Marching Band

Yes. There is now a set, marching band scholarship that applies to winds/percussion, colorguard and dance. Students that march in the band and Blazers Dancers are eligible for the marching band scholarship. Please contact Casey Kirk, Marching Band Director at ckirk@belhaven.edu for more information.

1. Apply to Belhaven to begin the process of your acceptance to the University.
2. Submit/report your high school GPA and either your ACT or SAT test scores. Based on this information, we will offer you a scholarship that recognizes your academic achievement.
3. Plan a campus visit for an audition and review by the Director of Band. Your portfolio will be taken into consideration as we complete your final scholarship award package.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will let us know how much federal assistance OR Belhaven need-based assistance you are eligible to receive. Regardless of what you think your family might qualify for from the federal government, we STRONGLY encourage you to complete the FAFSA, as Belhaven’s grants are typically more generous than the government estimates.
5. When we have all your information (academic record, portfolio, and FAFSA), you will receive a comprehensive financial aid package influenced by all three of these factors.
6. Feel free to contact the admission office at any time (1-800-960-5940 or admission@belhaven.edu) to learn more or to meet with an admission counselor.

Please make sure that you have auditioned to Mr. Kirk to be eligible for the marching band scholarship. You will be asked to play several scales including your chromatic scales, and you must prepare and perform a musical excerpt of your choice.

Yes! The band rehearses only 90 minutes, two days a week. Many members of the band each year receive generous scholarships and assistantships to graduate schools in their areas of study.

Yes! Many members of the band participate in numerous social and service activities for Belhaven University. Some also serve as council members, senators or class or executive officers. Many Blazers band members also maintain active memberships and serve as officers in campus social clubs.

We have members from every size high school, with diverse levels of ability including those with little or no experience. At this time about 85% of the band members are non-music majors. If you can play your instrument, we can teach you the rest. We use "corps" style marching which can be learned quickly and easily. We welcome anyone who wishes to participate. There is no need to feel nervous or intimidated!

No! The band performs at the home football games (usually 5-6) and maybe one away game. There are several open weekends that will allow you plenty of time to go home and visit friends and family, or even hold a part-time job, if you wish.

There is an audition process for the marching band. Simply enroll in MUS175 (credit). One-hour credit allows you to receive a grade toward your GPA and costs one hour of tuition. The non-credit option allows you to pay a nominal participation fee and though the grade appears on your transcript, it does not affect your GPA. Regardless of your enrollment option, grading criteria are the same for all members.

The grading policy is based almost exclusively on attitude and attendance. If you are at rehearsals and performances, it will be an easy A!

We can provide all large marching instruments including sousaphones, baritones, percussion, marching French horns, etc.

If you have already registered and have a conflict with the band time, we would be glad to work with you to make band possible in your schedule. With freshman level courses, there are almost always additional sections available of the courses you need. If you do have a conflict, simply contact your advisor to add the course.