Marching Mocs

The future of the Marching Mocs is truly exciting - and we want YOU to be a part of the excitement! For a CENTURY, the band at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been one of the most visible representatives of the university, and the catalyst for the energetic gameday atmosphere at Finley Stadium!
The UTC Marching Mocs perform at all UTC home football games, selected parades and exhibitions. Participation in the Marching Mocs is open to all UTC students, as well as Chattanooga State students, regardless of your major. Students receive credit for participation in the class which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM. All members of the UTC Marching Mocs must be officially enrolled in course MUS 0030, which offers one hour of academic credit. There is also a “zero credit” section that we offer should you need that option. We invite you to join us as we work to build the largest student group on campus and provide support and energy to the UTC Mocs! BUT WAIT...it gets better!! Members of the Marching Mocs get paid to march!! You heard correctly. Members receive a stipend ranging from $200.00-800.00 for completing the season without issue. What could be better? Come join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the band at UTC with the Marching Mocs! Questions about the Marching Mocs? Feel free to email Professor Coleman here: [email protected].
Staff:
Director of Bands: Professor Randall Coleman
Assistant Director of Bands: Professor Rob Truan
Assistant Director of the Marching Mocs: Professor Ethan McDaniel
Director of Color Guard: Tyler Edrington
Marching Percussion Staff: Matt Grimes and Alex Hinson
Twirler Coach: Jenny Hannah
Join the Marching Mocs tradition and sign for band week to learn what it is all about!
Enroll in Band
All members of the UTC Marching Mocs must be officially enrolled in course MUS 0030.
The Marching Mocs rehearse on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. during the fall semester. Detailed information regarding Band Week will be announced later in the spring semester.
Chattanooga State students: contact Nicholas Hartline at [email protected] or (423) 697-3257 to find out how to enroll. ALL CHATT STATE STUDENTS MUST BE ENROLLED IN BAND AT CHATT STATE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MARCHING MOCS.
UTC Band Members Get Paid to March
You heard correctly. Members receive a stipend ranging from $200.00-$800.00 at the end of the season. Marching Mocs members receives all necessary uniform items, including the polo shirt and ball cap. Travel expenses are covered for all members.
MARCHING MOCS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2024 NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE IN LONDON, ENGLAND!
Please read the basic information on the information sheet here: London Information. All members of the 2023 Marching Mocs are eligible and encouraged to participate in this incredible event! More detailed information will follow soon!
Band Camp Week Information
Band Camp Week Early Move In for those utilizing University Housing
Friday, August 11, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Band Camp Week for All Marching Mocs
Saturday, August 12-Friday, August 18, 2023
Classes Begin Monday, August 21, 2023

UTC Bands Information Fall 2023
There are no auditions for wind players for the UTC Marching Mocs. There will be a part assignment excerpt that we will send everyone to play and record for us. This is not an audition for membership…if you want us, we want you! This will help us determine your part assignment for our music. For the UTC Drum Line, there will be auditions held for instrument assignment. These auditions will take place in late spring. Dates will be announced ASAP. There will be a video due to us before the instrument assignment day. See below for addition information for percussionists. There are auditions for our UTC Twirlers and UTC Color Guard. Those auditions will take place in late spring. Please see below for specific information for those sections. EVERYONE PLANNING TO PARTICIPATE in the Marching Mocs for the coming year (including those who are planning to audition for the color guard, drum line or twirler) should complete the registration form here:
UTC Marching Mocs Registration 2023-24
Music Majors must audition for the Department of Music following the guidelines here: https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/music/prospective-students/audition-requirements This is ONLY for those students considering being a music major.
Please print this form: Marching Mocs Medical Form
Send the completed form to:
University Bands
615 McCallie Ave. Dept 1451
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403-2598
Scholarships
All students who audition for the UTC Bands are eligible for service awards and performance grants, regardless of your major. There are separate awards for the Wind Ensemble. Everyone participating in the Marching Mocs will receive a service award. If you are interested in performing with the UTC Wind Ensemble, additional performance grants are available for you, regardless of your major. If you are not planning to be a music major and would like to be considered for a Wind Ensemble performance grant, contact Professor Coleman ([email protected]) for additional information. If you are planning to be a music major, your Department of Music audition will also be used to make performance grant and scholarship offers for students who choose to perform in Wind Ensemble. If you are not planning to be a music major, you are still eligible to be considered for a Wind Ensemble performance grant. If you are NOT planning to be a music major and want to be considered for a Wind Ensemble performance grant, please contact Professor Coleman to set up a time/method for your Wind Ensemble performance grant audition. Non-majors interested in being considered for Wind Ensemble scholarships and performance grants are encouraged to sign up for a time on one of the two Music Division audition dates. Those dates and sign up information can be found on the Music Division webpage. For more information on the admission and scholarship process, visit the UTC Admissions website here: https://www.utc.edu/about/admissions

UTC Color Guard Video Audition Information for Fall 2023
Welcome from the Color Guard Director:
Welcome to the University of Tennessean at Chattanooga Color Guard Audition! We are excited to welcome dancers and performers of all skill levels to showcase their talent and join our team. The UTC Color Guard is an integral part of our university's marching band, performing at football games, parades, and other events throughout the year. Our audition process is designed to identify talented and dedicated performers who can work collaboratively with our marching band and uphold the highest standards of performance. We encourage all interested dancers and performers to audition and look forward to seeing the unique skills and abilities each individual brings to the audition.
