Frequently Asked Questions

We only rehearse three times a week: MWF, 4-6 p.m. Practices are a great time to catch up with friends, play awesome music, & march incredible shows.

Practices & home games, plus 1-2 away games. The time commitment is MUCH LESS than your high school band experience. We perform at all home games and a few away games. Gamedays certainly require a bit more time but are very fun and exciting experiences that often go by all too quickly.

Most definitely! 80%+ are non-music majors AND members of The Golden Wave have a higher grade point average than the campus-wide average.

You might be surprised to know that membership is comprised of the most academically rigorous programs at Baylor University: 30% in the College of Arts and Sciences, 20% in the Hankamer School of Business, 20% in the School of Engineering and Computer Sciences, 20% in the School of Music and 10% in various other academic units within the University. Marching band is a great outlet for stress relief, a positive environment of support and encouragement, and a way to learn time management and efficiency.

5-6 high-energy shows a season. The GWB is a non-competitive marching band. Our primary goal is to entertain and energize the audience and the team at every athletic event we attend. We include all styles and genres from Motown to movie music and jazz to modern rock. A lot of the aspects you might find tiring from competitive marching band are absent from the Golden Wave experience!

Preseason week is 1 week before classes start. GWB Members are lucky because they get to move in early! Move-in will occur on the Sunday prior to the first day of Preseason Week followed by a welcome dinner for all members. Golden Wave Band registration occurs the next morning. Throughout preseason week, new members will also be involved in band specific Welcome Week activities. DCI members are required to report to preseason on Tuesday morning, meaning they need to arrive in Waco by Monday night. Starting dates for 2024 Preseason Week are: August 15 for Drumline, August 17 for Color Guard, and August 18 for general members.

Around 300 members. The average size of a collegiate marching band nationwide is one percent of total enrollment. The Golden Wave has consistently been well above the average reflecting the students’ desire to be involved in a program demonstrating a long tradition of excellence. Regardless of size, the feeling of family is always there!

Academic credit – 1 hour credit equivalent to a Lifetime Fitness (physical education) credit. In most cases, two semesters of marching band will satisfy all Lifetime Fitness requirements. NOTE: Music education majors cannot fulfill the Lifetime Fitness credit concurrently with the required marching band credit.

Class Title – MUEN 1102 (Section 1). New members will register for MUEN 1102.01 with their advisor. Returning members may register through BearWeb.

The process for joining the 2024 band has never been easier. Check out the How to Join Page for instrument specific information.

We own piccolos, tenor saxes, all brass instruments, and drumline instruments. (Other instruments available on a limited basis.)

We have a great fleet of instruments available for use. Traditionally, our entire brass line marches Baylor-owned instruments giving us that incredible Golden Wave sound! NOTE: For the 2024 season, piccolo, alto/tenor saxophone, trumpet, and trombone players may use a personally-owned instrument. Gold lacquer finish is preferred for brass instruments. All students should bring their personal instruments to campus as well.

Absolutely! Come join! Through approval from the Dean and Chairman from each music department, MCC students may participate in the Golden Wave Band. Students must register for Wind Ensemble (MUEN 1121_001) and Community Band (MUEN 1130_050)  at MCC. For more information contact the director of the Golden Wave Band, Dr. Isaiah Odajima (Isaiah_Odajima@baylor.edu) or Dr. Jon Conrad, MCC Director of Bands (jconrad@mclennan.edu). All MCC band members are required to pay a $300 lab & activity fee.  The lab & activity fee of approximately $300, plus applicable taxes (for all members including MCC students), covers the cost of the awesome GWB apparel (including shirts, hats, shoes, gloves) and game day meals. This payment is due the first day of preseason week and paid by credit or debit card (no cash accepted).

Online applications are available to all.

Awards are available and distributed based upon ensemble needs. All scholarship awards are decided by audition and availability. To receive consideration for a Golden Wave Band Scholarship, you need to complete the GWB Scholarship Application Form. Click here for information on scholarship applications.

Class cost is included in tuition; lab/activity fee of approximately $300; instrument maintenance fee.

Because Baylor charges a flat tuition rate, enrollment in the Golden Wave Band carries no class charge IF you are already enrolled in 12 or more hours. The lab & activity fee of approximately $300, plus applicable taxes (for all members including MCC students), covers the cost of the awesome GWB apparel (including shirts, hats, shoes, gloves) and game day meals. The instrument/equipment maintenance fee ranges is $75. Members of the Color Guard and Golden Girls may incur additional costs for their uniforms and/or equipment. Specific information for those sections can be obtained from their respective instructors. For Baylor students, this fee is all rolled into the student fees and collected through the Baylor Bill. MCC students will pay with credit or debit card first day of Preseason Week (no cash accepted).

We are proud to be "The Soundtrack of Baylor University." Freshmen still get to run the Baylor Line & participate in a specialized band version of Welcome Week.

The Golden Wave lies at the heart of Baylor spirit and tradition! Our energy and passion drives the atmosphere at every football game, basketball game, volleyball game, and more! Our members find that their time in the band actually strengthens their commitment to Baylor.

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, & Concert Band

The Baylor Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band meet both semesters and are comprised of the finest student musicians on campus. The Wind Ensemble rehearses MWF from 2:25 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and the Symphonic Band rehearses MWF from 12:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Both the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band are audition-based groups. Audition information is updated at the beginning of July and can be found here.

The Concert Band is an ensemble that meets during the spring term. It provides a musical outlet and performance opportunities for non-music majors and music majors who want to improve their skills on secondary instruments. Auditions are not required for membership but may be used for assistance in proper part assignments/solo assignments. The class meets only two days per week in the spring semester, MW from 4:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Community! Our members constantly remark about the strong community of the Golden Wave Band. As a new college student, it’s important to have a community that is ready to support you every step of the transition. Come be a part of a supportive and caring FAMILY, making the transition to college that much easier and better!

All the more reason to give it a shot or even talk with a current member or director to learn more! We want to hear from you! Please CLICK HERE to ask a question, or reach out to goldenwaveband@baylor.edu.