Million Dollar Band Colorguard

2024 University of Alabama
Color Guard Auditions:
Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 2024

  • Applications will open on Feb. 1, 2024
    • Pay the $35.00 Application Fee (No refunds will be given)
    • To register, you must have been accepted to The University of Alabama and received your CWID and crimson.ua.edu email address.
    • Once you register, we will only use your @crimson.ua.edu email for all further communications.
    • Once you complete the application and pay your Application Fee, you will be sent a receipt and a follow-up e-mail with more information.
    • Band director recommendations will be sent out on April 12th, and will have two weeks to complete.
      • A completed recommendation form from your Band Director is required before we will review your audition – this will be sent upon your completion of the MDB Audition Registration
    • Registration does not guarantee membership
  • Audition Requirements
    • Interview with Color Guard Staff and Adjudicators
    • Learn and perform across-the-floor movement patterns
    • Learn and perform cheers
      • Videos of 2 cheers will be sent to all candidates prior to the audition weekend.  Candidates will be expected to learn cheers prior to arrival and perform them upon request.
    • Learn and perform a Group Routine which is 50% dance and 50% flag
    • Create and perform an Individual Routine
      • Individual Routine Specifics
        • If you are doing flag and dance only, it should be 1:30 in length
        • If you are doing flag and rifle only, it should be approximately 1:30 in length
        • If you are doing flag and saber only, it should be approximately 1:30 in length
        • If you are doing flag, dance, saber, and rifle, it should be approximately :30 of each.
        • Flag work should be done on a 6-foot pole
        • Music used for the individual routine must be appropriate for ALL ages. If you choose music that contains obscene or hate speech, your audition will be discarded.
        • No props should be used for individual routines
  • Audition Attire (both days)
    • Black leotard (no sleeves)
    • Black dance shorts (tights or panty hose are optional)
    • Black or beige split sole jazz shoes
    • Hair and makeup should be performance ready
  • Audition Locations
    • Auditions will be held on the campus of the University of Alabama.
  • Audition Schedule
    • A detailed schedule will be sent prior the auditions. The following is an overview of when audition segments will take place:
      • Friday, April 26
        • Registration – 6:00-6:30 PM
        • Interviews/Clinic Session – 6:30-10:00 PM
          • Open to the public
        • Once Interviews/Clinics are complete we will end with a 30 minute workout session
      • Saturday, April 27
        • Clinic Session – beginning at 8:00 AM
          • Open to the public
        • Individual Routines – beginning at 10:00 AM
          • Open to the public
        • Adjudication of cheers, across the floors, and learned routine
          • Closed to the public
    • The 2024 Million Dollar Band Color Guard will be announced at the close of auditions on Saturday, April 29th.
    • Those selected will attend a mandatory meeting after the results are announced for all selected to the 2024 MDBCG.
    • All communication will be via your crimson.ua.edu email.

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS APRIL 12, 2024

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are there any height and/or weight requirements? We DO NOT have any height and/or weight requirements. The health of our members is monitored by the MDB training staff only.  Sessions on health and nutrition are provided to all members
  2. Should I send a photo(s) of myself as part of the application? No, you should not send photo(s) of yourself as part of the application.
  3. Can you audition by video or another day? No, we do not accept video auditions and we do not hold additional audition dates.
  4. Who are the judges for the auditions? The judges are recognized educators in the colorguard and dance activities.
  5. Are there specific skills the judges will look for?
    1. Aerobic Conditioning
    2. Movement Skills
    3. Flexibility
    4. Equipment Performance Skills
    5. Coordination
    6. Marching and Maneuvering Skills
    7. Ability to Grasp Concepts
    8. Positive Attitude
  6. Are there specific hair and make-up requirements? No, there are no specific requirements, but we ask that you perform with your hair down because that the style the MDB Colorguard uses. Make-up should be done as if ready for public performance.
  7. How will I know if my application has been received? You will receive a confirmation email from the Band Office.  If you do not receive a confirmation email within a week of your online registration, contact Russ Cole, Director of Operations at 205-348-6068
  8. Are scholarships available to members of the Colorguard? A limited number of scholarships are available to all members of the MDB.  The scholarships are awarded based on performance and citizenship.  There is not a separate audition to be considered for a scholarship.
  9. How many students will be chosen for the 2024 Colorguard? There is no set number for the size of colorguard each year.
  10. Do members of the colorguard pay a membership fee? There is a lab fee for members of the colorguard to cover practice attire and additional performance outfits beyond the University-issued gameday uniform.
  11. Can I have someone help me with my individual routine choreography? Yes, but it is not necessary. We are interested in your performance ability not your writing ability.
  12. Is there anything I can practice to enhance my chances of making the colorguard? You can stay current on all the equipment fundamentals/tosses you have learned along with your dance skills.
  13. Is movement a part of the choreography used by the MDB Colorguard? Yes, you might want to consider a dance class to enhance your skills in this area.
  14. Will I receive college credit for participating in colorguard? Yes, all members of the MDB receive 1 credit hour.
  15. If selected, am I expected to attend all performances? YES
  16. Are there any sessions during the summer that will help me prepare for the fall camp and football season? Yes, there is a “mini-camp” for all members beginning on TBA. There are no fees associated with the camp, but members are responsible for their own housing and meals.
  17. If I am selected, do I have to attend the Fall Camp in August? Yes, all members of the MDB must attend Fall Camp in August.
  18. What is the rehearsal schedule for the colorguard? Regular class meetings are Monday-Friday 4:00-5:30. Stretch block begins at 3:30. Additionally, the colorguard has a weekly Wednesday evening sectional.

If you have additional questions, please get in touch with the director of the MDB Colorguard, Mr. Steve Simpson at ssimpson@ua.edu

General Membership Requirements

To become a member of The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band, students must have been accepted to The University of Alabama. Once you have been accepted, the University will assign you a Campus Wide Identification Number (CWID) along with a Crimson/UA email address. Additionally, students must meet the following requirements:

  • All new and returning students must audition for membership into the Million Dollar Band during The University of Alabama Spring semester.
  • You must register for the marching band class (MUA 153/253/353/453) BUT ONLY AFTER you have received notification that you passed the audition and have received membership into the Million Dollar Band (after May 1, 2024). Please be aware that these registration requirements will be verified before the first day of Fall Camp.
  • Must be working toward a degree as demonstrated by either:
    1. registering for at least 12 hours for the Fall semester at The University of Alabama
    2. registering for at least 12 hours for the Fall semester at Shelton State Community College while registered for MUA 153/253/353/453 as a part-time student at The University of Alabama
  • Potential returning members must be in good financial standing with University Bands and The University of Alabama, including taking care of all uniform fees, equipment fees, class fees or other charges incurred in prior membership
  • Must be selected for membership by audition
  • Must complete and have on record with the University Bands Office, the 2024 MDB Medical Form (emailed to MDB roster after July 1, 2024). Please bring this completed form with you to the Fall Camp Check-In. DO NOT MAIL IN YOUR MEDICAL FORMS!!!