University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands - Traditions of The Bearcat Bands

Traditions of The Bearcat Bands

1. Absolutely no one is allowed to cut through the band once they are in formation.
2. The Drum Majors conduct inspection of the uniforms of the members of the Bearcat Marching Band before every bearcat football game performance.
3. Each band member gives good-luck taps to other band members on the C-Paw on their uniform.
4. Before every home football game, the band enters the stadium by marching down Corry Boulevard while playing the band's signature cadence, "Down the Drive." The booming cadence establishes the band's arrival to Nippert Stadium.
5. The Charge Down the Stadium Steps is performed at every home Pre-Game performance. The woodwind and brass sections along with the color guard stand around the top of the student section at Nippert Stadium with the sousaphones in the student section. The army fanfare is played, and the band charges the field into formation around the percussion section to begin the pre-game show.
6. The Sitting Hat Ripple takes place after the band has entered the stands and has been seated. A Drum Major then gives another signal for the hat ripple. The person at the appointed end of each row takes off their hat and everyone follows in order. The first row to have all its members changed from their shakos to their baseball hats with gloves removed wins.
7. The Bearcat Marching Band never performs with sheet music.
8. The Band plays the fight song and Alma Mater after each home game.
9. Hats are turned backwards after a win during the playing of the Fight Song and turned back around for the playing of the Alma Mater.
10. After all performances and practices, the Bearcat Marching Band is dismissed by the Drum Majors.
11. Confetti is tossed after the first basket scored at every men's basketball game.
12. Most sections also have traditions of their own.
13. See number one