of the Pride of Acadiana, which is UL Lafayette’s marching band, are eligible to receive scholarships. Also, other bands are eligible for different sets of scholarships and stipends.
Not only will scholars receive financial assistance, but they will also receive meal or housing awards.
6. Bobcat Marching Band Scholarships
Texas State awards each member of their Marching Band $800 worth of scholarships for successful completion of the fall season requirements. If you’re specialized in percussion, color guard, and twirlers, you need to partake in the audition.
7. University of South Alabama Marching Band Scholarships
The University of South Alabama is one of the few schools that provide Band Scholarships to all of their Jaguar Marching Band Members. Their scholarships are awarded based on students’ talent and financial need.
Scholarship awards range from $1,600 to $2,100 annually which are renewable too.
8. UTexas at Austin Longhorn Band Scholarships
Thanks to the generous donation of loyal band alumni and friends the University of Texas at Austin is able to award marching band scholarships to more than 160 students. Their awards range from $1,200 to $3,500 and will certainly continue to increase as years pass.
Top 9 Scholarships for Band Students
9. Assumption University Band Scholarships
Assumption University provides Band Scholarships that range from $2,500 to $10,000 to incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional instrumental talent in woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Candidates also need to be committed to participating in the Assumption University Band or Jazz Ensemble.
10. UAB Band / Instrumental Scholarships
The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides merit-based scholarships for band students based on auditions of varying amounts for music majors or minors and for non-majors playing in UAB Bands. You should know that their Band Scholarships are totally based on audition, and if you perform excellently well you can get more than one scholarship.
11. Mississippi College Music and Band Scholarships
Just like UAB’s Band Scholarships, you also need to audition to be considered for additional scholarships. It’s necessary that you showcase your interest in this scholarship by contacting Mr. Salvant at dbsalvant@mc.edu.
12. Purdue Bands and Orchestras Scholarships
Annually, Purdue Bands & Orchestras awards more than $250,000 in scholarships, and incoming students can still audition virtually for an additional band scholarship known as the Leath Scholarship in February. Some of their scholarships for band students include;
- Charles Haas Memorial Scholarship
- Charles and Anna Mae Miller Band Scholarship
- David M. Martin University Bands Scholarship
- Fall Concert Band Scholarship
- Hull Woodwind Scholarship
13. Goin’ Band Scholarship
This scholarship is available to both incoming and returning students of Texas Tech University. The award is up to $1,000 per semester and incoming students must have been admitted to the University before they will be considered for the scholarship.
14. Arkansas State University Band Scholarships
One of the interesting things about the scholarship for band students provided by A-State is that both music majors and non-music majors receive up to $5,000 worth of scholarships annually. It’s necessary for you to fill out the A-State Music Audition & Scholarship Form to schedule an audition, and the audition should be completed before April 1.
15. Florida Tech Band Scholarships
Florida Tech also has a limited number of scholarships for band students per year, so you need to bring in your A-game during the audition. Auditions for potential new students will happen during their senior year of high school whereas for returning students, theirs will take place by the end of the spring semester for the following year.
16. NC State University – Musicianship-based Scholarships
Just like the name, these scholarships are not just for Band Students, but also for other student musicians enrolled in performing ensembles or pursuing a minor in music at NC State. One of the best parts is that you need to submit only a once-for-all scholarship application to be considered for not only Band Scholarships but also other scholarships you’re eligible for.
17. Northeastern State University Band Scholarships
Regardless of your Major, you’re qualified to receive a band scholarship as long as you make it past the audition and you’re admitted to NSU. Almost all students who participate in the NSU band receive scholarships, and you need to enroll and participate in at least one ensemble in the fall and spring semesters.
Conclusion
You can see that several schools provide scholarships for band students, in fact, almost or all of the Universities or colleges that have band provide some form of financial aid or scholarships to their students.
Author’s Recommendations
- 21 Scholarships For Canadian Students Studying Abroad
. - 12 Best Scholarships for British Students Home & Abroad
. - 13 Best Scholarships For Business Administration
. - 15+ Highest Paying Scholarships in Texas for International Students
. - 15 Best Scholarships for African-American Males