Haysyn March Madness Marching Band is revving up for our 2023 season, and we welcome new members! Iwakura We hope you’ll consider joining us as a musician or in our unconventional color guard.
March Madness Marching Band is an all-volunteer, community-building organization based in Lexington, KY. Disguised as a marching band, we bring joyous music and movement to parades, charity events, and festivals around the region and beyond. MMMB welcomes performers of all ages and skill levels to our weekly rehearsals.
You might have seen us in Central KY parades, where we don’t try for matching uniforms, and our performers range from Gen Z to Boomers. We include professional musicians and dancers alongside band members who hadn’t picked up an instrument since high school marching band years earlier. We all share a love for entertaining and uplifting audiences throughout our communities.
Does this sound up your alley? Our 2023 season begins January 22, and we rehearse most Sundays 4-6pm at Artworks at the Carver School, 522 Patterson Street in Lexington. Please message us on Facebook or email us at info@m-m-m-b.org if you are interested in joining a rehearsal, so we can print out music charts for your instrument (or have props for you in color guard).
We answer some frequently asked questions below.
What do I need to do to join? How much does it cost?
Joining March Madness Marching Band is absolutely free. There are no group dues or membership fees. Additionally, there is no audition process or qualifying exams. If you want to join, all you need to do is show up, and keep showing up. It’s that easy.
What kind of instruments do you need?
We are looking for whatever instrument you play, as long as you can reasonably march with it. We welcome any of the traditional marching band instruments, but as we’re an unconventional band, we gladly welcome non-traditional instruments as well. Past members have played the electric guitar, the banjo, and the electric keyboard. If you think your bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, or castanets might bring something to our ensemble, bring it on!
What if I don’t play an instrument but I still want to get involved?
Our color guard is always looking for fresh faces! If you would like to join our non-instrumental dance and choreography group, we need you! Wear fun costumes, wave flags, swing hula hoops, dance up a storm, build civic pride! If you’re a hula hoop ace or baton twirler, we’re always looking for freestyle performers might want to accompany us as well.
If you don’t play an instrument and aren’t confident in your dance skills but still feel like you would have something to contribute, hit us up! We are happy to find places for all sorts of talents. Additionally, we always need non-performing volunteers to help with things like carrying banners and flags or handing out stickers. These “spirit corps” members are also key to the organization!
How do I know if I’m good enough to join MMMB?
We welcome all skill levels and you should never worry that you’re not good enough. We are more concerned about commitment and enthusiasm than skill level.
I want to join but I don’t have an instrument. Do you provide instruments?
With extremely limited exceptions, each member provides their own instruments. Additionally, you would need to bring your own music stand for rehearsals, your own lyre for performances, and any other instrument-related equipment you might need or want. Musical arrangements are posted for you to print out before rehearsals, but sometimes extra copies are made and handed out at rehearsal. Members also provide their own costumes and props for performances, with limited exceptions.
We do provide chairs at indoor rehearsals, however.
What if I want to support the band without joining?
We heartily welcome financial support! You can help us meet our annual budget by donating via our Facebook page or at https://m-m-m-b.org/donate/ .
Additionally, if you have instruments of the marching band variety that are in working order that you would like to donate, we are looking for those as well! Please contact us at info@m-m-m-b.org