Welcome to the home of the Princeton University Band. Formed in October 1919, we are the country's first college football marching band. You'll find us entertaining at Princeton sporting events and other gatherings throughout the year; a schedule of upcoming appearances and rehearsals is available.

The Band exists as much for the enjoyment of its own members as it does for the entertainment of spectators; "Music, Marching, Mirth, and Merriment" are the Band's bywords.

During the Fall, the Band performs at every Princeton varsity football game. If you have never witnessed a PUB halftime show, you haven't truly lived. As you can see from this photo album, orange and black plaid uniforms have no "dimmer" switch. Our performances have little in common with the traditional "Big Ten" style of marching (and Marches) found at most other schools...

We are one of less than a dozen scramble bands in the USA; while each show may include some marching, the Band gets from one formation to the next by scrambling -- a highly energetic maneuver that is Random Incarnate. Our halftime shows are composed of equal helpings of music, a humorous script, and clever formations. Often the music and formations are punchlines to the script. Every week's show is different; the scripts are written entirely by Band members, and satirize everything from campus life, to national politics, to the eternal verities. Forty years of halftime scripts are available for your reading pleasure. Several years of pregame scripts are also available for your reading bewilderment.

Our musical repertoire is eclectic, to say the least. Naturally we play Princeton music, a rare march or two, and the occassional bizarre tune that only makes sense as a punchline to a halftime formation, but often you'll hear us playing Princeton student favorites. Never a cheesy latin piece (well, almost never).

As soon as football season ends, the PUB transforms itself into a Pep Band, and plays at basketball and hockey games. While you won't find any halftime shows at these, the Band's unique outlook and school spirit are evident in the enthusiastic cheers it leads.

In the Spring, you'll often find the Band at lacrosse games and other Princeton sporting events, marching in parades, crashing weddings, sneaking onto national TV, and generally spreading the Princeton spirit wherever we go. We finish off the year as one of the highlights of Reunions, leading the One and Only P-Rade.

The PUB is always looking for new members. Whether or not you play a musical instrument, if you are a Princeton student or alumnus, you are welcome to join the Band.

Unlike most other college bands, we are entirely student-run. Our orificers handle everything from conducting, to running show-writing and rehearsals, to bailing out band members who get arrested.

Other bands, the world press, MTV, people with money to donate, and just about anyone else (no Congressional committees please) are welcome to contact the Band. There are also a number of mailing lists available for members and alumni.

Last updated January 11 1995 - Irwin Tillman '86 / irwin@pucc.princeton.edu