If you have ever dreamed of performing in front of thousands of people on an international stage, then auditioning for the UTC color guard is the perfect opportunity for you! We are thrilled to announce that our color guard team has been invited to participate in the London New Year's Day Parade, an incredible opportunity to showcase our talents and represent our university on a global platform. As a member of our color guard team, you will have the chance to perform alongside our talented marching band and be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will you have the chance to travel to London and participate in the parade, but you will also have the opportunity to build your skills and make lasting friendships with other dedicated performers. We encourage you to audition and join us on this unforgettable journey. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity - take the first step and audition for the UTC Color Guard today!
Good luck to all participants!
Tyler Edrington
Introduction:
Start your video by introducing yourself including your name, where you are from, and why you want to join the color guard team at UTC. Also provide some background information about your color guard experience. This could include the name of your high school or previous college, how many years you've been involved in color guard, and any notable achievements or performances you've been a part of.
Technique and Skill Demonstration:
- Dance: Include a short dance section to showcase your ability to move to the beat of music. Choose a piece of music that reflects your personal style and demonstrates your dance skills.
- Flag: Show off your proficiency with various tosses, spins, and catches. Please also include a brief choreographed piece to music of your choosing.
- Rifle: (Not Required) Demonstrate your ability to handle a rifle, perform spins, and execute tosses. Please also include a brief choreographed piece to music of your choosing.
Video Attire:
- Clothing: It is important to wear clothing that fits well and allows for ease of movement. It is generally best to wear neutral colors such as black, white, or gray.
- Hair pulled back: It is important to keep hair out of the face to prevent distraction and ensure the performers line can be seen.
- Minimal accessories: Jewelry and other accessories should be kept to a minimum to avoid distractions and ensure the dancer's lines are visible.
Video Submission:
Please provide a YouTube link of your video audition to [email protected] no later than April 15th. Please put the phrase “UTC Guard Audition Video” and your last name then first name in the subject line of your email.
Example: SUBJECT: UTC Guard Audition Video Doe, John
Letter of Recommendation:
All new prospective UTC Color Guard candidates must submit a letter of recommendation. This letter should be provided by the Band Director, or Auxiliary Coordinator. You should submit your Letter of Recommendation WITH your audition video.
Also, feel free to reach out to the email address above ([email protected]) with any questions you may have. Look forward to viewing your submission!
Go Mocs!
UTC Twirler Auditions
Here at UTC, all auxiliaries are considered sections (like trombones, percussion, or clarinets) within the Marching Mocs. Auxiliary members are also eligible to receive the same service awards as all other band members. Auditions for UTC Twirlers will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023. All auditions will take place on the campus of UTC in McLellan Gym, located in the central part of our campus. All auditions will be closed to the public…only UTC Band staff members and adjudicators will be allowed in the gym on the day of auditions.
UTC Twirler Auditions
Saturday, April 29, 2023
8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Audition Eligibility:
All candidates must be accepted to UTC or Chattanooga State Community College before tryouts. All candidates’ admission to UTC or Chattanooga State will be verified before tryouts.
Registration: Registration for the 2023 UTC Twirler Auditions should be completed through the registration link: UTC Marching Mocs Registration 2023-24.
Audition Process: In addition to the successful completion of the eligibility and registration requirements, the Majorette audition process is comprised of 4 categories: Individual routine, Required and additional skills, Across the floor movement & Group routine.
Individual routine: This is your time to show the judges what you do best! The routine should showcase your ability to successfully execute a prepared routine. You will be judged not only on your twirling skills but also on your performance skills, body technique, professionalism, entertainment value, and physical fitness. One, two and three baton work should be included as well as dancetwirl skills. The choreography for your individual routine should demonstrate and showcase your twirling and performance strengths. Entertainment value is important. The routine should be 1:30-2:30 minutes long. NO props are allowed. It is important to choose music that is engaging and tasteful. Music selections may have no profanity or questionable lyrics.
