Wind Sections
The OSUMB utilizes a specific set of instruments to achieve the sound quality, projection, presence, and timbral variance that we strive for. Each section not only provides a specific sound and adds to the performance in unique ways visually, but has an internal dynamic that is unique to that instrument. Read below for an introduction from each section in the band!
Piccolo
The piccolo section is comprised of many different personalities that come together to create a family. When game day rolls around we make sure to have that glitter handy because with a high pitch comes the high standards of being dynamic. What better way to do that then #GetGlittered and swinging our orange and black tassels during horn swings. Come join us!
-The Piccolos
Clarinet
In the clarinet section, we always give 110%. Whether it be with our musicality or friendships or our dancing, we always give it our all. Our sound may be small but our hearts are mighty (just like them Mighty Beavs of Oregon State). Over the past few years, we have seen our section grow tremendously in numbers and we love the fact that, even as we grow larger, we are still a very tight knit family that is there for each other, on and off the field.
-The Clarinets
Alto Saxophone
The altos are a section that is always willing to lend a hand to those in need. We're a section dedicated to looking and sounding our absolute best. While teamwork and hardwork are important factors, we're also a friendly bunch that enjoys a good time both on and off the field. We're a section with a strong presence of home and acceptance. So anyone can be a part of the alto family! We can't wait to see you in the fall!
-The Altos
Tenor Saxophone
Welcome to the tenor section! Here you’ll find a group of goofy, warm-hearted people—with a only a somewhat unhealthy obsession with Benny the Beaver. We are proud to be a section that feels like a family, even if we may have an excess of weird uncles. As a family, tenors are always there for each other, so come join us!
- The Tenors
Trumpet
The OSUMB lives by the motto of “we are the spirit and sound of OSU.” Being the biggest section of the band, trumpets tend to be loud both musically and with our personalities. Don’t get us wrong though, with a section of around 40 students, you’re sure to find someone to connect with! A lot of our members love the feeling of family and acceptance, and they know they always have someone to talk to when they need it. Doesn’t hurt that most of the time we get to play the melody as well (which can be easier to memorize)!
-The Trumpets
Mellophone
Welcome to the mellophone section! The mellophone adds color to any ensemble combining the richness of a french horn with the brightness of a trumpet. At OSU, the mellophones strive for perfections. As a section that is typically on the smaller side, it takes ever member’s dedication to music and art to create the strength behind our sound. Out section is tightly knit together, so we all learn and grow together as a part of the Spirit and Sound
-The Mellophones
Trombone
The Trombones are proud to have many different personalities who share a love of music, marching band, and Beavs. In addition, the Trombones are a down to earth family that will always have your back. When joining our section prepare for: Crazy antics, dancing, and a little bit of spit.
"nos succedunt per accidens."
We succeed by accident.
-The Bones
Baritone
The baritones may be small in number, but they more than make up for it with teamwork, energy, and just fitting in to where other sections can’t. Musically, the baritones will often play the supporting role for other sections but, at the same time, are always ready, willing, and able to play the melody. The baritones are also a very tight knit section. Every member of the baritone section is a member of the Baritone family. This means a baritone will quickly learn the names of their peers and feel a sense of welcoming and belonging unique within the OSUMB. This environment allows baritones to form connections that last through college life and beyond.
-The Baritones
Sousaphone
The Sousa section takes pride in striking a balance between antics and articulations. We are proud to play loud and wow the crowd.
-The Sousaphones
Some notes on instrumentation:
Winds
Some notable absences between the sections in the Spirit and Sound and other ensembles include flute and baritone saxophone. Flutes have a tendency to disappear sonically in a stadium as large as Reser, whereas the octave displacement from Piccolos allows the players to form an important, present voice. Baritone saxophones, aside from mostly being too large to march with, end up being less effective than sousaphones at laying down bass lines, and not as flexible with melodies and countermelodies as tenor saxophones. Most players coming from bari sax end up with either the sousaphones or the tenor saxes.
Percussion
We don’t utilize a front ensemble or “pit” in the OSUMB. This is primarily a historical marker, as front ensembles didn’t emerge in the activity until the 1980’s. It is also a logistical and performative consideration. As a full-scope college marching band, we have to be able to play a variety of venues and events, often while on the move. Storing, transporting, and maintaining a compliment of mallet instruments would dramatically reduce this performance flexibility. Mallet specialists are encouraged to reach out to the Drumline and inquire about developing on a battery instrument. Most musicians who performed with the front ensemble in high school or at other universities can easily find a home in the Drumline. In a few cases mallet specialists have switched to Color Guard or one of the wind instrument sections above.