WHO ARE THE SOONER SHOWMEN?
The Sooner Showmen are two 29 member basketball bands that perform at all home and tournament basketball games for the men and women’s teams. Home games take place at the Lloyd Noble Center, which seats 11,300 screaming Sooner fans! The Showmen perform before, during and after each game providing energy and spirit for players, fans and television viewers from all across the country!
WHAT INSTRUMENTS MAKE UP THE SOONER SHOWMEN?
The Sooner Showmen bands are similiar to a jazz band with a few modifications. Each band typically contains varying numbers of:
- Alto & Tenor Saxophones
- Mellophones
- Trumpets
- Trombones
- Baritones
- Tubas
- Bass guitar
- Drum set
All of the music that the Showmen play are arrangements written for the Sooner Showmen by our very own Dr. Roland Barrett, the arranger for The Pride of Oklahoma. The charts are a mix of funk, jazz, pop, and soul that are perfect for basketball games!
DO THE BANDS TRAVEL DURING THE BIG 12 AND NCAA TOURNAMENTS?
Yes! Both Showmen bands travel with their respective team throughout “March Madness.” Lodging, travel and eating expenses are all provided for you and some of the cities that we have visited include Atlanta, San Antonio, Phoenix, San Francisco, Kansas City, Denver, Jacksonville and Dallas. All members of the Sooner Showmen travel. It’s a great way to support the Sooners and see different parts of the country!
WHAT IS THE REPUTATION OF THE SOONER SHOWMEN?
The Sooner Showmen Basketball Bands are committed to providing polished, high level musical performances everywhere that they perform. Our bands are recognized for high artistic standards and great spirit! The music that the bands perform during games demand a strong work ethic and critical attention to detail. Individual preparation is necessary and expectations upon each individual are high.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO AUDITION?
For wind players, you must perform specified scales, prepared etudes, and a brief sight-reading excerpt (from a Showmen style chart). All of these materials and other information are available in PDF downloadable format at bands.ou.edu by October 15. For rhythm section players, there are two rounds of auditions: a first round audition in which you will perform individually (with CD recording) to three different pre-selected pieces. If you are selected as a finalist, you will then participate in the second round audition during the first rehearsal for the Sooner Showmen Bands.
HOW DO THE 2 SHOWMEN BANDS WORK?
Both bands have equal instrumentation, play the same charts, and wear the same uniform. The Women’s Band performs at all of the Women’s home basketball games, and the Men’s Band performs at all of the Men’s home basketball games. When you audition, you will be asked to indicate your preference (if any) for which band you would like to be considered for placement. Membership and placement is based on your ability to be at ALL home and tournament games.
HOW OFTEN DO THE BANDS REHEARSE?
The bands each have three 2 hour pre-season rehearsals and for 30 minutes about 1 1/2 hour before each game.
HOW DO I RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR BEING A MEMBER OF THE SOONER SHOWMEN?
Members of the Sooner Showmen receive $15.00 for each home basketball game that they perform. The home game season average is 16 home games, and the Showmen also play at the Sooner Football annual Red & White Spring football game, in which they receive $20.00. This means that at the end of the season, you would receive a scholarship check of $260.00. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jahnke.
