Our All-Star Marching Band is an annual event for high school students to join the Marching Blazers in a day of music and marching that culminates in a massed band performance for family and friends.
UAB ALL-STAR Band Day - September 28, 2024 vs. Navy
We want YOU to be a part of the UAB All-Star Marching Band! We are inviting outstanding high school students from Alabama and throughout the south to be a part of this incredible event! The All-Star Band will perform at half-time of the UAB vs. Louisiana game with the UAB Marching Blazers, entertaining a crowd of THOUSANDS in Birmingham’s brand-new Protective Stadium! We should have a large ALL-STAR BAND, and you can be a part of the excitement! Join us!
The event is open to all high school marching band members—woodwinds, brass, percussion, colorguard, majorettes, and dancers or drill team members. Music will be sent out in advance so that musicians can begin learning it. The mass band rehearses the morning of Saturday, September 28, and it will perform at the football game between UAB and Navy later that day.
PLEASE NOTE:
At least one band director and/or one chaperone for each participating school must be present for the entire day. Also, this event is specifically intended to get as many high school students involved as possible. While we certainly recognize that you will need some chaperones, we ask that you bring no more than one chaperone for every ten students (unless required by your school/district). Tickets for additional band family members are easy to acquire through the UAB Athletics website.
All-Star Marching Band Day Registration
Cost to participate
The cost for the event is only $35, which includes:
- T-shirt commemorating the event, that will be worn on the field
- Admission to the football game
- A pre-game meal at the stadium
- Water in the stands
- All instruction for the day
Who can participate?
Option 1: Band directors may choose to bring their entire band program to participate as a UAB All-Star Band. Directors are asked to fill in the form with accurate numbers for instrumentation, t-shirt sizes, chaperones, and bus information. Each school is required to submit ONE printed registration form and ONE school or booster check/money order. Checks should be made payable to UAB Bands.
Deadline for payment is Friday, September 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Send the form and full payment (check made out to UAB Bands) to:
UAB Bands-Band Day
c/o Sean Murray
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hulsey 208
950 13th St. South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Option 2: Any band student who enjoys the marching activity and who wants to experience a college football game can participate. Students must be in good standing in their home school band program.
Pay Online Through Our Secure UAB Touchnet System.
Tickets for Parents
Accompanying parents must purchase a discount ticket to attend. Parents can purchase $10 discounted tickets directly from UAB Athletics. The seats are located next to the band’s seating area.
Additional Information
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Instrument and Equipment Transportation to Protective Stadium
Each school will be responsible for their own instrument and equipment transportation. A representative of the Birmingham Police Department will inspect all instruments and equipment outside of Protective Stadium. Directors are asked to ensure that their students’ instruments and equipment are clearly labeled (on the outside) with their name and school.
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Student Transportation to Protective Stadium
Directors and chaperones are responsible for the transportation of their students to Protective Stadium. Students will NOT be permitted to ride the UAB busses with the Marching Blazers members. If you are transporting your students to Protective Stadium by bus (charter of school) please be sure to indicate on your registration form how many buses you will have, as well as if you will have an equipment truck. If you are transporting students in cars, you will pay for general parking at Protective Stadium. Parking prices are $8.00 per car. We cannot guarantee admission to the games for bus drivers. Please refer to the stadium parking map stadium parking map for further details.
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Gameday Schedule
- 5:00 a.m. - Check-in begins at UAB Intramural Fields
- 5:30 a.m. - Rehearsal begins
- 6:30 a.m.- Rehearsal with Band Day students on “Espresso”
- 7:00 a.m. - Rehearsal concludes
- 9:15 a.m. - Arrive at meeting point on the south side of Protective Stadium.
- 10:00 a.m. - Enter stadium for game
- 2:30pm - Arrive at meeting point on the south side of Protective Stadium
- 11:00 a.m. - Kickoff
- 12:15 p.m. - Halftime-Performance
- 2:30 p.m. - Game concludes
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Instrument and Equipment Specifics
- Woodwind & Brass: All wind students are required to provide their own instruments and accessories. UAB will not loan instruments to students.
- Percussion: Unfortunately, the logistics of this event prohibit us from facilitating a front ensemble section. These musicians are encouraged to participate as battery drums or cymbals. Percussionists must provide all instruments, sticks, and mallets.
- Colorguard: Colorguard will perform on flag for the performance. All participants are responsible for bringing their own flag. Video links will be sent out to registered participants and posted on this webpage prior to game day so that they may be learned and practiced.
- Twirlers/Majorettes/Dancers: Videos links will be sent out prior to the game for routines so that performers can practice. Colorguard will be on flags, majorettes on baton, and dancers will have a dance or “pom” routine. Video links will be sent out to registered participants and posted on this webpage prior to game day.
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Packing Checklist
Print this list to check-off items as you pack.
- ___ Instruments: UAB does not loan out instruments or equipment.
- ___ Instrument accessories: Reeds, Cork Grease, Valve Oil, Cleaning Swabs, Mouthpieces, Brass Mutes, Ligatures, and Percussion Sticks/Mallets. Bring it all – you never know what you’ll need!
- ___ Music: Sheet music will be distributed via email to all participating bands as soon as they register. It is the Band Directors responsibility to distribute this music to their students. Music will NOT be available when you arrive at UAB.
- ___ Flip Folders: Students will definitely want to have these for their music.
- ___ Water, water, water: Please make sure that you bring enough water to keep your students and chaperones hydrated throughout the day.
- ___ Poncho/Sunscreen: Umbrellas are NOT permitted into Protective Stadium so you are advised to bring a pocket poncho with you. Please check the daily forecast as we get closer to the event.
- ___ Other: Additional money for concessions, souvenirs, etc.
Students should wear comfortable clothes for rehearsals in the morning (shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes, etc.)
All band directors sending students to participate in the All-Star Band will receive two free tickets to the game.
Directors are asked to please wear a polo or t-shirt with your high school’s name clearly visible.