Founded in excellence and maintained by tradition, Furman University’s Marching Band, The Paladin Regiment, has been continually recognized as one of the premiere outdoor performing ensembles in the nation. The marching Paladins have been invited on countless occasions to perform in exhibition at competitions and festivals around the southeast. Composed of around one hundred twenty members, the Paladin Regiment moves like a Division I Drum Corps while including woodwinds, brass, percussion, color guard, twirlers, and the lovely Furman DanZers. DCI instructors are among the staff and help to make the Regiment look flawless while providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere. “Blast” style moves are employed to make each show unique and exciting for both the crowd and the performer. With original arrangements by Director of Athletic Bands Jay Bocook, the Furman Marching Band sets the standard in musical excellence. The Paladin Regiment achieves the highest level of college performance while still creating a casual atmosphere for its members.
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The Marching Band is open to music majors and non-majors alike. Around half of the Regiment is made up of students majoring in disciplines other than music. The band plays at all home football games: tunes arranged by director Jay Bocook allow for much variety and excitement in the stands as well as at half time! Marching Paladins are offered free admission into each home game and are provided with special seating. Each season, the Paladin Regiment travels to one away game to show off the talent that Furman has to offer. In the past, the band has traveled to Clemson University, UNC Chapel Hill, Georgia Southern University, and Appalachian State University. Additionally, the Paladin Regiment is invited almost yearly to perform in exhibition, and a trip to an exhibition performance is included in the season. To wrap up each season, the band marches down Greenville’s Main Street in the annual Greenville Christmas Parade for family, friends, and fans.
Through social events and rehearsals, performances and road trips, Furman University’s Paladin Regiment functions as a family and performs professionally. With a stress-free rehearsal schedule and gifted performers, the Band is able to present the exhilarating while maintaining the enjoyable. The Paladin Regiment has fostered a tradition of excellence that will continue to grow in years to come.
1. My high school band’s practice schedule was so demanding. How much of a time commitment will there be?
The time commitment, for the most part, is nothing like the one you had in high school. We only practice for 2-hour segments, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30-5:30 pm. Also, we only play at home football games, with the exception of one away game trip. Therefore, only Saturdays with a home game will be busy. Even then, most games get out in time for you to go out on Saturday night. Plus, the games are a blast!
2. I’m afraid I won’t be able to make friends, or that I won’t fit in.
Not at Furman! Our band is very closely knit, and some of my best friends are ones I met through the band. To start, as soon as you get here, there will be a big sibling waiting for you to help you get around and acquainted with the campus and band life. We have lots of enjoyable social activities planned for band camp that can help you get to know your peers as well. Trust me, even the quietest people that come into the program end up being another one of the group in no time.
3. My grades are so important. I don’t want them to go down because of marching band.
Of course you don’t! At Furman, grades and doing well in your classes are the top spots on your priority list. However, being a member of the marching band, as mentioned before, takes less time than you think. As long as you manage your time effectively (which the band helps you learn to do!) and get a reasonable amount of sleep at night, (which is completely possible!) you’ll be just fine with your grades. Most of the students in the Band turn out to be the top students in their class. The time management skills you learn from this activity help you make the transition smoothly to college life.
4. My high school band was all about competition. Does the Furman Band compete like that?
Absolutely not. College band is a much different experience from most high school bands. The main point of the band in college is to support the school and have fun while doing it! Furman is recognized as one of the best college marching bands in the south, and it’s not because we compete! We play at all home football games, one away game, one high school exhibition performance, and present an indoor “Band Extravaganza” concert in the fall. Basically, the Furman Band is all about getting out on the field at halftime and entertaining the crowd while looking and sounding great. No competition needed!
5. Do I have to be a music major? Is everyone a music major? What percentage of the band is made up of music majors?
Nope. You definitely don’t need to be a music major to be able to be in band. You don’t even have to take lessons! We take anyone who is interested. In fact, usually half of the band is made up of non-majors. We love our non-majors! They keep things interesting.
6. Do we travel at all?
The marching band takes one or two trips during the season, to one away game (we’ve gone to Clemson and UNC Chapel Hill in the past 2 years!) and sometimes to another location like a state championship to perform in exhibition. This year, we plan to perform at the Virginia Tech away football game. Band trips are free to students, with meals and lodging included. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!
7. What is the music like?
We’re so lucky to have as our Director of Athletic Bands none other than Jay Bocook, who has arranged countless shows for some of the best bands in the country, as well as music for symphonic band. Every year he arranges a show for the Paladin Regiment that is second to none. We play arrangements of classic rock, movie music, songs on the radio, and much more! What’s even better is that since Mr. Bocook arranges the music for us, no one else can have the same unique show we do. The music will challenge you, but is attainable enough to be fun at the same time. The crowd always reacts strongly to our shows, and it’s because of the high quality of music that we put on the field.
8. What is the Band’s Marching Style?
Our style has evolved to incorporate some of the cool drill moves from famous DCI ensembles plus the body movement and horn moves that are prevalent in stage shows such as Blast! and Cyberjam. We have had students who have never marched before who pick this technique up quickly and become some of our most proficient band members.
9. If I join the Marching Band, do I live in one place during Band Camp and then move to my Dorm Later?
No.The great thing about coming to campus early (Monday, August 18, 2008) for Band Camp is that you get to move into your permanent dorm room immediately. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on the rest of the freshman class by becoming familiar with your way around campus before anyone else arrives. You will also have a chance to become friends with your fellow Band Members and begin to form a support system of friends and colleagues that will make your transition to college life much smoother.
Want to Participate this Fall? Application Form
