Homecoming

Homecoming registration is now closed. For questions (or pleading!), please contact us at president@umbao.org. Thank you to everyone who will make this the largest Maryland alumni band ever!

This is a monumental year for the Maryland Bands, and the Homecoming kick-off will set the standard for the year's Centennial festivities. Nearly 500 alumni will be marching in this year's Homecoming game. Take a look at the list of who's marching in the alumni band.

We have a full day of activities including Pre-game and Half-time performances at the game. This year, Homecoming isn't for the football team, or the students, or even the University — it's for us, the band members that brought the Maryland Bands to the 100-year mark.

Important Notes

• Parking. On Friday night, parking is available in Lots 1 & Z next to CSPAC, and possibly the parking garage across from the band room. On Saturday, we recommend parking at the garage at the Marriott for $10 (note - all campus lots are $15), and will run transportation between the hotel and CSPAC from the front of the hotel. Finally, there is also limited parking on the shoulder of 193 near the Stadium Drive entrance. For more information on game day parking, and to view the football parking map, see UMD Parking Info & Map.
• Friday Night Reception. The Centennial Reception and the Homecoming Alumni Band check-in start at 5:00 pm. We invite ALL Band Alums to mix, mingle, and share stories for the evening. There will be light fare, media presentations, pictures, and maybe a surprise or two. The Reception will continue when the Homecoming Alumni Band participants leave for rehearsals, but will continue when they return.
• Friday night check-in and rehearsal is MANDATORY for 2008. It will be impossible to hold check-in on Saturday morning, and we will need the evening rehearsal to prep both the pre-game and half-time performances. Reception and check-in start at 5:00 pm. You can arrive anytime, but Homecoming Alumni Band participants need to arrive by 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm rehearsals. Band participants will leave to hold rehearsals from 7:30-9:00 pm (music, flags/silks, poms/dancers and batons/majorettes), but will return to the reception afterward.
• You can just play in the band and march to Byrd Stadium — you don't have to march pre-game or half-time if you prefer to watch. Our "baby brigade" is growing larger every year!

Logistics for 2008

• Pre-Game and Half-time — We are marching the extended version of Pre-Game, from the double-time onto the field through the Alma Mater (no, we won't run block & mess unless you really want to). And we will play in the stands as much as our music allows — Victory Song, Alma Mater, Fight Song, and anything you still have memorized. We will also be performing in a special Centennial celebration half-time show.
• T-Shirts — We will give out our uniform at sign-in on Friday night — the annual [collectable] Alumni Band t-shirts. Remember to check the weather and wear or bring applicable gear. If possible, we'd like to keep those shirts uncovered.
• Tailgate — This year, we will be getting box lunches from Boston Market for our tailgate before the game. You can mark any vegetarian requests when registering.
• No Last Minute Registrations — Registration was closed on October 6th. We cannot accommodate anyone who is not registered, but arrives on Homecoming morning to march.
• Best Section Turn-out Plaque — Show the world that your section had the best turn-out with an engraved space on our "Alumni Band's Best Represented Section" plaque.
• Sheet Music — We have provided downloadable music on this site to all registered alumni so you can practice ahead of time.

Q&A — Homecoming '08

• Rehearsal?
  Friday night music/auxiliary and Saturday morning field rehearsals are mandatory for folks wanting to march.
• What to Wear?
  Alumni Band t-shirt given at registration (wear/bring applicable weather gear), blue jeans (preferred) and comfortable shoes.
• Instruments?
  The band office only has Percussion, Sousaphones, Mellos and Baritones available to borrow. Please see the list on the right side for more information and suggestions.
• Game Tickets for Non-Marchers/Family/Friends?
  For those that ordered extra tickets, they will be available for pickup during Fridays night's check-in.
• Additional Questions?
  Contact us at president@umbao.org.

What You Get For Your Dues

Participation in Homecoming

• Long-sleeved annual alumni band t-shirt
• Friday-night reception and pre-game tailgate
• Social time with your band alumni friends
• A chance to relive Maryland Band history

UMBAO dues for one year

• Reduced ticket prices for music events
• UMBAO social events — we're planning more!
• Satisfaction of helping your old band with financial backing for scholarships, uniforms, instruments, and more
• Free advertising for small businesses on the band alumni web site (coming soon)