As the Ivy League's oldest "scatter band," this spirited ensemble celebrates Dartmouth sporting events and home game victories.
The Dartmouth College Marching Band is the oldest marching band in the Ivy League and celebrates the uniquely Ivy tradition of "scatter bands": the band marches onto the field, then "scatters" into formations while a member reads from a student-written script. The band is an integral part of many Dartmouth sporting events including football, basketball, hockey and rugby.
In the fall, the DCMB opens every home football game with a parade through Hanover, concerts at alumni events, a pre-game field show and performance of the national anthem and alma mater. During games, the band keeps the crowd lively by playing tunes in the stands and performing on the field again at halftime. After the game, if Dartmouth wins, the celebration continues by parading to the Dartmouth Co-op and through the library playing the school fight songs. In the winter, the DCMB continues to play as the Pep Band at basketball and hockey games.
The marching band is a non-audition ensemble, and students of all experience levels are welcome to join. Participation is free, as instruments and uniforms are lent out at no charge to members. Music rehearsals are on Mondays from 7:30-9pm in Hartman Hall, and field rehearsals are on Friday evenings, meeting at Hartman then walking over to the football field. Students are encouraged to join the band at any point during the term.
Please reach out to the director or the student president with any questions, and check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up with the band!
More About Marching Band
Brian Messier named new director of Marching Band!
Prof. Brian Messier’s research on audience attraction, engagement, and retention has resulted in his participation in the New Audiences and Innovative Practices program in Iceland; guest speaking engagements in Minnesota and the Netherlands; and his appointment to the College Band Director’s National Association committee for the advancement of wind music in our culture. Messier is also Artistic Director of The Valley Winds (www.thevalleywinds.org). Messier is in high demand as a clinician and guest conductor, and specializes in integrating collaborative practice and innovative techniques into the large ensemble setting.
2022 Directorate Announced
The DCMB is led by a directorate of elected students, with support from faculty director Brian Messier. The drum major, who conducts the band and leads music rehearsals, is Tori Moss ‘23 and the assistant drum major is Margaret Frazier ‘25. The president, who engages with other Ivy bands and other external groups, is Kevin Farrell ‘25, and the vice president is Emma Wolfe ‘24. Other directorate positions include the Show Chairs, Social Chairs, Publicity Chairs, and Equipment Manager.
Here’s some more fun facts about the DCMB!
