ABOUT

University Band Program

The Southeast Missouri State University Band Program has been around since 1907. It started just two years after Academic Hall was built and is older than the Missouri State Flag (1913) and the university's school song (1931). What began as a small group quickly grew into one of the most loved parts of campus life.

In 1957, the marching band was named the "Golden Eagles," after a famous steamboat that once traveled the Mississippi River. The band has performed at many big events, including Super Bowl V in Miami in 1971, where they played before the game and during halftime. The band has also gone to Scotland twice (1999 and 2008) and performed at big band shows in Indianapolis (2023) and St. Louis (2024).

For over 100 years, the SEMO Band Program has been known for great music, school spirit, and new ideas. Many students have been part of the bands, playing in stadiums, concert halls, and parades. The program keeps growing while staying true to its proud history.

SEMO Marching Band Uniforms

The SEMO Marching Band uniforms show our school pride and spirit. They were designed by Michael Cesario and made by Fred J. Miller, Inc. The uniforms have bold crossbars and a strong line that runs from the hat through the jacket to the hip cape. They use SEMO's colors—red and black—with a modern style and an offset plume that looks great on the field. Drum majors wear all-black uniforms and carry a special mace during parades.

"Being a part of the Band program here at SEMO has really made college much more enjoyable. The addition of an extra place away from the standard classroom helped me keep on track, and keep focused on my end goal of college. I have found many future life-long friends here in the band at SEMO!"

Bryan Burns, Cybersecurity Major

A headshot of testimonial feature Bryan Burns from the SEMO Marching Band

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

YES! Thousands of students balance band with college life—and you can too! Our members come from all majors, including nursing, engineering, education, and pre-med. Band gives you friends, helps with time management, and makes college more fun.

Absolutely! Most students in the Marching Band and Show Band are not music majors. They come from over 65 different majors. All students are welcome to become band members!

It depends. You need to audition for Wind Symphony, Marching Band, and Show Band. The University Concert Band doesn't require an audition.

Visit the Marching Band Audition Form page to watch the video and get instructions. Submit early—scholarships are first-come, first-served.

Yes! Students in all bands can get scholarships, no matter their major. Most scholarships come from your audition, so send it in early.

These are separate from wind auditions. For Color Guard, pick "Color Guard" on the audition page and send your video to Luke Christisen at ljchristisen@gmail.com. For Drumline questions, contact Dr. Shane Mizicko at smizicko@semo.edu.

Yes. All music majors need to audition for the Music Department. Visit the SEMO Music Auditions page for details.

Socials

Follow our official University Marching Band pages for updates, performance photos, and important announcements. Stay connected with our musical community and never miss an event or schedule change!

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Marching Band
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Phone
(573) 651-2335
Location
Office
River Campus Marching Band Annex
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 7800
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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