Parent Information
HOW CAN I GET TICKETS TO FOOTBALL GAMES?
FOOTBALL
Tickets to football games are available through Vanderbilt Athletics. For reference, the Spirit of Gold Marching Band sits in first 25-30 rows of section Q. *For the 2023 season, the Spirit of Gold will be seated in section R.
BASKETBALL
Tickets to football games are available through Vanderbilt Athletics. For reference, the Anchor of Sound Basketball Band and Dore Slam sit in section G.
WHEN DOES THE BAND REHEARSE?
SPIRIT OF GOLD
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 pm and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Additional rehearsals on Saturday mornings prior to home games ( timing varies depending on kickoff time and other pregame events ). Practices are held at either McGugin Athletic Fields, the indoor field house in the Student Recreation Center, or on Dudley Field at Vanderbilt Stadium. While these rehearsals are closed to the public, band members may request a guest be allowed to attend rehearsal by contacting Dr. Morin or Clark Hubbard.
ANCHOR OF SOUND
The Anchor of Sound holds 3-4 rehearsals prior to the start of basketball season each semester. These rehearsals are approximately 60-90 minutes in duration.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE SPIRIT OF GOLD'S GAMEDAY SCHEDULE?
The Game Day schedule for the Spirit of Gold Marching Band will be posted on all of our social media accounts (@VandyBands on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) several days prior to each football game.
While things may change week-to-week, our typical Game Day schedule is as follows...
- Rehearsal (at Vanderbilt Stadium) ~4 hours prior to kickoff
- Parade Block (Outside MRH) ~90 minutes prior to kickoff
- Parade throughout Vandyville (including several stops for performances)
- Star Walk (located on Jess Neely Dr. between McGugin Center and Vanderbilt Stadium)
- Pre-Game Performance (at Vanderbilt Stadium) ~20 minutes prior to kickoff
In general, kickoff times are not released until 2 weeks before a game - check our social media for specific times of each event.
DOES THE BAND PROVIDE INSTRUMENTS?
We provide piccolos, tenor saxophones, mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, percussion, and guard equipment that students can borrow for the season.
IS CLASS CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR BAND?
Not at this time.
HOW MUCH DOES BAND COST?
SPIRIT OF GOLD
Members get paid to be a part of the Vanderbilt Athletic Bands! While there is an initial nominal fee to join the Spirit of Gold Marching Band (which covers uniform cleaning, t-shirt, band banquet, and some social events) students receive a $750.00 Service Award at the end of the season. Additional items for purchase include extra gloves, black marching band shoes, and maintenance of your personal instrument. All other uniform items and travel costs (hotels, meals, etc.) are provided free to all members. Additionally, food is provided to band members during band camp and prior to all home football games.
ANCHOR OF SOUND
There is no fee to join the Anchor of Sound Basketball Band. Contracted members receive a Service Award of $400.00 for the season! Non-contracted members receive a Service Award per game based on availability. Additionally, food is provided to band members prior to each basketball game.
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR THE BAND?
While there is not a scholarship, all members receive a Service Award at the end of the season. Our Service Awards have no impact on any outside scholarships or financial aid your student might receive.
DOES THE BAND GO TO EVERY GAME?
SPIRIT OF GOLD
The Spirit of Gold Marching Band performs at every home football game and travels to at least one away game each season (we will generally travel to the Tennessee game if the game is held in Knoxville).
The Spirit of Gold will also travel to any post-season bowl games.
ANCHOR OF SOUND
The Anchor of Sound Basketball Band performs at every home basketball game (Men's & Women's) and travels to both the Men's and Women's Basketball Southeastern Conference Tournaments. The Anchor of Sound will also travel to post-season tournaments (such as the NCAA Tournament and the NIT).
DORE SLAM
The Dore Slam Drumline performs at nearly every home basketball game (Men's & Women's) but does not travel at this time.
HOW DO I GET PHOTOS OF MY STUDENT IN BAND?
The Vanderbilt Athletic Bands have a few volunteer photographers that attend games throughout the season. Links to photo galleries are available on our "PHOTOS" page.
HOW CAN I WATCH THE HALFTIME PERFORMANCES?
If you are unable to watch our halftime performances in-person, the halftime performances of all SEC marching bands are currently being live-streamed via ESPN+.