Becoming a Member

All members of the Marching Pirates will check in for band camp on campus on Tuesday, August 11 by checking in to the lobby of the A.J. Fletcher Music Center (i.e. School of Music). The building is located at the intersection of 10th Street and College Hill Drive.

All Marching Pirates members living in the ECU residence halls for the fall semester who register for Preseason Band Camp must complete the Housing Form in order for the Neighborhood Service Office (NSO) to prepare for your arrival. You will move into the room to which you’re assigned by Campus Living for the year.

All students participating in early move in MUST complete and submit the Commitment Form before they will be allowed to move into their residence halls. This form must be completed as soon as possible, and before August 1.

Uniform & Instrument Distribution

Instruments are distributed at check-in. Uniforms will be distributed to members of the ECU Marching Pirates according to seniority through the band camp week. These times are listed on the Preseason Band Camp schedule.

Parking

Parking is free in all locations on campus on the weekends. During the week, however, parking is restricted to the areas for which you have a parking pass. YOU MUST HAVE A PARKING PASS TO PARK ON THE ECU CAMPUS. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of camp, cars will have to be parked around and behind the School of Music. All parking for residence hall move-in must follow the policies stated by ECU Parking and Transportation Services.

Band members parking on campus during Preseason Band Camp are subject to all policies and rules established by ECU Parking and Transportation Services. It is strongly encouraged that students living off campus carpool with someone who has an ECU Parking Decal and/or use the ECU Student Transit buses. A limited number of temporary parking passes for the “B Lot” across from College Hill Practice Field may be available at camp check-in on a first-come-first-served basis. Only those students who already have an ECU parking pass will be allowed to get one of these passes.

Preseason Band Camp Meals

In 2026, students with meal plans will be able to use those plans for the entirety of the band camp. Students who do not have a meal plan will be on their own, though they can pay for their own admission to Todd Dining Hall (or ask a friend to “swipe them in”). For information about meal plans and the ECU dining halls, please visit https://dining.ecu.edu.

Required Uniform Accessories

In addition to your provided uniform and “swag,” students should have:

• Tennis shoes (cross-trainers or running shoes) for all rehearsals
• At least two pairs of black athletic shorts (for warm weather game day rehearsals and more casual warm rehearsals)
• Black jeans or slacks (for more casual performances)
• Black sweatpants or athletic pants (for cold weather game day rehearsals)

Required Uniform Accessory Price List

First-year members (and some returning members) of the woodwind, brass, and percussion sections will need to purchase shoes and/or gloves.

Woodwind, brass, and percussion members (purchased and picked up from Kappa Kappa Psi during band camp check-in):

• Shoes (DSI Velocity) $50
• Gloves (black) $8 (2 pairs)

Colorguard members:

• Contact Lynda Kachman: guardgirl1218@gmail.com

If students have shoes from high school or previous seasons that match those used by the Marching Pirates and remain in acceptable condition (no scratches, tears, etc), they are NOT required to purchase new equipment. New gloves need to be purchased by all those who use them. All purchases must be made through the ECU Athletics UStore.

All students must complete the Apparel Sizing Form prior to August 1, 2026.

Snack Packs (optional purchase)

One of the two music service fraternities, Tau Beta Sigma, will be selling “snack packs” during band camp check-in. These snack packs contain 20oz Gatorade/Powerade, chips, granola bar, and a choice of either peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, trail mix, or fruit snacks. They are distributed to each member at the start of each football game. They will be available to purchase for $5 per game, or $30 if purchased for all seven games at the check-in. They accept Venmo and cash.

Members of the Marching Pirates are expected to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism both when together at an official performance, trip, rehearsal, or event and even in their own personal lives. This is explicitly laid out in the ECU Marching Pirates Handbook, which will be emailed to each member before band camp begins. Particularly with the age of social media and instant news, the way we carry ourselves throughout the season, on and off the field, will determine our public and university image. As such the following expectations must be met:

Alcohol & Illegal drugs

The use of alcohol or any illegal substance that impairs an individual’s ability to represent the Marching Pirates, School of Music, or East Carolina University in a positive manner will not be tolerated. Violators may be dismissed from the Marching Pirates and/or may face legal or university ramifications. This applies to every band member and is not limited to activity that takes place only during official Marching Pirates performances, trips, rehearsals, or events.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted during any rehearsal or performance even if the band is on a break. Anyone smoking in uniform or during a rehearsal may be dismissed from the band.

Attendance & Punctuality

All members of the Marching Pirates are responsible for adhering to the camp schedule. Rehearsal attendance will be taken precisely at the time stated on the schedule. All students should arrive to the respective rehearsal/performance sites at least 15 minutes prior to call time to ensure punctuality.

Students participating in Maynard Scholar or Honors College sessions, and Teaching Fellows Meetings will be excused from rehearsal as needed provided that notice is given to their section leader and Dr. Busuito prior to the event. These students will be responsible for obtaining all information given during their absence. It is strongly encouraged that you miss as little rehearsal time as possible. Too many absences for any reason can affect the final band block placement of that individual.

