Just the FAQs, ma'am.

• The MOB is the Marching Owl Band, but there's no marching?
  • Contrary to our name, we stopped marching decades ago. We're a scatter band (or "scramble" band, in the east). Unlike our rank-and-file band brethren, we scatter – individually running, skipping, meandering from place to place. Essentially, we travel from point A to point B in any feasible way... except marching.
  • Why, you ask? The beauty of being one of a dozen scatter bands in the country lies in the variety of our shows. Instead of focusing on intricate foot drill, we perform non-sequitur comedies, lampoon current events, and spoof literary classics. In short, we're equal opportunity satirists. (It is said that sacred cows make divine hamburgers!)
  • Come to a rehearsal or a show meeting and check us out! But whatever you do, don't say the M– word.
• What kind of music do you play?
  • Rock and Roll is our mainstay, but we'll play just about any tune that sounds good if it's popular or topical for a performance. We have charts from AC/DC, Kansas, Dave Matthews, Smash Mouth, Pink, The Beatles, Floyd, and many, many more.
  • Much of our music was arranged specifically for The MOB!
  • Our library is constantly expanding, and we're always open to suggestions for new additions.
• What if I don't play an instrument?
  • Join our Show Assistants™! The SAs help write the shows, build the props, and act on-field. They are the actors, artists, and stage technicians that add a whole other dimension to MOB performances.
  • Help us produce shows on Rice's largest stage – Rice Stadium.
  • If you have no theatre experience at all, don't be shy! It's easy; we'll show you.
• What about strings, keyboards, guitars, and other instruments?
  • Bring it!
  • We're proud to be the only college band with an official, established string section. We field violins, violas... even a cello!
  • Keyboard synthesizers, electric guitars, and other amplified instruments use our wheeled field rig — complete with keyboard stands, audio mixer, high-capacity battery, and the amp.
  • Some MOBsters have gone so far as to play a harp or their own custom-made devices.
  • Bagpipes need not apply.
• Are there any fees?
  • Nope!
  • We appreciate your time and effort.
  • The Cashier has nickel and dimed you with enough fees already.
• So, how do I join?
  • O-Week: We'll have MOBsters at each residential college during lunch. Stop by and say hello; they'll be happy to sign you up and answer any other questions.
  • If you missed us during O-Week, stop by the band hall during office hours or show up to a rehearsal. Contact us with any questions at any time.
• Where's this band hall of yours?
  • Like the Isla de Muerta, it can only be found by those who know where it is.
  • Luckily, we've got a map to help you.
• When are rehearsals? How much time do they take?
  • New-Member Rehearsal on Monday, August 25 at 4:15p in the band hall.
    This rehearsal is important because ESPN has scheduled our first game (vs. SMU) on Friday, August 29 at 7:00p.
  • Our normal rehearsal schedule consists of:
    • at least one music rehearsal – 4:30-5:15p on Tuesdays, or 7:00-8:15p on Wednesdays
    • Thursday rehearsal from 7:00-8:30p, at Rice Stadium on game weeks or in the band hall on off weeks
    • Full show run-through (game day Saturdays only), 9:00-10:30a
  • In a nutshell, that's two rehearsals in a regular week (2.5 hours) and three rehearsals (4 hours) on game weeks. Of course, you can attend extra rehearsals/sectionals if you choose, and there are incentives for doing so.
  • We feel it's important to come to rehearsals to learn the music, play as a group, and work on our show formations; however, we understand that sometimes you might not have the time to attend everything. That's okay! We know how crazy-hard Rice can be (especially Organic Chemistry) and that your schoolwork comes first. So, study when necessary and come back and play with us afterwards!
• I don't have my own instrument. Can I borrow one?
  • We have a nice selection of school-owned instruments.
  • Instruments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
  • Borrowed instruments must be returned immediately if you decide to stop participating in Rice Band events; otherwise, all instruments are due at the end of the semester and/or academic year.
• Who writes the shows, and how?
  • In short, you! We don't require membership in a super elite cadre of script writers; anyone is encouraged to come and help.
  • Regular show meetings are held Tuesday evenings after dinner.
  • We also brainstorm and discuss ideas on a private e-mail list.
• What happens after football season?
  • The MOB morphs into the Basketball Owl Band – The BOB.
  • There are one to three basketball games each week, so we drop the weekly rehearsals in hopes that you'll have time to join us for a game or two.
  • Our court-side seats at Autry really let us practice our heckling.
  • The temperature begins to rise after a short cool season, and nature bursts forth in new life. Astute eyes will notice a sudden upswing in campus squirrel activity.
• Do you take any trips?
  • During football season we try to travel to at least one away game each year. Past destinations have included Austin, Dallas, Michigan, Colorado Springs, and New Orleans, among others.
  • The basketball band also travels to men's and women's tournaments at various conference sites around the nation.
  • Best of all, these trips are free! The band will pay for your room and transportation. Often, a meal per diem is included as well.
• What about band scholarships?
  • Unfortunately, Rice does not offer an official band scholarship.
  • There is a small monetary prize for excellent attendance at MOB events, something we call the "double-plus-good" award.
  • Visit fina.rice.edu to learn more about scholarships and financial assistance available from the university.

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