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Sacramento State Marching Band
From football games at Sacramento State each fall to the greater community all year round, the Sac State Marching Band is the largest and loudest spirit organization on the Sacramento State campus. The Marching Band rehearses during the fall semester, MWF 3:30-5:50 p.m. Sac State Students enroll in MUSC 142M for credit. All students in good academic standing receive priority registration.
The Marching Band program also runs pep bands for other Sac State sporting events, as well as a winter drumline and colorguard program. For more information on Athletic Bands at Sac State, please contact the director, Kalei Cablay.
Participation Info
All musicians can join the marching band, regardless of marching experience! Auditions for the color guard, battery, and front ensemble are typically held each August before the start of band camp. There are no auditions for the winds and brass, though part placement auditions may be held. Colorguard and Percussion auditions are held as part of Band Camp
The Marching Band follows the strict Code of Conduct rules adopted by the University.
While most of our members are students at Sac State, we also draw members from other local colleges. If you are not a Sac State student, you need to be approved as a University Volunteer prior to joining us. This process is outlined on the School of Music Community Info page. NOTE: volunteers in the marching band music be 18 or older.
Fees
Enrollment/participation in University ensembles requires paying the School of Music's $40 Service Fee, which helps pay for supplies used by various areas in the department. It also entitles you to:
- borrow an instrument for the semester (if needed)
- the usage of a locker in Capistrano Hall
- use of the practice rooms (for Sac State students only - key checkout required)
- free admission to most School of Music events for enrolled students (see the FREE Tickets section of the Student Resources Page for info)
You may also be required to pay a Marching Band Club membership fee:
- Sac State Students $40
- Non-Sac State Students $50
Band Camp
The Marching Band is typically called upon to give performances early in or prior to the start of the semester. As such, rehearsals start before the regular first day of school - welcome to Band Camp! Do your very best to attend as much of camp as possible. This season promises to be a very exciting year!
Sac State Indoor
Sac State Indoor is an independent indoor percussion ensemble based at Sacramento State, providing performers with a competitive, high-quality WGI experience at an accessible cost. Competing in the WGI Independent Open division, the ensemble participates in NCPA, NCBA, and WGI events throughout Northern California, including competitions across the Sacramento and Bay Area regions.
The ensemble is led by Sacramento State alumni and accomplished Northern California educators with experience in some of the nation’s top DCI and WGI organizations. Each season features a professionally designed production that challenges members to grow as musicians, performers, and collaborators in a supportive and rewarding environment.
Sac State Indoor is open to Sacramento State students and non-students alike. Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to audition, regardless of college enrollment. By keeping participation costs lower than many comparable independent ensembles, Sac State Indoor strives to make the indoor percussion experience accessible to more performers.
In addition to its Northern California schedule, Sac State Indoor has traveled to Southern California to compete at WGI Long Beach and regularly participates in WGI regional events in the Bay Area. Additional travel and competitive opportunities are planned as the program continues to grow.
Sac State Winter Guard
Sac State Winter Guard is an independent color guard ensemble based at Sacramento State, offering performers an accessible opportunity to train, perform, and compete at the WGI level. Competing in the WGI Independent A division, the ensemble participates in CCGC, NCBA, and WGI competitions throughout Northern California, with appearances across the Sacramento and Bay Area regions.
The program is taught by Sacramento State alumni and experienced Northern California educators who have performed with and instructed some of the top organizations in DCI and WGI. Members perform a professionally designed production each season while developing their skills in movement, equipment, performance, and ensemble collaboration.
Sac State Winter Guard welcomes both Sacramento State students and members of the greater community. Anyone age 18 or older may audition, and enrollment at Sacramento State is not required. The program is designed to remain more affordable than many comparable independent ensembles, helping make competitive winter guard accessible to a wider range of performers.
In 2025, Sac State Winter Guard traveled to Dayton, Ohio, to compete at the WGI World Championships, where the ensemble advanced to the Independent A semifinals. The group also competes at WGI regional events in the Bay Area, with additional travel opportunities planned for future seasons.
Alumni
Are you an alum of the Sac State Marching Band? Visit our new website: