Cavalier Marching Band

The Cavalier Marching Band (CMB) was created in the spring of 2003, thanks to a generous gift to the University of Virginia from Carl and Hunter Smith. Now entering its ninth season, the Cavalier Marching Band has grown to include over 300 members. The band has quickly become an integral part of every home football game and various other sporting events on Grounds. Led by Director William Pease, the band is known for its high energy and crowd-pleasing performances. The CMB performs a new halftime show for every home football game, which gives students and fans an opportunity to experience many different musical styles each season.

A course for academic credit, the Cavalier Marching Band is comprised of brass, woodwinds, battery and mallet percussion, color guard, and featured twirlers. Remarkably, the CMB is comprised almost entirely of non-music majors. CMB students come from nearly every major and school at the University. Student leadership is strongly emphasized. We have over 90 student leaders, drill instructors, and other logistical support staff. Anyone at the University can join! The members of the marching band are provided with all instruments and equipment used throughout their tenure in the band. There are no fees to participate in the marching band, only a passion for making music and for UVA. The band rehearses only twice on away-game weeks and has an additional rehearsal on the Friday before a home game. The full band performs at all home football games, one away game, and the post-season bowl game. Meals and lodging expenses for all home and away football games are covered by the band!

The members of the Cavalier Marching Band enjoy the thrill and challenge of performing in front of large crowds, appearing on national television, and representing the University of Virginia. In just five seasons, the CMB has entertained millions of screaming Wahoo fans and countless television viewers worldwide. The members of the band proudly wear the orange and blue and are ambassadors for the University on and off the field.