For three decades, the Marching Blazers have thrilled thousands of fans with exciting performances that have helped make this one of the great college bands in the South. As the school’s athletic music ambassadors, the Sound of the Magic City is the university’s largest performing ensemble. The pride and tradition of excellence continue into the 21st century as the Marching Blazers press forward on the journey to present the highest level of musical and visual pageantry across the Southeast.
With over 200 members, the Marching Blazers contribute to campus life at UAB through performances at athletic events, pep rallies, and many other campus-wide events. The group is frequently sought-after to perform at statewide and regional marching band competitions as the exhibition band. In addition, the Marching Blazers have performed in local and regional parades. In 2013, the Marching Blazers traveled to Ireland to perform in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade. While in Ireland, the Marching Blazers competed in the Limerick International Band Competition and were named “Best International Band” in March 2013! In March of 2015, the Marching Blazers traveled to Hawaii to represent our city and state at the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor!
The Marching Blazers consists of four main components: brass, woodwinds, percussion, and auxiliaries. A placement audition for all musicians is required for membership and part assignment. These auditions may be set up individually through the band office in the spring semester for the following school term. The Blazerettes, Majorettes, Colorguard, and Drum Majors are selected by audition in the spring of each year as well. The Marching Blazers perform a traditional marching band show as the exhibition band at numerous high school marching band contests and professional sporting events. The band travels throughout the state and country as the musical ambassadors of UAB. Rehearsal times are on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:30 pm - 5:15 pm in the fall semester. Band camp takes place approximately one week before the start of classes in the fall.
