The Invincible Marching Marauders — the pride of Central State University
The Invincible Marching Marauders are an integral part of your college experience and the pride of Central State University. Their spectacular performances rivet audiences at Homecoming, games, and big and small University events.
Step up, show out
From the band’s drill designs to their musical arrangements, the Invincible Marching Marauders step it up a notch. They bring excitement and exceptional pageantry to University events all year long.
Showcasing Marauder spirit
Central State’s marching band has performed at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, halftime and pre-game shows for the Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons, and a Battle of the Bands in Atlanta. Additionally, the Invincible Marching Marauders have played at the World Bowl of the World League of American Football in Barcelona and in London. The band has appeared multiple times at the Honda Battle of the Bands, and it was featured in the film "Dave Chapelle’s Block Party." Today, this tradition of representing the Marauder spirit of excellence on the world stage continues.
Marching band scholarships
You do not need to be a music major to qualify for a band scholarship. All wind or percussion players who are full-time students are eligible to audition. Learn more by contacting Director of Bands Blake Gaines at bgaines@centralstate.edu or 937-376-6405.
Audition for the band
Ready to be part of a precision marching machine that’s also family? Join the Invincible Marching Marauders! You will work hard and play hard, experiencing the thrill of excelling on the field and in the concert hall. Plus, you will form lifelong friendships.
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All full-time students can experience what it feels like to be a member of the Invincible Marching Marauders and to perform with potential, respect, integrity, dignity, and excellence (PRIDE).
Members of the band are required to:
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Attend all band performances.
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Enroll in Marching and Concert Band in the fall semester and Chamber Winds in the spring.
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Be in good financial standing with all band fees paid to Central State.
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Sign a document stating you understand and comply with the above requirements for band members.
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You can audition through a virtual audition or a video submission. To schedule a virtual in-person audition via Zoom, contact bgaines@centralstate.edu or register online here.
All pre-recorded video submissions must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. At the beginning of your video, clearly state:
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Your full name
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The name of your high school
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The name of your band director
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Your intended major
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Your grade point average
2. Perform the audition requirements for your instrument.
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All prerecorded video auditions should be saved as an MP4 file or uploaded to your YouTube channel and then included as an attachment or link in an email to bgaines@centralstate.edu.
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In your audition, be prepared to:
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Perform rudiments — prepare all 40 rudiments; you will be asked to perform a selection.
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Perform on mallets and/or timpani.
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Perform a snare solo, demonstrating your skill set and proficiency.
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In your audition, be prepared to:
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Perform scales — prepare for all 12 scales.
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Perform the chromatic scale, showcasing your full range.
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Perform a music solo at grade 3 or above that demonstrates your skill and proficiency.
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Sight read
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If you have questions, please email Blake Gaines, Director of Bands, at bgaines@centralstate.edu or phone him at 937-376-6405.
Inquiries can also be mailed to Blake Gaines, Director of Bands, Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Central State University, PO Box 1004, Wilberforce, OH 45384.