Eastern Michigan University offers $4,000 scholarships to students who join marching band

YPSILANTI, Mich., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastern Michigan University is offering eligible students a $4,000 scholarship to join the university's Marching Band, giving students the opportunity to participate in one of EMU's signature traditions while pursuing any academic major.

The scholarship provides $1,000 per year for four years and is available to all students who meet the marching band requirements. Students do not need to major in music to qualify.

"I'm thrilled that President Kelly and the executive leadership team have elected to pursue this opportunity at Eastern because it gives us an opportunity to attract more students and reward them for the countless hours they spend participating in a life-changing activity that they love," said J. Nick Smith, associate director of bands and director of Athletic Bands at Eastern.

EMU's Marching Band reflects the university's broad academic community. Only about 40% of its members are music majors, while students in disciplines across the university make up the rest of the membership.

"As a two-time alum, I'm proud of our band and its continuous momentum over the years," said EMU President Brendan Kelly. "EMU's college experience is about finding and building community — that's what our marching band is all about. I'm thrilled we can offer this scholarship to students who want to be a part of a movement they'll remember and be proud of among people with shared interests for the rest of their lives."

Known as the "Pride of the Peninsula," EMU's Marching Band has a 132-year history and provides students with opportunities to perform at athletic events and other university and community events. The ensemble also offers diverse musical and performance experiences, including collaborations with groups such as internationally known piano-rock duo and EMU alumni Drew & Kin and Grammy Award-winning artists such as The Temptations, featuring EMU alum Jawan M. Jackson, who joined the group in 2022.

Participation in the band also provides students with experiences that extend beyond the field.

"Students who participate with us develop deep ties to their education, lifelong friends, lessons in leadership, professionalism, time management, high expectations and advanced musicianship and marching skills," said Smith. "We pride ourselves on providing our students life-changing experiences that develop their core being so that, upon graduation, they have a diverse set of skills that are immediately applicable to their careers."

Students interested in joining the EMU Marching Band and applying for the scholarship should:

1. Apply to and be admitted to Eastern Michigan University: emich.edu/apply/
2. Complete the marching band membership form: https://tiny.emich.edu/emumb
3. Attend orientation and register for marching band.
4. Receive the scholarship through their financial aid package once all requirements are completed.

The scholarship is available to students regardless of their intended major. For more information about the EMU Marching Band and scholarship opportunities, visit the band webpage. To view the band's past performances, visit the band's YouTube page.

SOURCE Eastern Michigan University