Band

The Department of Music offers a variety of bands that perform a wide range of repertoire and cater to both music majors and non-music majors.

wind ensemble stands on stage of the Ford Center following a performance

Musical Excellence

Ole Miss Bands is composed of music majors as well as students from diverse courses of study such as Pre-Med, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Political Science, Journalism and countless others. We offer competitive scholarships for students of every major in the University, contingent upon funding.

Concerts and Special Events

Band ensembles

Band Director Tim Oliver shakes the hand of performer Philip Snyder
Band members play wind instruments in harmony

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is our premier Concert Ensemble. Most of the students are music majors. This ensemble will represent our program and perform at events such as the MBA Clinic and C.B.D.N.A. Conferences. It performs two concerts each semester. 

Conducted by Dr. Tim Oliver

Band member plays trumpet
Band members perform in concert

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band consists of a majority of students who are music major students but with many accomplished non-music majors contributing to this ensemble. This ensemble will perform at the Mid-South Honor Band along with Wind Ensemble and The Mississippians. This ensemble performs 2 concerts in the spring semester. 

Conducted by Professor Randy Dale

Band member plays percussion
Band members perform in concert

Concert Band

The Concert Band consists of a majority of non-music majors. This ensemble performs one concert in the spring semester.

Conducted by Professor Mel Morse

Band member plays tambourine
Band member smiles and laughs in band class

Campus Band

The Campus Band consists of a majority of non-music majors and music majors performing on secondary instruments. This ensemble performs one concert in the spring semester. 

Graduate Students supervised by Dr. Tim Oliver conduct this ensemble.

3 Pride of the South members in the stands at Vaught Hemingway smile and laugh at the camera, one holds up a "peace sign"

Pride of the South

Pride of the South is our marching band at the University of Mississippi, consisting of more than 300 students from across the campus. Whether performing at The Grove, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, or at a Bowl Game, Pride of the South brings unmatched school spirit and energy everywhere they go.

Learn More About the Pride of the South
A band member of the Sound of the Sip plays his brass instrument during a game, surrounded by his band mates, with a blowup shark attached to the end of his instrument

Sound of the 'Sip

Sound of the 'Sip electrifies the crowds at Men's and Women's Basketball games throughout the season, working seamlessly with Spirit Squads to enhance the gameday atmosphere. Members can earn additional scholarships and travel opportunities to SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Learn More About the Sound of the 'Sip
Tim Oliver

Welcome to Band

Welcome to one of the premier university band programs in the nation – the Ole Miss Bands! In addition to musical excellence in the concert hall and athletic arena, our bands also provide an instant feeling of belonging and the opportunity to form life-long friendships. We are super excited to collaborate with you as your musical journey in the band continues here at Ole Miss!

Tim Oliver

Professor of Music and Director of Bands

Ready to Join?

If you're ready to join us at the Department of Music, you'll have to apply through an audition. Learn about the different audition requirements for each band below.

  • Prepared piece of the student’s own choice
    • 2-4 minutes in length is desired
    • High school seniors–solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials
    • Transfer students–solo literature is recommended but not required
    • Some students choose two separate pieces (or excerpts) to show to technical skills as well as lyrical skills but not required
  • Very short sight-reading piece that we will provide during the audition
  • High school seniors should be prepared to play 3-4 major scales (we will assign during audition) and the chromatic scale. Number of octaves is up to the player.
  • Transfer students should be prepared to play 3-4 major and minor scales at least 2 octaves as well as the chromatic scale at least 2 octaves
  • The above guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for band and music department

  • Prepared piece of the student’s own choice
    • 2-4 minutes in length is desired
    • High school seniors–solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials
    • Transfer students–solo literature is recommended but not required
    • May play multiple instruments are expected but not required
    • May audition on concert and/or marching equipment
  • Very short sight-reading piece on a concert snare drum (we provide)
  • High school seniors should be prepared to play 3-4 major scales (we will assign during audition) and the chromatic scale. Number of octaves is up to the player.
  • High school seniors should be prepared to play 3-4 rudiments (we will assign during the audition)
  • Transfer students should be prepared to play 3-4 major and minor scales at least 2 octaves as well as the chromatic scale at least 2 octaves
  • Transfer students should be prepared to play 3-4 rudiments (we will assign during the audition)
  • The above guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for band and music department

  • Prepared piece of the student’s own choice
  • Solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials
  • 1-2 minutes in length is desired
  • Some students choose two separate pieces (or excerpts) to show to technical skills as well as lyrical skills but not required
  • Very short sight-reading piece that we will provide during the audition
  • No scales unless the student desires to or prefers in place of prepared piece

  • Prepared piece of the student’s own choice
    • 2-4 minutes in length is desired
    • High school seniors–solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials
    • Transfer students–solo literature is recommended but not required
    • May play multiple instruments are expected but not required
    • May audition on concert and/or marching equipment
  • Very short sight-reading piece on a concert snare drum (we provide)
  • High school seniors should be prepared to play 3-4 major scales (we will assign during audition) and the chromatic scale. Number of octaves is up to the player.
  • High school seniors should be prepared to play 3-4 rudiments (we will assign during the audition)
  • Transfer students should be prepared to play 3-4 major and minor scales at least 2 octaves as well as the chromatic scale at least 2 octaves
  • Transfer students should be prepared to play 3-4 rudiments (we will assign during the audition)

Events & Concerts

Check out our schedule of concerts and performances:

Meet the Faculty and Staff

Our faculty and staff are experienced and dedicated professionals who are passionate about music education and performance. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, helping students achieve their full potential both musically and academically.
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Tim Oliver

Tim Oliver

  • Professor of Music and Director of Bands
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