The Youngstown State University Marching Band “Marching Pride” serves as the musical representative of Youngstown State University. Performing at all home football games and select away games, the Marching Pride serves as a highly visible ambassador for the Dana School of Music, YSU Athletics, and Youngstown State University.
The Marching Pride is comprised of students from nearly every academic major on campus. Membership is open to all students, regardless of academic major. There is no audition for wind players or percussionists, and auditions for the color guard and twirlers are held each spring.
Staff
The 2023 Marching Pride teaching staff includes;
Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Kate Ferguson
Teaching Assistant, Ben Pickard
Penguinette Instructor, Gianna Thomson
Colorguard Instructors, Rachel Buser & Rebecca Stanley
Percussion Instructors, Dylan Kollat & Evan McCreary
Voice of the Marching Pride, Matthew Vansuch
Performances
One-hour-and-15-minutes prior to kickoff for every home game, the Marching Pride performs a pre-game “Ice Breaker” concert outside the Southeast corner of Stambaugh Stadium. During the Homecoming Parade the band is one of the biggest groups to participate. The Marching Pride also performs at all home games and a select away game. In 2019 we were proud to host over 20 high school bands to campus for different events throughout the season.
Important Dates
Drumline Workshops:
TBA
Band Camp:
August 17 - August 25, 2023
Membership
Membership in the Marching Pride is open to ALL YSU students regardless of major. From engineering, finance, business, to nursing and music majors, a musical home can be found for all Penguins! For specific questions and information call (330) 941-3635 or email at keferguson@ysu.edu.
To join the band for 2023, please complete the online membership form.
Penguinettes
Interested in being a part of the twirler and dance team called the Penguinettes?
There will be a workshop and audition day on April 22, in the Stambaugh Stadium gyms!
9:00am - 11:30am - Workshop
11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm - 2:00pm - Auditions
2023 YSU Penguinette_Feature Twirler Auditions
Colorguard
Interested in being a part of the Colorguard?
There will be a workshop and audition day on April 22, in the Stambaugh Stadium gyms!
9:00am - 11:30am - Workshop
11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm - 2:00pm - Auditions
2023 YSU Color guard auditions
Percussion
Housing Excellence scholarship
Amount: up to $2,000 (Renewable once up to $2,000)
Requirements: At least a 3.0 HS GPA*, and ACT score of 18 or SAT of 910
*For students who were accepted under test optional policy: Youngstown State University will begin awarding merit based scholarships to incoming freshman students admitted under YSU’s test optional admission policy for Fall 2021. Scholarships ranging in value from $1000 to $3000 will be awarded to students accepted under the regular admission policy with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or greater AND a recalculated high school GPA of 3.0 or greater based on 5 core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language)
This scholarship may not be combined with other housing excellence scholarships on campus.
Fall semester
- Meet all requirements outlined in the marching band course syllabus, volunteer for at least 2 recruitment events, and attend all performances including playoff games and national title game.
- Maintain good standing with YSU and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Spring semester
- Perform in and register for concert band. If you make wind ensemble, you will register for pep band to meet your requirement.
- Volunteer for at least 2 recruitment events, 2 fundraising call-a-thons, maintain good standing with YSU, and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Color Guard and Majorette members will attend scheduled rehearsals, performances, and workshops.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in the loss of the Housing Excellence Award.
Notes:
- Housing awards may not be combined with other housing awards. (e.g. An honors college student who receives a housing excellence award may not combine with a marching band housing excellence award
- Students receiving a housing grant are eligible to receive a housing excellence award.
- Eligible students should apply for housing and pay deposit as soon as possible. (The deposit is 100% refundable until May 1.)
- Housing excellence awards are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Failure to meet the requirements of the housing excellence award will result in loss of award.
- Awards are applicable to university owned housing only, including Courtyard Apartments.
Complete the application for the Housing Excellence Award below.
Housing Excellence Award Application
