We are one of the most diverse marching bands in the country. Georgia Tech does not offer a traditional music major, so every member of our band is earning their degree in a separate discipline. With the exception of the Bachelor of Science in Music Technology, this means that everyone in the band is majoring in a discipline that isn’t based on music. They join the band because they love music and their school enough to come rehearse and play after a long day of studying.

But our band also goes the extra mile to make sure first-year students feel included and welcome at Georgia Tech from Day 1. Each first-year student is issued a RAT (Recently Acquired Tech student) Cap and a RAT Parent. The RAT Parent makes sure that each RAT acclimates smoothly to life at Tech, helping them every step along the way. This includes everything from when to come to practice to finding places to eat when meals aren’t provided. Many students report that their relationship with their RAT parent lasts for a long time afterward.