The Pulse of the Mountain
The band program at Lehigh is the heartbeat of campus spirit and a cornerstone of our musical community. From the high-energy traditions of the football stadium to the refined artistry of the concert hall, our bands offer a home for wind, brass, and percussion players of all backgrounds.
Whether you are looking for a premier auditioned ensemble or a high-spirited group to keep your love for music alive, there is a seat waiting for you.
Our Ensembles
Our band program is divided into three distinct pillars, each offering a unique way to engage with music at Lehigh.
The Marching 97 (MUS 021): "The Finest Band East of All Points West"
The Marching 97 is Lehigh’s legendary marching band and is proud to be one of the country's only entirely student run groups. For over a century, the 97 has been an integral part of Lehigh, bringing pride and spirit to the University and beyond with their unmistakable leg-liftery and song-singery!
- Who it’s for: Students looking for high energy, lifelong friendships, and a chance to perform at athletic events as well as a number of school wide celebrations.
The Lehigh University Symphonic Band (MUS 023)
The Symphonic Band is a large, inclusive concert ensemble that brings together students, faculty, and community members. This group explores a wide variety of repertoire, including film scores, traditional marches, and symphonic transcriptions, providing a powerful and rewarding ensemble experience.
- Who it’s for: Any student who wants to continue playing their instrument in a supportive, large-scale concert setting.
The Lehigh University Wind Ensemble (MUS 022)
The Wind Ensemble is our premier auditioned wind group, consisting of the university’s most advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players. This ensemble focuses on the "crown jewels" of the wind band repertoire, from cornerstone classics to world premieres by contemporary composers.
- Who it’s for: Dedicated players seeking a high-level artistic challenge and the chance to perform sophisticated, conductor-led masterworks.
Why Play in a Lehigh Band?
Most of our band members are not music majors—they are engineers, scientists, and business students who realize that playing music is essential to a balanced Lehigh experience.
- A Built-in Community: Joining a band is the fastest way to find your "tribe" on campus.
- A Creative Release: Step away from the lab or the library and engage the other side of your brain.
- Excellence in Performance: Whether on the field or in the Zoellner Arts Center, our bands perform at a professional caliber.
Join the Beat
Our bands are open to all Lehigh students, and we make it easy to get involved from your very first week on campus.