R.A.T. Program
The Auburn University Marching Band takes pride in its freshman orientation program, more commonly referred to as the R.A.T. Program. In the early days of the university, all freshmen across campus were known as rats. Nowadays, R.A.T. is used as an acronym for Rookie Auburn Tiger, and is only used by the marching band and Auburn football team.
As is stated on their website, the purpose of the R.A.T. Program is to help out first year marchers adjust to the differences of college and college marching band as compared to high school. In addition, any staff that are in their first year with the band are also called R.A.T.s, up to and including the Marching Band Director when appropriate.
The program is overseen by four R.A.T. Leaders. These "freshman advisers", as they are typically referred to in publications outside the band, have the duty to oversee R.A.T. Adoptions, R.A.T. Drills, and R.A.T. Activities during band camp. Over the course of the season, they serve as mentors for the rookie members, and emcee the band's R.A.T. Banquet and Bowl Banquet.
R.A.T. Adoptions are a ceremony held after the first full-band music rehearsal. Each male R.A.T. is given a R.A.T. Mom while each female R.A.T. is given a R.A.T. Dad. These R.A.T. Parents serve as friends and mentors for their rookie "son" or "daughter" throughout the course of the week, as well as throughout the season. The R.A.T. Parents are particularly helpful for R.A.T.s who are freshmen and have left home for the first time, and need someone who can help explain the college experience. Depending on the amount of participation of the vets, it is common to have "twins".
A first-year marcher traditionally retains the title of R.A.T. until the Auburn Tigers claim victory in the annual Iron Bowl game versus the University of Alambama Crimson Tide. For the first time since 2001, 2nd year returning members for the 2009 season are still considered R.A.T.s.
Read more about this topic: Auburn University Marching Band
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