Can you get marching band scholarships?

Answer 1

Unlike sports, Marching Bands normally do NOT offer scholarships for talented players headed to college. (If you find one, let me know.) In marching band, it doesn't matter if one person is exceptionally gifted: if the whole band looks sloppy while one scholarship student looks excellent, they will still receive a bad rating or a bad response from the crowd. University bands also do not attend competitions, so the school would receive nothing in return for a marching band scholarship like they would for a talented Basketball player, talented football player, etc.

However, many universities offer music scholarships for music majors, minors, and other advanced musicians who audition for that university's music program. In addition, I'm sure drum corps (professional) bands may offer scholarships or other reprieves to exceptional players who cannot afford to pay the hefty fee.

Answer 2

THE ANSWER IS YES.

My high school has a very vigorous music program. Our jazz band made it All-State, we went to a marching band festival, and received honorable mentions as a band. I am a senior this year, I play the Baritone Saxophone (rather uncommon instrument) and plan to pursue music. Two of my acquaintances did earn scholarships. One of them played percussion for SUNY Stony Brook University, he received a scholarship for participating in the marching band. Another person went to UConn and played Trumpet, he earned a large discount off his education. I hope to be able to follow in their footsteps, so yes, you CAN get a scholarship for doing marching band in college...