Tiger Marching Band

Becoming a member of the Tiger Marching Band (TMB) is an exciting opportunity open to all Campbellsville University students, regardless of major. Participation offers not only musical growth but also scholarships, performance experiences, and a strong sense of community.

How to Join: All new students interested in joining the Tiger Marching Band must complete the TMB application. Membership is open to every CU student, whether you’re a music major or not.

• Wind Players: A minimum of one year of successful high school marching band experience is required, verified through your high school band director.
• Percussionists: There is no sideline percussion section; all percussionists will be placed in the marching drumline. Auditions for drumline positions occur in May. Visit the Drumline section below for details.
• Color Guard: A minimum of one year of marching band experience is recommended. Experience with rifles or sabres is encouraged but not required. Color Guard auditions are also held in May. See the Color Guard section below for more information.

Band Camp: All TMB members must attend Band Camp, a week-long program held the week before classes begin. Band Camp dates are announced each spring semester. Housing and meals during camp are provided at no cost, and members can move into their assigned dorms early.

Scholarships: Tiger Marching Band members qualify for band grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per year. These grants cover participation in both fall marching band and spring concert/pep band seasons. Details will be discussed upon submission of your TMB application.

Performances: The TMB performs at all home football games, selected high school marching band exhibitions, community events, and some away games. The football season runs from late August through mid-November.

Rehearsals: Rehearsals typically run 7-8 hours weekly during the football season, scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Additional sectional rehearsals and Saturday game-day practices are occasionally required.

The Drumline is an important part of the Tiger Marching Band’s energetic and dynamic performances. Comprising four main sections—snares, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals, the drumline typically includes 5-6 snares, 2-4 tenors, 5-6 bass drums, and 2-4 cymbals, with no front ensemble. All new students to Campbellsville University interested in becoming a member of the drumline need to fill out the TMB application.

Audition Information: Prospective members should prepare as much of the provided audition music as possible. You can audition on as many instruments as you would like. Auditions are held annually, with dates listed on the TMB application. If you cannot attend the scheduled date, contact Dr. Chad Floyd to arrange an alternative time. 

Open to All Students: You do not need to be a music major to audition for the drumline. However, music majors and minors may coordinate their drumline auditions with their School of Music auditions for convenience. To become a music major or minor, be sure to register for a School of Music audition.

All new students to Campbellsville University interested in becoming a member of the Color Guard need to fill out the TMB application.

The Campbellsville University Color Guard plays an important role in the visual presentation of the Tiger Marching Band. At least one year of color guard experience is valuable for membership in this organization. Students will need to attend Color Guard Auditions. If you are not able to attend that day but will be on campus on another occasion before that or shortly after, arrangements can be made for you to audition when you are here. Dates for auditions can be found on the TMB application. For more information or questions, please contact Kaleb Trent.

Auditions require the following:

• Arrive wearing appropriate workout attire that allows you to spin, maneuver, and march.
• Demonstrate flag fundamentals such as drop spins, double time spins, and a variation of tosses, including multiple 45's tosses. If you need clarification on any of these fundamentals, contact Kaleb Trent.
• A one-to two-minute flag routine set to music that demonstrates one's dance and flag abilities. Routines are judged on technique, body control, overall performance, and showmanship.
• Candidates interested in demonstrating rifle or sabre skills should prepare similarly to the flag preparations on the weapons. Everyone must audition for the flag. Rifle and sabre auditions are voluntary.
• Candidates are asked to bring their own equipment; however, if you have a need, contact us and we can make arrangements for you to use ours while you are here.

The Tiger Marching Band was founded in 1992 under the leadership of Dr. David M. McCullough. In its charter season, the thrill of the marching band bringing excitement to campus and football games was only the beginning of what has become a tradition of excellence at Campbellsville University. The TMB was under the leadership of David McCullough from 1992 to 2004. After serving as the Assistant Director to Dr. McCullough from 2001 to 2004, Jennifer Tinnell became the director of the group in 2005 and served until 2018. Corey Bonds began his career at Campbellsville University as the Assistant Director in 2014 and became the director of the TMB in 2019. He served as Director of Bands through 2023. 

• Matt Wooten has served as the Director of Bands since 2025.
• Ed Johnson has served as an Assistant Director of Athletic Bands since 2019.
• Clark Hunt has served as an Assistant Director of Bands since 2022.

Other staff includes:

• Dr. Chad Floyd - Percussion Professor
• Kaleb Trent - Colorguard Director
• Sam Geralds - Percussion
• Carlos Garza - Graduate Assistant

 

1936 Campbellsville College Marching Band. Top Row: Elizabeth Nunn, Herman Hubbard, Dennis Smith, Ray Warren, Homer Felts, Stanley Lemon, Walter Parrot, Delilah, Gabehart, Ralph Wilkerson Middle Row: Anna Mason, Mary Louise McKenty, Kathryn GIbson, Elmira Wright, May Stone, Alva Pike, Elizabeth bright, Mari Campell, Georgia Darnell, Louise Ruckner Bottom Row: Opal Blevins, Jo Allen, Lillian Withers, Check Herren, T.S. Curry

From left, uniforms worn through the years: Anne Gibbs ('99, M '04) wearing the uniform worn from 1992-2004, Jared Fenwick ('16, M a'16) wearing the uniform worn from 2004-2016 and Saori Kataoka ('17) wearing the uniform worn from 2017-2023.

 

From left, color guard uniforms worn through the years: 2015, 2004, and 1992.