Department of Fine Arts

Music Program

The new music program at Rogers State University provides an opportunity for students who are also musicians to hone their instrumental and performance skills in a university environment.

The music program includes a jazz band, which performs regularly on the RSU campus and at venues across northeast Oklahoma, and a pep band, which plays at RSU Hillcat basketball games and other sporting events. Both bands are extracurricular programs.

Jazz Band

The jazz band, which consists of 15 to 22 members, features a brass section with four trumpets and four trombones, a saxophone section with alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, and a rhythm section with drums, guitar, bass guitar and piano, a collection of instruments that is typical of jazz bands.

Several jazz ensemble, fundamentals of music, music appreciation, and music history classes are offered each semester.

Jazz band performances are held in the Will Rogers Auditorium on the RSU campus in Claremore, and at area public schools and other community venues in northeast Oklahoma. Membership in the jazz band also is open to area high school students and community residents.

A limited number of music scholarships are available for students interested in participating in the RSU jazz and pep band programs.

Pep Band

The pep band will consist of 20 to 50 members, who will play all the typical instruments of the indoor athletic pep band. The band will play at all home games of the new RSU men’s and women’s basketball program, and other sporting events.

RSU Basketball Band – 2008/2009

1. There will be an attendance policy for students and scholarship students.  Excused absences are always excused, but excessive absences, even if excused, will affect the ability of the individual to participate in the ensemble next year.  No unexcused absences from rehearsals or games are allowed.  Participants who miss a rehearsal or game without excuse will be asked to leave the ensemble.
2. Certain instruments (piccolos, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, mellophone, baritone, and sousaphone) will be available for the student from RSU.  Information will be distributed to those students directly.  In addition, electronic instruments (guitar, bass guitar) will be provided with amplification.
3. The uniform for the ensemble will consist of the band polo shirt and khaki trousers.  Ensembles will be provided with the polo shirt by the first game.  Students who lose or irreparably damage their given shirt must purchase another one ($35).  Students who are unwilling (not unable) to purchase their replacement shirt will be excused from the ensemble.
4. Game procedures:
   • Members will be required to be at the CEC 45 minutes before scheduled tip-off of the Women’s game.  Members will play for both Men’s and Women’s games unless otherwise noted.
   • In halftime for each game, students will be given a short break.
   • Also, students will be given a break between the Women’s and Men’s game.
   • Students cannot leave the Expo Center once there unless with a prior excuse.  Students may bring food from the outside or get concessions.