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The George Washington University Bands
George Washington University
GW Bands is an inclusive instrumental music organization at the George Washington University dedicated to producing quality musical performances, promoting school spirit, fostering strong friendships, and serving the community. GW Bands consists of three instrumental ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the Foghorns Pep Band. All three ensembles rehearse twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. The two concert bands, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, make up the University Band class and perform at least one concert a semester. The Foghorns Pep Band performs at every home women's and men's basketball game as well at various events around campus throughout the year. In addition to playing music, we love to socialize and have fun together! University Band: GW Bands is the home of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, auditioned concert band ensembles in the George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. Both ensembles rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The ensembles perform classic, contemporary and newly composed wind music with on-campus performances in the Fall and Spring. Membership in both groups is open to students from all schools and departments at GW and requires instructor approval via audition. Anyone who auditions for University Band is automatically welcomed into Symphonic Band; auditions are for seat placement and acceptance into Wind Ensemble. If accepted into Wind Ensemble, a student can choose to play in one or both ensembles. Auditions are held at the beginning of the Fall semester as well as at the beginning of the Spring semester and and on a case by case basis for anyone who joins throughout the year. Wind Ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 - 5:00 PM ET. Symphonic Band meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:10 - 6:25 PM ET. Foghorns Pep Band: The Foghorns Pep Band is a student organization that works with the Music Department and Athletics to put on a variety of performances around campus. We are an enthusiastic, passionate group of musicians who perform pop hits, classic rock favorites, and other modern songs to pump up our teams and energize GW fans. As the university's pep band, the Foghorns is the soundtrack to all men's and women's home basketball games. We can also be seen performing at various events and spots on campus, from performing in Kogan Plaza to get students excited for a big game to playing a fight song by the hippo to welcome newly accepted students to campus. The Foghorns also perform at the A-10 conference and other national tournaments during March Madness! The Foghorns are open to all GW students, but members must also participate in at least one of the University Band ensembles. As an added bonus, Foghorn members receive an award added to their financial aid for their participation. This award increases with each year you participate in The Foghorns. Foghorns meets every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7:10-8:10 PM ET. Being a part of our two concert bands, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, and/or the Foghorns Pep Band is an incredible way to make friends, memories, and music. You DO NOT need to own an instrument to participate in or audition for Band. No one will be excluded from participating in band due to financial or any other barriers. We would absolutely love to have you!! If you are interested in joining GW Bands, please reach out to band@gwu.edu or request to join here.