Frequently Asked Homecoming Questions  

What if I want to participate without actually playing an instrument?

By no means are you required to play with the Alumni Band to enjoy Homecoming.  If you have tickets elsewhere in the stadium, you may of course use them.  We would encourage you to join us on Friday evening for our annual reception and business meeting (in 2008, the business meeting will be held on Saturday morning at the hospitality tent).  And please come to the reception held after the game by Tau Beta Sigma usually at the Couch Building (in 2008, the reception will instead be held at the hospitality tent).

Do I have to play regularly to play with the Alumni Band at Homecoming?

Certainly not!  In fact, almost everyone who does play with the Alumni Band only plays once a year- at Homecoming!  By no means will you feel out of place if you aren't the player you used to be.  In fact you don't have to play at all.  Feel free to join us with or without your instrument.

Are there rehearsals?

We do a run-through the morning of Homecoming before the game.  Music for most of the tunes we will play will be available to download on this website.  You must be a registered member of the website in order to download the music.  If you wish to practice, you may do so on your own.  But do not feel compelled to spend many hours practicing.  We're here to have a good time, and we're large enough that you won't stick out.

What if I don't have an instrument?

If you play a small instrument that is typically personally owned, you generally can have good luck purchasing an inexpensive instrument meant for a beginner at a garage sale or second hand shop.  There are also many options to rent instruments like this.  For larger instruments that are generally school-owned, you might want to approach your local high school and see if they are willing to loan you an instrument for the weekend in exchange for a small donation to the booster organization.  If you cannot borrow or rent an instrument, the music department at Georgia Tech makes every effort to make an instrument available for you to borrow for the day.  But it is critical that you register as early as possible.  The band is getting larger every year and instruments are harder and harder to come by.

What if I was a member of the Drumline, Color Guard, Wreckettes, or a Majorette?

You are just as much a member of GTBAA as anyone else.  All former members of the GT Band are welcome in GTBAA.  If you need to borrow a flag, baton, or other equipment please just let us know.

Do I have to pay GTBAA Dues to participate in Homecoming?

Yes, you do.  GTBAA dues help to cover our general operating costs- online services, postage, Outstanding Junior Award, Homecoming costs, and any help we are able to offer the GT Band.