Performance Opportunities:

Pep Band and Winterguard

Pep Band

Directed by: Dr. Michael Nickens

This spirited student group generates enthusiasm and excitement at all home basketball events and various campus activities. Performing for thousands of spectators throughout the basketball season, the group travels to the play-off finals each March to support the men’s and women’s teams. The “Green Machine” provides a unique link between music and athletics, and often makes appearances with the cheerleaders, Masonettes, and Gunston the mascot. This popular organization offers many scholarships to students, and provides a musical opportunity for all GMU students to participate in promoting school spirit and morale.

For more information, please view the official pep band website.

Winterguard

Winterguard is an activity that was developed in the mid-twentieth century to create a competitive arena to further the development of colorguard. Before this activity began, the colorguard would be inactive after the marching band season ended. In an attempt to develop the skills, these competitions were a means to make colorguard a year round activity. This unique sport combines elements of dance, theater, and art, with the traditional pieces of colorguard equipment: rifle, sabre, and flag. The use of colorful floor coverings and beautiful costumes, paired with beautiful flags and intricate choreography create a "Sport of the Arts" that is both athletic and aesthetic. Brawn and beauty. Mason Declaration is an Independent Winterguard that competes locally and nationally. Declaration also does performances with the award-winning Green Machine led by Doc Nix! This will be Declarations second year in existence. If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your dance and theater skills and represent Mason through performance art, this is a great venue! A talented staff is waiting to teach you!