Time Management

It is imperative that members of the Marching Pirates work to ensure they have adequate time to travel to each rehearsal/performance site, gather and assemble proper equipment and warm up. Except for extreme, unforeseeable emergencies, no excuses for tardiness or absences will be accepted.

Consequences

Any Tardiness or Absence from ANY scheduled Preseason Band Camp activity or event may result in dismissal as a member of the Marching Pirates, and it will factor into the student’s final grade (see the Member Handbook).

Preseason Band Camp takes place during one of the hottest months of the year and requires high levels of physical, mental, and emotional strength. As such, it is important to follow these guidelines to lessen the chances of harm or illness.

Camp and Rehearsal Apparel

As we will be outside on the practice field for most rehearsals, it is required that all band members wear comfortable clothing (dependent on the weather) and TENNIS SHOES (NO DRESS SHOES, SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS, CROCS, etc.). A ball cap or wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also strongly recommended.

Hydration

Proper hydration should begin the week prior to camp. Each member should drink as much water as possible (males should drink 1 gallon of water per day; females should drink three quarters of a gallon of water per day) at least five days before physical activity begins. Furthermore, sugary and alcoholic drinks should be avoided during the duration of camp.

Please bring your own Nalgene bottles, thermoses, etc. pre-filled to start off rehearsal. There will be NO cups available during camp so each member will be responsible for his/her own. We recommend the use of hydration backpacks during camp as well. These can be purchased at various sports stores and websites. When outdoors, we will work in short segments with brief water breaks between each one. Make sure to hydrate at each break, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Food & Energy

The type of activity that occurs during Preseason Band Camp requires much more energy than is expended during normal daily activity. As such, each member must eat more than they do on a normal basis. Preseason Band Camp is NOT a time to begin dieting or extreme changes in eating habits.

All band members should eat a solid meal during each meal break and in the morning before rehearsals begin. Members are also encouraged to bring high- energy snacks to eat during their short breaks.

Good foods are high in carbohydrates (pasta, rice, granola bars, etc.) but low in fat and sugar. Eating fruit high in vitamins will give you much more lasting energy than you would get from a candy bar.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellant

The use of sun screen and insect repellant is strongly recommended.

Sleep & Rest

Students should get between seven to eight hours of sleep per night through the duration of camp. Furthermore, all meal breaks should be used as a time to eat, rest and recharge for the next rehearsal session.

Emergencies

The ECU Marching Pirates will have medically trained emergency personnel available at most but not all rehearsals and events. Any students experiencing physical or heat-related illnesses will be taken to the ECU Student Health Services for any necessary treatment.

Prescriptions

It is each student’s responsibility to take charge of their personal health. If you need to always carry an inhaler or EpiPen, please make sure you do this and that your section leaders and staff members are aware. If you have other medication needs or requirements, please make sure that you bring these to school and that you use your best judgment in when to take them.

To Do (As soon as possible, before you arrive on campus):

• Register for the class of Marching Band
  • MUSC 1705 (non-music majors) OR
  • MUSC 1706 (music majors)
• Fill out the “Commitment Form”
• Fill out the “Housing Form” (ALL STUDENTS)
• Fill out the “Apparel Sizing Form”
• If you plan to use an ECU-owned instrument, please complete the Equipment Form.
• Download the Beam Music and Ultimate Drillbook apps to your phone; begin memorizing all the music for pregame and the first halftime show.

Mandatory Items to Bring:

• Tennis Shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Comfortable athleticwear
• Water Bottle – 1 gallon water cooler recommended (write your name on it!)
• Money for uniform/supplies/food
• The Preseason Band Camp Guide
• Instrument equipment (reeds, valve oil, slide oil, etc.)
• Portable phone charger (we use our phones for everything)

When you arrive at ECU

• Check-in at AJ Fletcher Music Center
• Pay for any materials you need to purchase (if you haven’t already done so; BRING A CREDIT CARD)
• Check out an instrument (if applicable)
• If living on campus, move into your residence between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Please note the following:

• The final schedule for performances will be distributed at Preseason Band Camp. This schedule is subject to change.
• All performances are required, and only very specific circumstances will be granted for excuse from performance (death in the family, the wedding of a close family member, exceptional circumstances as determined by Dr. Busuito). A Family vacation is not a valid excuse to miss a performance.
• All Times are TBA unless otherwise indicated

Saturday, September 12, 12 p.m.
App State vs. ECU

Saturday, September 26, 4 p.m. (Family Weekend)
N.C. Central vs. ECU

Saturday, October 10, TBA (Homecoming)
Homecoming parade in the morning, followed by Army vs. Rice

Saturday, October 17, TBA
ECU Marching Pirates Exhibition Performance at Fuquay-Varina “Festival of Bands”

Saturday, October 31, TBA (Fan Appreciation)
Temple vs. ECU

Friday, November 6, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m. (Military Appreciation, ECU Band Day)
South Florida vs. ECU

Friday or Saturday, November 27 or 28, TBA (Senior Day)
Florida Atlantic vs. ECU

Saturday, December 5, TBA
POSSIBLE AAC Conference Championship (Potential host or away game)

December 13, 2026 through January 8, 2027
Potential Bowl Game Commitment