Marching Cards
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For over 80 years, the Cardinal Marching Band has proudly represented the University of Louisville as the most visible ensemble at the School of Music, performing live for over half a million spectators each year. Creating vibrant game day traditions for Cardinal fans is at the core of the CMB, which performs at all UofL’s Cardinal Stadium home football games, select away games and all bowl games. The CMB has been the “Official Band for the KY Derby” since 1936 and has received national recognition through features on ESPN, ABC World News Tonight, Oprah, Sports Illustrated, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the NFL Network. Additionally, the CMB has performed at over 20 college football bowl games including the TaxSlayer, Citrus, Music City, Russell Athletic, Sugar, Orange, Liberty, Belk, Beef O’ Brady’s, Gator, GMAC, Humanitarian, Motor City, Fiesta, Pasadena and Sun Bowl.
In 2023, Dr. Jason Cumberledge was appointed as Director of Athletic Bands & Marching Band Director, and Mr. Brad Rogers was appointed Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. This was preceded by Dr. Amy I. Acklin’s 12-year tenure as Cardinal Marching Band Director. Dr. Frederick Speck, Director of Bands, has overseen and provided vision and direction for the program since 1995. Members of the CMB proudly represent some of the finest students at the University of Louisville and surrounding Kentuckiana Metroversity institutions. The CMB is an auditioned ensemble that performs a variety of music throughout the season as well as a new half-time show for every football game. Every member of the CMB receives a scholarship to perform with the ensemble. There are additional awards for the official CMB Bugler and Feature Twirler.
Rehearsals take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Fall Semester Only) from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Hughes Field.
Explore the Marching Cards
How do I sign up?
Music auditions are required of all students wishing to be a member of the Cardinal Marching Band. The auditions are for placement purposes within sections only, these are not acceptance-based auditions. The auditions take place at the beginning of band camp and serve to place students in correct parts within their instrument section (for example: 1st Trumpet versus 2nd Trumpet, or 1st Clarinet versus 2nd Clarinet). The auditions consist of preparing and performing the assigned music. Scales and sight-reading are not required.
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1Apply
Complete the online Intent to March form. The form must be completed by July 1 to guarantee a drill spot in Pregame and the first Halftime Show.
Those who apply after July 1 will be allowed to participate, but may have an alternate drill spot.
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2Register
Officially register for the class at your advising appointment. This is a one credit class and all students must be registered.
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3Class conflict
Have a class conflict? Some class conflicts are allowed. To request permission, complete the "class conflict form".
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4Continuing Studies
Not enrolled at UofL or as a Metroversity student? You can still participate, but must apply to UofL as a "Continuing Studies – Non Degree Seeking Student"
Frequently Asked Questions
Participation in the CMB is the most VIBRANT way to experience collegiate life at UofL! There is no greater thrill than performing Pregame and Halftime for over 60,000 fans at each home football game in L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Band students also get to travel with ALL EXPENSES PAID to away games and bowl games, such as the recent trips to Orlando, San Diego, and the Sugar Bowl.
CMB members get the best seats at Churchill Downs each May, as the CMB serves as the "Official Band for the Kentucky Derby," an honor held since 1936.
CMB members are also eligible to participate in the UofL Pep Band, which performs at all home UofL volleyball matches and men's and women's basketball games. Additional travel opportunities are available during NCAA tournaments.
Any student enrolled at the University of Louisville or Metroversity Program is eligible to audition for the CMB. Students must pass a placement audition at the start of band camp with the consent of the Director. Students may participate in CMB auditions before enrollment as long as they have provided their intent to march and plan to enroll in the class by the registration deadline.
Woodwind/Brass/Guard sections are open to all who are qualified. The drum roster is limited in size and is determined by auditions at
The CMB rehearses during the fall semester on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The CMB welcomes all students within the Metroversity System, including students enrolled at Bellarmine University, IU Southeast, Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), Spalding University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Typically, metroversity students must have taken 12 hours at their institution before enrolling in the metroveristy program. This rule is waived for those wishing to be in the CMB, which allows all first semester Metroversity students to enroll in the CMB.
- Complete the Metroversity Form and have it approved by your academic advisor.
- Bring the Metroversity Form to UofL's Registrar's Office for approval.
- Officially register for the course.
General CMB Scholarship
Yes! All members of the CMB receive a scholarship for participation.
