Q & A1. Who is eligible to perform with the Alumni Marching Band?
Anyone who has performed with any of the Trine University Bands (Marching, Pep, Wind Ensemble, or Jazz) as a student and/or graduated from Tri-State or Trine University.
2. Can I participate in the Alumni Marching Band without performing?
Absolutely! The registration form will ask if you wish to perform or if you just want to be with us for the weekend as an observer and/or audience member.
3. Does it cost anything to participate in the Alumni Marching Band?
The Alumni Marching Band event is FREE! The only possible cost would be if you live out-of-town, need to stay in a hotel overnight, or decide to park in the tailgate area ($10). Admission to the football game is free, with parking available at Best Hall, T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, MTI Center, or Hershey Hall. Lunch will be provided for free!
4. Can I miss the rehearsal time?
We are preparing for a pregame and halftime performance at Shive Football Field with only one rehearsal on Saturday morning from 8-10 am. With this in mind, those who wish to perform with the band will need to be available during the entire rehearsal time on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
If you have extenuating circumstances in which you feel there is a special consideration on this topic, you may email your request to Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu), who will determine if a rehearsal absence or tardiness is permitted.
5. What is the required attire for the performance?
The attire will be Trine University-related, with options including:
a. A Trine University Pep Band or Marching Band t-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers.
b. A Trine University branded sports jersey with blue jeans and sneakers.
c. The Trine University striped overalls from the bookstore with pep or marching band t-shirts, Trine branded sports jersey or t-shirts, and sneakers.
Depending on the weather, adjustments can be made to the performance attire, such as Trine University-branded beanies, sweaters, and jackets. If you are in need of a Trine University Pep or Marching Band t-shirt, please let us know in the survey by indicating “yes” and the size you will need. The Trine University Music program does have extra Pep and Marching Band t-shirts and Pep Band hockey jerseys, which can be provided free of charge and will need to be returned at the conclusion of the event.
6. What is the repertoire to be performed?
For Pregame, the repertoire to be performed will include: Eye of the Tiger (arr. Victor Lopez), The Horse (arr. Bill Moffit), Tiger Rag (arr. Andy Clark), God Bless America (arr. John Higgins), The Star-Spangled Banner (arr. John Philip Sousa, harmonized by Walter Damrosch), and Hail to the Thunder (Fight Song, orch. Brad Jopek).
The selections for Halftime will be Disney-themed, featuring Fantasmic, Part I (arr. Michael Brown) and Go the Distance (arr. Derek Zimmerman).
Sheet music will be distributed electronically either as PDFs or available through the FlipFolder App using the Code: TrineTest2025. The goal is to provide the music to all performers at least 2-3 weeks prior to the event to allow for individual practice and preparation! Those using the FlipFolder app will need to acquire a phone lyre. Suggestions are provided below:
Grip-o-phone: https://gripophone.com/collections/shop
Tonal Innovation: https://tonalinnovation.com/pages/eflip
FlipFolder: https://home.flipfolderapp.com/instrument-clips/
7. How will parts and chair placements be assigned?
Please indicate in the registration form the part(s) you are willing to play with the Alumni Band. Dr. Brad Jopek will make final assignments based on the number of individuals who are registered and their part requests.
8. Do I need to bring an instrument?
Yes, if you own your own instrument, please indicate in the registration form that you will bring your own instrument.
If you need an instrument, please indicate in the registration form what kind of instrument you will need as the Trine University Music Program does contain a small instrument inventory which can be assigned at registration, used during the rehearsal and football game, and returned at the marching band trailer after the game. Brass instrumentalists are recommended to bring their own mouthpiece. Reed instrumentalists (saxophones and clarinets) are recommended to bring their own reeds. Percussionists (snares and tenors) are recommended to bring their own drumsticks. Drumline harnesses will be provided to those who are using drumline instruments from Trine University.
9. What does the Alumni Band schedule look like? Saturday, October 3, 2026
7-8am will be registration for Alumni Band members (Location TBD)
8-8:45am will be a full rehearsal with the Alumni Band and Dr. Brad Jopek, Color Guard and Twirler Members will be separated from the instrumentalists (Location TBD)
9-10am will be a combined rehearsal with the Alumni Band, Sound of Thunder Marching Band, and Dr. Jopek (Shive Football Field)
10-10:45am will be a Sound of Thunder Marching Band rehearsal (Shive Football Field)
11-11:45am Lunch and change into uniform (Whitney Commons, University Center)
11:45am Report to the back of the tailgate area to warm-up and line-up for Thunder March
12pm Warm-Up and Line-Up
12:15pm Thunder March to Stadium
12:40pm Pregame on the Field
1pm Head to the Stands
2-2:30pm Halftime Performance
3:30-4pm End of Game, return instruments or jerseys
If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu), Director of the Music Program and Sound of Thunder Marching Band.