Varsity Marching Band
On October 14, the Pitt Band made its first-ever appearance during the Pitt - Ohio Northern game at Forbes Field. Made up of only eight male students, the band took to the field using borrowed instruments. Despite humble beginnings, the Pitt Band has enjoyed being a part of major moments and milestones in Pitt's history. In the 1950s, the band honored Dr. Jonas Salk's historical development of the polio vaccine by spelling "SALK" across the field at Pitt Stadium. The band was present for the shocking "13-9" upset over the then-ranked #2 West Virginia University, and more recently for the exhilarating ACC Championship victory over Wake Forest in 2021.
The Pitt Band is a proud member of the Pittsburgh Panthers Athletic Department. With almost 300 members, the Pitt Band is one of the largest student organizations on campus. Students from all fields of study perform as part of the Pitt Band. The diversity within our organization creates an incredible culture of inclusion; despite our different backgrounds, it is through our universal love of music that we choose to come together to support our Pitt Panthers.
During the fall semester, practice is held in the evenings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Pitt Band performs at every home game at Acrisure Stadium and occasionally travels to an away game. The band performs at on-campus pep rallies, professional sporting events, and local high school band competitions.
An organization as large, visible, and active as the Pitt Band demands excellence as its norm. As a member of the band, you are charged with representing the University with pride and professionalism on and off the field, in and out of uniform. Membership in the Pitt Band will challenge you to be the best version of yourself as a musician and as an individual. You will not have to go through these challenges alone: once you join the Pitt Band, you gain a family of 300 strong. Lifelong friendships have been forged within our ranks in over 100 years of existence.
Sections
The Pitt Band features ten instrumental sections and two band front sections, the Golden Girls and Color Guard. Some sections may have multiple section leaders depending on size, and several squad leaders to help teach music, drill, and the Pitt Band's distinct marching style to its members during pre-season camp.
Band Camp
Pre-season camp consists of seven days of introductions and core marching fundamentals. This dedicated time allows the band to focus on learning drill and music that will be played throughout the season. It is within these next few days that Pitt Pride is born, and friendships are made that will last a lifetime.
Golden Girls & Color Guard
The Golden Girls are the majorettes of the Pitt Band and have been an integral part of our organization for over 50 years. The Golden Girls also perform at various exhibition events throughout the year. The Pitt Color Guard has celebrated a rich history of excellence and pageantry for over 40 years. The incorporation of the Color Guard's routines in our drills brings the music of the Pitt Band to life. As the Pitt Band continues to grow, so does the demand for
skilled performers for the Color Guard. The use of flags, props, costumes, and rifles are visual treats for spectators' eyes. Auditions for both groups are held in late Spring.
