Oregon Alumni Band Events
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Home Opener: Formerly known as the "pick-up band," this event has transformed into the main event for the Oregon Alumni Band. Since the regular school year hasn't started yet, the OMB relies heavily upon the OAB to act as the current band for the day. While some active OMB members may be in the stands along with you, it is up to you to represent the University of Oregon and the Ducks in the big bash opener of the season! The event traditionally involves performing on the field, usually in block formation, playing in the stands in between plays, tailgating, and maybe even a post-game show. It's as close as you can get to a traditional OMB day at Autzen.
Festival of Bands: For those of you who have not experienced the Festival of Bands, it is an OMB fundraiser that attracts high school bands from all over the northwest (and sometimes beyond) to compete in Oregon's own mini-version of the DCI championships. The Festival of Bands (or FOB, as it is often called) usually takes place in November. The OMB members run everything on show day from concession sales to stadium security to rehearsals, trophies, cleanup, judges' care and more. In spite of all the jobs to do, they have the event down to a well-oiled machine. The only problem is that the OMB does two exhibition performances toward the end of the day (which of course results in frantic high school students screaming their lungs out in disbelief once the first note hits them in the stands!) During these two performances, the OMB needs your help to keep the event running smoothly. You just show up and receive training from an OMB member, and they're off to the field while you're manning their station. The best part is that one of these two performances takes place while the final scores are being tallied, so you have a chance to come in right near the end and hear and see the best of the best. Not only is the day itself a blast, but you'd be surprised to see how many of your former bandmates are now leading bands of their own!
Homecoming: The Homecoming game is the biggest playing event of the year for the OAB, and usually takes place in late October or early November. We practice at the Oregon Armory (a great location just across the street from the stadium), tailgate in the parking lot, then play in the stands, much like you probably did when you were in band. This is a true GAME DAY and certain playing, seating and uniform requirements may apply (we will update this site with the latest information as it becomes available). Most of the Homecoming games are now televised, and the Athletic Department and the OMB do a great job of creating an amazing game day atmosphere where it's just fun to be a part of it all. You can also hear the latest, greatest and LOUDEST from the current OMB and meet members of the current band and staff.
Pape Jam: Just as Homecoming gives you your "football fix" for band, the Pape Jam allows you to re-live your Basketball Band days. Unlike the original BBB, the band for the Pape Jam is open to any OAB players, with no need for stressful auditions, and you will not be tapped unexpectedly for solos! (We do have a number of players who continue to play either professionally or just very often, and these people may take solos, so don't be alarmed.) This past year, we were fortunate to have members from the OMB's Green Garter and Yellow Garter Bands, which meant incredible sound for the whole group. We recommend that you join us at the Rose Garden to support the men's and women's teams. The Jam is usually held in early December.
Spring Scrimmage: Usually takes place sometime in late April. The Spring Scrimmage is a stadium event where the band plays to support the Ducks men's football team. Football players pair against one another in teams to practice some of the new plays of the season, and the OAB (and usually the OMB) blasts tunes from the stands. It's a great opportunity to brush the dust off your horn and play in a casual, low-stress environment.