The "Screaming Eagles" Marching Band is a beloved part of the Boston College tradition, creating a vibrant atmosphere at home football games and inspiring fans with performances at major venues like Gillette Stadium and TD Garden. Be the spirit—join the band!
Contact
David Healey
Marching Band Director
david.healey@bc.edu
What sets us apart:
Participate in landmark events like the Heisman Trophy Dinner in New York City. Perform on stage with the Dropkick Murphys and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The "Screaming Eagles" Marching Band is a vibrant community with a rich history, including appearances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Presidential Inaugural Parade.
- Each Boston College instrumentalist from the Marching Band will receive a $500 scholarship at the completion of the season.
- Marching Band members who also participate in the Pep Band are eligible for additional financial assistance.
- Instruments are provided at no charge.
- Prior marching experience is not required.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45–10:00 p.m. from September through November
2024 Band Camp
TBD August 2024
Game Day Performances
Don’t miss a beat! The Band performs throughout Game Day and campus. The general schedule is below but check our Facebook page for additional information. (www.facebook.com/BCBandsOfficial)
Before Kickoff
2 hours—Eagle walk/team walk on Gabelli Plaza
1–1/2 hours—Section warm up
1 hour—”Peptacular” on Conte Forum Gate C steps
15 minutes—Step off for pregame show in Alumni Stadium
Section Warm-up Locations (consult map)
High Brass: Higgins Steps
Low Brass: Conte Forum Steps
Woodwinds: West side of Conte Forum
Dance Team: No public warm-up
*The schedule is subject to change in accordance with campus, state, and federal guidelines.
2024 Performances and Events*
| Date | Game |
|---|---|
| September 7 | BC vs. Duquesne |
| September TBD | First Year Convocation |
| September 21 | BC vs. Michigan State |
| September 27 | Pop on the Heights |
| September 28 | BC vs. Western Kentucky |
| October 25 | BC vs. Louisville |
| November 9 | BC vs. Syracuse |
| November 23 | BC vs. North Carolina |
| November 30 | BC vs. Pittsburgh |
Sparkle and Spirit
The Golden Eagles Dance Team is the official dance team of the Boston College “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band. Our styles include pom, high kick, jazz, and contemporary, and we welcome dancers from a variety of backgrounds including cheer and gymnastics.
As part of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, you will be a member of the largest and most visible student organization on campus. You’ll also have the opportunity to be an integral part of the game day experience.
Each Boston College instrumentalist from the Marching Band will receive a $500 scholarship at the completion of the season. Marching Band members who also participate in the Pep Band are eligible for additional financial assistance.
As a first year student, you will arrive at campus early and meet nearly 200 other students from different backgrounds before classes begin. All members also have opportunities to travel with the Band and perform around the nation.
No. The BCMB has a program that allows members of Boston-area schools to participate in the organization. This program, known as the “Partner School” program, gives students from Berklee, Emerson, Emmanuel, Northeastern, and Wentworth, among other schools, the opportunity to perform on a national stage and be an integral part of a Division I football program. Click on the Partner School tab for more info.
No. Instrumentalists are not required to audition for the Marching Band. However, some playing experience is recommended. Our students come from a vast variety of musical backgrounds and experience levels. We encourage everyone to join! The ability to read music is highly recommended for all instrumentalists. Members frequently choose to learn new instruments to balance the ensemble sound. These students are given instruction and guidance throughout the process.
Once you arrive at Band Camp, section instructors will assign parts based on skill level. All Dance Team candidates must send in audition tapes. See the Dance Team page for additional information.
No. Prior marching experience is not required to join the Band. In fact, many of our members have no marching experience before joining. Upon arrival at Band Camp, all new members undergo basic marching instruction.
The Band performs its half-time and pregame routines corps style.
No. Aside from musicians and dancers, the Band employs several dedicated and hard-working managers without whom the Band could not function. If you’re interested in being a Band manager, contact the student executive board at bcmbeboard@gmail.com.
Yes. The Bands office will provide sousaphones, baritones, mellophones, and piccolos. Some saxophones, trombones, and trumpets are also available on a limited basis. The Band provides all percussion equipment and instrument accessories.
No. The Marching Band does not require its members to be music majors. In fact, our members come from a variety of different majors. Nearly every major at the University is represented in the Band.
The BC Marching Band rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 10:00 p.m. during the Fall semester. Regular rehearsals begin the Tuesday after Labor Day and continue until the last day of the season. Field rehearsals take place on the football field in Alumni Stadium.
Band Camp takes place in late August.
The “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band performs two distinct shows during the course of the season.
In addition to half-time performances, the Band also plays a variety of spirit music in the stands and at special pep rallies and performances. Fan favorites include “Sweet Caroline,” “Shipping Up to Boston,” along with the oldest fight song in the nation, “For Boston.”
The registration fee for first year members is used for Marching Band accessories, such as a BCMB hooded sweatshirt, t-shirt, baseball hat, winter knit cap, white gloves, white socks, and white marching drillmasters. A portion also goes towards our social activities during the season, which include activities on Friday nights prior to performances and occasional pizza or ice cream nights following rehearsal. Continuing members' Registration Fees are used only for the social activity fund.
You don't have to go to BC to be in the Band!
The Boston College Marching Band’s Partner School Program allows members of Boston-area schools that do not have comparable programs to participate in the organization. Students from Berklee, Emerson, Emmanuel, Lasell, Northeastern, Suffolk, Wentworth, and others have the opportunity to perform on a national stage and be an integral part of a Division I football program. Over the past two decades, nearly 100 non-BC students have participated in this program, forming a continuous Band community that stretches across Boston. Partner School members participate in all Marching Band events and are provided with either MBTA passes or parking vouchers during the Marching Band season. If you have questions, we can connect you with a Partner School member! Just email bands@bc.edu for more information.
At the end of the summer, members arrive early for 8 days of band camp. During the Academic Semester, the Marching Band rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m. Additionally, members perform at every home football game.
Currently there are more than 20 members from other schools, including Emerson College, Berklee College, Northeastern University, MCPHS, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
There are no differences between a Partner School member and a member from Boston College. Everyone has a great experience.
Incoming first year students are allowed to attend orientation at their own schools. If it conflicts with the band camp schedule, just talk to your section leader or an executive board member.
During Band Camp, Partner School students are assigned an upperclassman that will give you a place to stay throughout Band Camp until move in day at your school.
The best way to get to Boston College is by taking the MBTA Green line, either the B or D line. If you take the B line, get off at Boston College. If you take the D line, get off at the Reservoir stop and transfer over to the Boston College Shuttle Bus that runs frequently. You can track the BC Shuttle via the "TransLoc" app. Often, Partner School members from different schools will connect along the way to rehearsals so the students can commute together.