Hey all!

Welcome to the Auburn University Marching Band! We are so excited that you will be joining us for the 2008-2009 marching season, and we hope that you are anxiously awaiting this unbelievable experience!! Here in the AUMB, we have an AUsome tradition called the R.A.T. Program. “R.A.T.” stands for Rookie Auburn Tiger and it’s designed especially for our first year marchers. Adjusting to college life can be a bit crazy on and off the band field, so this program helps make that transition just a little bit easier. Just like in high school, you will have drum majors and section leaders on the field, but now – you also have us – your Freshmen Advisors! (Well, we prefer R.A.T. Leaders…) Ta da! It’s our job to help make sure you find your spot here in the Auburn Family.

We want you to feel comfortable here in the Auburn Band, so of course we have already been hard at work planning tons of fun activities for our Preseason Camp. Get excited, you have pizza, bowling, ice cream and the epic campus-wide scavenger hunt to look forward to… of course in addition to halftime and yup, PREGAME! Also, included in your R.A.T. package is your very own R.A.T. Parent. Yes! You will be assigned your very own upperclassman who will be there for you should you ever need help in band, school…life, whatever! They are just part of the team to make sure you get the most out of your college experience, starting with the AUMB.

We can already smell the bug spray and sunscreen – which means Preseason Camp is just around the corner! Start searching for that horn and make sure the cobwebs are dusted off, because we’ll be starting before you know it! Keep checking this website, too. Consider this your “Official R.A.T. Page” which will have important dates and reminders, and also fun, informational blog posts written by the four of us, plus a few other special guests! We are so excited about meeting you in August, and please, if you have any questions at all – feel free to email us!

War Eagle!!

Hugs and Kisses,
Your R.A.T. Leaders