The Current CMB scholarship amounts are as follows:
- 1st Year Members: $500
- 2nd Year Members: $600
- 3rd Year Members: $700
- 4th Year Members: $800
CMB Featured Twirler Scholarship
The CMB Featured Twirler Scholarship is funded through Owsley Brown Frazier endowment and is award to interested twirlers who have experience performing with marching bands. This full-tuition scholarship is award to one twirler and covers the cost of out-of-state tuition for 4 years. If you would like to inquire about our twirler position, please send your current resume and a video of your most recent work to:
UofL School of Music
ATTN: Dr. Amy Acklin
2301 S. 3rd St.
Louisville, KY 40208
CMB Bugler Harriet Korfhage Scholarship
The CMB Bugler is responsible for playing the “Call to the Post” at all home football games, some away games, bowl performance and special events. This scholarship is a tribute to Harriet Korfhage’s significant support of the Cardinal Marching Band. Yearly auditions for the CMB Bugler position takes place during band camp and are open to CMB members only. This highly coveted position come with a $2,000.00 scholarship as well as specialized publicity.
The CMB Buglar position is auditioned each year at the beginning of band camp and is open to all musicians in the trumpet section. CMB Bugler audition music will be uploaded soon!
CMB Alice Bratcher Scholarship
All engineering majors are eligible to apply for a single $2,500 scholarship. Priority is given to upperclass students.
Service Crew Scholarships
The CMB has three service based crews, Uniform Crew, Equipment Crew, and Librarian, that returning members (2nd year membership and above) are able to interview for. These interviews take place during Student Leadership Auditions that are held in late March or April of the preceding season. These scholarships are a yearly contract that student may re-interview.
Equipment Crew
Pending the successful completion of an interview with the CMB faculty, the CMB awards five scholarships for students who wish the serve on the Equipment Crew. This group of students is responsible for the maintenance, setup and storage of all the CMB equipment that is used at weekly rehearsals, trips and performances. The Equipment Crew Manager receives an additional $1,000.00 scholarship while each Equipment Crew Member receives an additional $800.00 scholarship and is renewed based on the successful completion a Student Leadership Audition Interview.
Uniform Crew
Pending the successful completion of an interview with the CMB faculty, the CMB awards five scholarships for students whom wish the serve on the uniform crew. This group of students is responsible for the maintenance, distribution and storage of all the CMB uniforms and clothing apparel. The Uniform Crew Manager receives an additional $750.00 scholarship while each Uniform Crew Member receives an additional $500.00 scholarship and is renewed based on the successful completion a Student Leadership Audition Interview.
Librarian
Pending the successful completion of an interview with the CMB faculty, the CMB awards two scholarships for students whom wish the serve as librarians. Librarians are responsible for the maintenance, distribution and storage of all CMB music. The Librarians receive an additional $650.00 scholarship and is renewed based on the successful completion a Student Leadership Audition Interview.
The CMB has approximately 200 students that represent over 40 majors, including Computer Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, Education, Pre-Business, Humanities and Music, just to name a few!
Fees are minimal for participation and include a $30 dry cleaning fee and the purchase of long black gloves and black marching shoes. Color Guard members may have additional small expenses for attire accessories. Make a payment.
Hire a Band
If you would like to have a pep band at your next event, please review all of the information below and complete the pep band request form. Please submit requests at least two weeks prior to your event.
Note: “Hire A Band” requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are only possible pending student availability and the discretion of the director.
Pep Band Sizes
- Small Pep Band: 15-20 students
- Drum Line: 20-25 students
Pep Band Availability and Membership
Requests for bands and/or drumlins can only be fulfilled pending student availability. During the fall and spring semesters, we generally cannot accommodate weekday events before 7 p.m. Pep bands draw members from other bands and university courses which often lead to scheduling challenges before that time.
Pep Band Uniform
Pep Bands will typically perform in the red University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band polo and black pants with black shoes.
Requests for pep band performances in full Marching Band uniform are typically considered only in fall semester and at the discretion of the director.
Pep Band Repertoire
Performance music is at the discretion of the assigned director/conductor for the event and is typically limited to UofL school songs. Additions to the repertoire are considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval by the director.
Appearance Fees
Performance Length: Up to one hour
Distance 0-30 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: $2,000 + applicable transportation costs
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Distance 31-60 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: $2,500 + applicable transportation costs
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Distance >61 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: Contact Band Office
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Performance Length: Up to two hours
Distance 0-30 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: $3,000 + applicable transportation costs
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Distance 31-60 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: $3,500 + applicable transportation costs
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Distance >61 miles (one-way)
- Small Pep Band or Drum Line: Contact Band Office
- Full Marching Band: Contact Band Office
Performance Length: Over two hours
Contact Band Office (awthomas@louisville.edu or call 502-852-5200).
CMB Bugler-only performances charge $100 plus any applicable transportation cost.
More Information
After we receive your form about the event, one of our staff members will reach out to you with more information. If you have any other questions after filling out the form please contact the band office.
If the fee is a hardship for you or the performance request is for a good/charitable cause, please email us so we can discuss it with you.
To contact the UofL Band Office please email awthomas@louisville.edu or call 502-852-5200.
Full Band Camp for the 2026-27 season is from August 6-14, 2026. Leadership, Drum Line, and Color Guard members are required to report early for the Pre-Season Camp starting August 3-6, 2026.