Basic Requirements:
- 2 spin vertical
- 3 spin vertical
- 2 spin horizontal
- Toss reverse illusion vertical
- Toss reverse illusion horizontal
- One spin reverse illusion
- Toss cartwheel (traveling side)
- Individual roll section (your choice)
- Basic two baton skills (required skills will be posted)
- Basic three baton skills (required skills will be posted)
- Please be prepared to present 5 additional skills of your choice (aerial skills, rolls, contact material or multiple baton). If you can do walkovers, leap walkovers, double or triple tricks of any kind please include.
Letter of Recommendation: All new prospective tryout candidates must submit a letter of recommendation. This letter should be provided by the Band Director, or Auxiliary Coordinator. In the event, and only in the event, that a candidate is not a member of their school’s marching band, a letter of recommendation may be given by their studio instructor. Email your recommendation to Jenny Hannah, UTC Twirling Coach at [email protected]. All recommendation letters should be received no later than Saturday, April 22 at 5:00 pm.
Attire: A twirling costume should be worn for the audition, including tan tights and tan jazz shoes. Full performance hair and make up is required. Please limit jewelry to performance earrings which go with costume.
Any questions or concerns about the audition should be directed to the UTC Majorette Coach, Jenny Hannah, at [email protected]
Percussion Audition Information
Wind Part Placement Videos
All wind instruments (woodwinds and brass) will need to submit a short, part placement video. This video should contain at least 1:00 but no more than 1:30 of you playing music that you feel best demonstrates your abilities. If you would like to be considered for an upper part (in clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn/mellophone and trombone) please include an excerpt that would demonstrate your upper range. Any flute player who would like to be considered for piccolo, please submit your audition video on piccolo if possible. Mellophone players can submit your video on F Horn or mellophone, whichever is most convenient for you.
To reiterate, this IS NOT an audition for the marching band. This is simply so that we can place you on the appropriate part and to hear you play briefly. You should submit your video via YouTube link and email the link to us at [email protected]. Please use this phrase in the subject line of your email: UTC Band Part Placement: Your last name, Your first name. (UTC Band Part Placement Coleman, Randall) BE SURE TO STATE YOUR NAME CLEARLY on the video before recording your excerpts. ANY music is fine it use as long as it demonstrates to us your best qualities as a player. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. All videos must be emailed to us no later than Friday, May 5, 2023.


2023-2024 Marching Mocs Leadership Team
Drum Majors
Dylan Campbell, Justin Haynes and Matthew Warren
Flute Section Leaders
Lauren Cain and Ja’Toria Powell
Clarinet Section Leader
Madi Coffey
Saxophone Section Leaders
Gabriel Hubbard and Evan Humberd
High Brass Section Leader
Nissi Massey
Trombone Section Leader
John Pavelchik
Baritone Section Leader
Chris Reynoso
Tuba Section Leader
Ember Evans
Percussion Section Leader
Kosha Patel
Color Guard Captain
Harmony Akin
Twirler Captain
Elise Halcomb
Registration and First Year Assistance
Contact Jordan Hicks, First Year Coordinator, for help with registration and any first year issues.
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Marching Mocs Performances Fall 2023 | ||
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Saturday, 8/26 | Family/Friends Preview Show | |
Saturday, 9/9 | Home vs. Kennesaw State | Kickoff 6:00 PM |
Saturday, 9/16 | Home vs. Citadel, BAND DAY | Kickoff 6:00 PM |
Saturday, 9/23 | Hosting UTC Bands of America Regional Finley Stadium Marching Mocs Exhibition Performance | |
Saturday, 10/7 | Home Game vs. Western Carolina | Kickoff 4:00 PM |
Saturday, 10/14 | Exhibition performance, Allatoona High School, Kennesaw, Georgia | Depart late afternoon, return late evening |
Saturday, 10/21 | Home vs. ETSU | Kickoff 1:30 PM |
Saturday, 10/28 | Exhibition performance at Rome High School, Rome, Georgia | Depart late afternoon, return late evening |
Saturday, 11/4 | Home vs. Furman | Kickoff 1:30 PM |
Saturday, 11/11 | Open Weekend for football | |
Saturday, 11/25 | POTENTIAL Playoff game (could continue into December) | |
Wednesday, 12/27 | Depart for LONDON, ENGLAND for New Year's Day Parade | |
Wednesday, 1/3 | Return from London, England |
Marching Mocs Performances Fall 2023 | ||||
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Playoff games TBD at the conclusion of the regular season. The Marching Mocs will participate in any home playoff games, and those performances will be required.