The Hampton University Band Program consists of the Marching Band, the Concert Band, the Symphonic Winds and the Basketball Band. Each of these organizations strives to provide a high level of musical experience for its members. These organizations provide music for various University functions under the umbrella of the Department of Music.

The Marching Band

The Hampton University Marching Band consists of a select group of approximately 200 members. Membership is open to all registered students at Hampton University for one-hour academic credit. "The Force" performs at all home football games and selected away games. Members are selected during the Fall Pre-School Band Camp, which is held before the beginning of the Fall semesters and is cost-free to band members. Any enrolled student who becomes interested in performing in the Band, may try-out in the Annual Spring Band Camp. This organization consists of both music majors and non-music majors. Membership is offered to students who play traditional marching band instruments.

The Concert Band
The Hampton University Concert Band is a newly-restructured ensemble designed to provide opportunities for all Hampton University students to continue playing their instrument after marching season. It also provides an opportunity for music majors to develop skills on a secondary instrument. The Band performs at on-campus concerts as well as during Senior Week. The Band performs the basic band literature at the highest level possible.

Members of The Concert Band must be enrolled in the class for one-hour academic credit. Classes meet twice per week the second semester of each academic year.

The Symphonic Winds

The Hampton University Symphonic Winds founded, in 1991, is an ensemble designed to provide opportunities for outstanding instrumentalists and music majors to perform traditional and avant-garde band literature at the highest level possible. Membership in the ensemble is rigidly based on successfully passing a performance audition and meeting the wind ensemble instrumentation concept. The Symphonic Winds perform at on-campus concerts as well as annual tours.

The Basketball Band
The Hampton University Basketball Band is a small group of students that play for both the female and male basketball teams. The Basketball Band is open to students who play traditional band instruments. Membership in the Basketball Band is through an interview with the director. Because the Basketball Band performs some marching band literature, priority is given to Marching Band members.