Alumni Band Reunion FAQ’s
- What time is kickoff? Kickoff time has not yet been set by the university. We are at the mercy of the television networks’ broadcast decisions, which unfortunately are often made only a couple of weeks out.
- What is the schedule for the reunion/homecoming? Until we know kickoff time, we cannot determine the day’s schedule. However, generally we have early morning registration (for recent 3pm kickoffs, auxiliaries checked in starting at 7:30am, band members at 8:00am; for 6pm kickoff those times were 8:00am and 8:30am), followed by music and marching rehearsal with the AUMB, a short alumni meeting/update, then box lunch pickup at 10:30 or 11:00am. You can also eat somewhere else on your own, and have free time until reporting back for marching in. Warm up and line up for marching into the stadium is usually 1 hour and 45 minutes before kickoff time.
- What do I wear? We instituted a uniform for the AU Alumni Band in 2015. If you have participated in the reunion since that time, you received an Alumni Band white polo shirt at registration. If 2021 is your first year to march with us since this change was made, please note your shirt size on the registration form, and you will receive your shirt at the reunion registration. (For participants who have previously received a shirt – if you need a new shirt, make sure you indicate that on your registration form; there will be a $30 charge for the new shirt.) In addition to the white polo shirt, Alumni Band uniform is navy blue pants or shorts and white (or white-ish!) shoes. Athletic shoes are fine. White ball caps or visors are acceptable.
- When will music and auxiliary routines be posted? We will post these as soon as we get them from the AUMB. They are swamped right now with the regular beginning of marching season, plus hosting the Marching Honor Band on September 4.
- How do we get football tickets for the rest of the family? Auburn Alumni Band reunion participants do not need a ticket. For family and friends, Auburn Athletics has partnered with StubHub for ticket sales. There are usually many tickets available near the Alumni Band area (which is typically Sections 34-37). Family members are welcome to attend morning practice, and you can also order them a box lunch if you’d like.
- Do I need my own instrument? In most cases, yes, participants should provide their own instrument as able. Your local high school band may be another good resource. A select number of the following instruments will be available for loan from Auburn Bands on a first come, first serve basis: mellophone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Please indicate on the registration form if you will require one of these loaner instruments. Flags are provided for the alumni flag line.
- What if I can’t/don’t want to march? Please join us even if you can’t or don’t want to march! You can visit with friends before and after practice, order a boxed lunch to eat with us, and if you’re not up to marching at halftime, you can still sit in the stands with the rest of the Alumni Band, with or without an instrument!
- How do box lunches work? Box lunches are available for purchase with pre-registration only. To receive a box lunch, indicate the quantity with your registration and include the appropriate amount in your Square payment or check. Pre-order box lunches are available at a cost of $10 each and are picked up at the rehearsal field at the conclusion of morning practice.
- Where is rehearsal? Rehearsal is at the AUMB Practice Facility, official address 312 Beech Street. (For the “oldies,” this is at the end of W. Thach where Married Student Housing used to be.)
- Where do I park? Parking is always a problem on game day. If a family member can drop you off at the practice field, we highly encourage it! Much of the lot near the practice field is student Residential Overflow (RO) parking, which is unavailable to us. We will be receiving more detailed parking information from the AUMB closer to game day and will post that information as soon as we receive it.
- What is the cost to participate and how do I pay? Alumni Band dues are $50 annually, or $85 for a band couple. Recent graduates (within the past 3 years) receive a discounted membership of $25. Payment can be made via Square from the Alumni Band webpage 2021 Alumni Band Membership Sign-up – Auburn Alumni Band , or via check sent to: Auburn Alumni Band, PO Box 1155, Auburn, AL Dues do not go solely towards the reunion – much of our income from dues and donations goes either to our scholarship endowment for current band students, or towards gifts to the AU Band for their current needs. Last year the Alumni Band contributed $10,000 to the endowment, thanks to the generosity of Alumni Band members.
- Will there be Alumni Band merchandise available for purchase? Our Promotional Items Committee is hard at work ordering items that will be available for purchase at the reunion. Due to supply chain issues all over the country, we aren’t sure yet exactly which items we’ll be able to offer, and there will be no special order items. Any items left over after the reunion will be placed in our Square Store (where you pay your dues) for general purchase.
- What Covid protocols are you following? We will follow all current university requirements, which are subject to change. As the school year begins, Auburn University is requiring masks in all indoor spaces, but not outdoors. All of our events will be outdoors. In an effort to protect our alumni and student band family, perform a self – assessment on gameday, please don’t attend if you are feeling ill or have been recently exposed to Covid, and wear masks in indoor spaces such as restrooms, etc.