Empowering Future Teachers and Leaders Through Experiential Learning
At SEMO, the Band Program offers a strong Leadership Program based on learning by doing. In all our groups—Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Show Band, and Heartland Winter Guard—students take on real roles that help them lead, teach, organize, and grow.
We believe the best leaders learn by doing real work. Our program gives students hands-on chances that match what professional teachers and directors do. From being drum majors to section leaders and student conductors, students are actively involved in making their bands successful.
Future music teachers gain real, hands-on experience in our university band program. Students do much more than watch - they lead full band rehearsals, conduct concerts, and teach marching basics. They run small group practices and create warm-ups that fix problems and build strong skills for the whole band. Students learn to manage large groups, solve conflicts, make season plans, and create effective practice schedules. With guidance from experienced faculty, students graduate with confidence and real-world skills, ready to lead their own band classrooms from day one.
Students can also join the Band Advisory Council, a student group—made up of non-music majors—that helps with recruitment and communication. It's another way students take ownership of the band experience.
Every season, student leaders help with rehearsals, organize events, mentor other students, and build community. Whether preparing for a halftime show or a concert, our students are in the middle of the action—gaining skills that last a lifetime.
Southeast Marching Band Head Drum Major
"Serving as Head Drum Major for this band has provided me with a sense of musicianship, leadership, and passion that I can’t imagine myself receiving anywhere else. As a student with many commitments in and out of school, I was surprised at how accessible marching band has been to me despite my busy schedule. During all the fun, I’ve gained transferable skills that’ll assist me professionally and have helped me become a more well-rounded adult!"
Nathan Anderson, Music Theater Major
This commitment was recognized when the SEMO Show Band was honored with the Holland College of Arts & Media Provost Award for Experiential Learning in 2023. Building on that tradition of excellence, the SEMO Marching Band leadership team received the same award in 2025.
With over 65 majors represented in our bands, SEMO Bands is one of the most diverse and student-led groups on campus. Whether you want a career in music education or just want to grow as a leader, you'll find opportunities here through real experiential learning.
We don’t just teach music.
We teach people.
We build leaders.
We believe in experiential learning—because it works.
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Cape Girardeau, MO 63701