The Oregon Athletic Bands provide energy and enthusiasm in the stands at athletic events throughout the year. Under the direction of Dr. Eric Wiltshire, the Athletic Bands include the Oregon Marching Band, the Oregon Basketball Band, the Green Garter Band and the Yellow Garter Band. Members of these bands proudly carry on a tradition of pride, enthusiasm and musical quality to uplift fans and ultimately drive Oregon teams to victory.

Oregon Marching Band

The Oregon Marching Band (OMB) brings energy to the stands and presents outstanding field shows at home and selected away football games. The OMB is one of the University of Oregon’s largest student-led organizations with more than 200 members from nearly every department on campus. With a tradition of exceptional musicianship, it’s no surprise that the OMB is known as the “Wall of Sound.”

The Oregon Marching Band is a recognized university course that requires registration and awards credit.  The OMB has a professional staff that has worked with a wide variety of both collegiate and drum corps programs.  Woodwind and brass players provide the melody while the drumline maintains the heartbeat of the ensemble. The Oregon Color Guard brings the music to life with colorful flag routines and dance. Placement in the OMB is secured by willingness to work hard, have fun and attend rehearsals. 

Through the generosity of donors, the OMB travels to selected away games and Bowl games. Recent bowl trips include the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, and the Las Vegas Bowl. Although traveling can be exciting, nothing beats performing in the sold-out 54,000-seat Autzen Stadium. The Oregon Marching Band is an organization in which students can strive for excellence and achieve high levels of performance on and off the field.

Oregon Basketball Band

The Oregon Basketball Band is made up of 60 members from the OMB who perform at the Oregon Men’s Basketball games and at selected Oregon Women’s games.  One of the best basketball bands in the country, the OBB is known for playing upbeat, exciting music that electrifies the crowd.  The OBB plays an important role in giving  the energetic new Matthew Knight Arena its home court advantage. 

The OBB is a recognized university course and credit is given.  Oregon Basketball Band members travel to the Women’s Pac-12 Tournament in Seattle, WA and the Men’s Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas, NV.  Other post-season travel includes NCAA tournament play.  The 2012 band traveled with the team all the way to the Sweet Sixteen game in Indianapolis, IN. 

Garter Bands

The Oregon Athletic Bands maintain two 12-member scholarship groups known as the Green Garter Band (GGB) and the Yellow Garter Band (YGB).  The Garter Bands are the most versatile and elite athletic musical groups on campus.  Often seen performing around the stadium before football games, the GGB and YGB play everything from Louie Louie to Disney’s Duck Tales.  Instrumentation for the bands includes four saxophones (two altos, tenor and bari), one mellophone, three trumpets, two trombones, bass guitar and drums.  All members are selected by audition from the OMB.  Green Garter Band members receive an annual scholarship equal to approximately

12 in-state credits per term.  Yellow Garter Band members receive an annual scholarship of $1200.

The Green Garter Band performs for all women’s volleyball games and selected women’s basketball games, as well as many other performances on and off campus.  The Yellow Garter Band performs in a variety of venues including women’s basketball, soccer, softball and other events on and off campus.  Student leadership and active student group involvement have made these groups truly exceptional. A faculty member advises the group, but student directors organize all tune selection, rehearsals and performances. 

About Us: Ensembles