Temple University has long recognized the many talents and contributions of its student musicians. As a result, the Temple University Band program is pleased to have an innovative scholarship program for students who perform in the Diamond Marching and Basketball Bands. Scholarships are in the form of tuition remission and may be awarded to any student accepted for membership in the Diamond Marching and Basketball Bands, regardless of academic major at the university. All students who participate in Marching Band receive scholarship money. The amount received depends on year in band and role. Contact the Bands Office for more information: [click-for-email].

Instruments are available for use while a student is a member of any Temple University Band. Contact the Band Office for more information: [click-for-email]

Students who do not need ensemble credit as a curricular requirement may receive academic credit for participation in the Diamond Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Collegiate Band. All rehearsal and performance schedules are carefully arranged so as not to interfere with normal class schedules.

This year we celebrate 100 years of the Diamond Band! We will be planning to celebrate the longevity and history of the band at Homecoming this year. Be on the lookout for Homecoming dates once it is announced.

Contact Dr. Matthew Brunner with questions.

View photos from past years' Homecoming Reunions on the Diamond Marching Band Facebook page.

High School Band Day gives current high school students the opportunity to be a part of the Diamond Marching Band for a day. The day includes a rehearsal, pregame meal and performance with the Diamond Marching Band at Lincoln Financial Field during pregame and halftime, plus a T-shirt. Registration is open to ALL high school band students, regardless of whether or not your school has a marching band.

Check back over the summer for information about Band Day 2025.

The annual Festival of Winds on the Temple University campus invites high school bands to perform on stage in the beautiful Temple Performing Arts Center, receive recorded feedback and a post-performance clinic from outstanding music educators, and participate in master classes with Temple faculty and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The festival also includes performances by the Temple University Symphonic Band and the Temple University Wind Symphony.

Check back for dates.

Temple University Bands is a vital part of the artistic, athletic and social communities of the Temple University campus.

The Temple Band was formed in 1925 when Herbert E. McMahan, a senior in what was at that time the School of Commerce, created a 40-member ensemble of young men. The band was an ensemble of primarily saxophone players, was self-financed, and played for Temple University football games. Charles Golder, a member of the Philadelphia Elks Band, was the Director for the first year. The following year, George Otto Frey became the Director, and in 1927, H. Edward Pike assumed the first full-time Directorship. The tradition of forming the Temple "T" on the field was established during these formative years and is still practiced today.

In 1946, Dr. John H. Jenny replaced Pike and named the outdoor band the Diamond Band. In fact, the band's letterhead read: "The University Band built on Acres of Diamond" with rehearsals on Wednesday nights at the Temple Stadium. During the late 1940s, because many men were serving in World War II, membership in the Diamond Band opened to women. As students returned from military service after the war, the band program began to grow and flourish.

The ROTC Band was created and directed by Robert Childs and The Owl Band, (a "rookie" band), was created and directed by Howard Chivian. In 1953, Chivian replaced Jenny as the Director of the Diamond Band, and when Chivian passed away in 1957, Morry Helzner assumed the directorship. Today, an award in honor of Howard Chivian is still presented annually at Commencement. Directors in the 1960s included Larry Weed, James Coakley and James Herbert in 1970.

Arthur D. Chodoroff was Director of Bands from 1977-2011. Under his leadership, the concert and athletic bands developed and grew: the Wind Symphony became the premier wind band of the Boyer College, producing commercial recordings and performing at state and regional conferences and Symphonic an Collegiate Bands were created to serve the growing population of instrumental music students. The Diamond Marching Band continued to thrive with greater participation. With this growth, the Diamond Basketball Band emerged and a position for an Athletic Band Director was created.

Temple University Bands continue to grow under the directorship of Dr. Patricia Cornett and Dr. Matthew Brunner. The Diamond Marching Band is the largest in membership since the history of the program; the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band perform more frequently throughout the season (locally and abroad); ensembles have annual opportunities to work with guest artists and composers; and the Night Owls Campus/Community Band, open to members of the community, alumni, faculty and students.

Note: This Temple Band historical information is partially paraphrased and excerpted from an article by Maureen Walsh Scallatino, a Temple Band Alumna,  published in "The Temple Review" in 1986 in commemoration of the Diamond Band´s 60th anniversary.

Auditions for the 2025 Temple University Diamond Band are now open! Audition materials can be found here.*

Auditions are open until Friday, June 13 and are done by video submission. Please read the instructions in the appropriate folder for necessary information.

Please contact Dr. Brunner with any questions. Go Owls!

*NOTE - Drumline audition material is not available yet, but it will be found at the same link when it is.