Band members live, eat and are housed together as a unit of the corps. The infantry and artillery bands, which form the combined band, are the two largest units in the Corps of Cadets. The band is led by members of its senior class, who wear distinctive senior boots. Band members pursue studies in all of the university's undergraduates colleges. The group prepares its drills with seven to 10 hours of actual practice time per week.
Members say that's possible only because of the discipline inherent in their military lifestyle.
Some of the band's maneuvers are so complex that a computer says they can't be done because they require two people to be in the same place at the same time. The band performs at all of the university football games as well as in inaugural parades for presidents and governors and at numerous other university and special events. The band is nationally known for its stirring renditions of patriotictunes and precision military marching style. As a prelude to its centennial celebration, the band premiered three new marches during the fall 1993 football season written specifically for the group. The band is under the direction of Lt. Col.