All high school and junior high band students are invited to join “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction” for Arkansas Tech University Band Member for a Day 2026 on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The event will begin with check-in at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium from 8-9 a.m. There will be a rehearsal at the stadium from 9-10:30 a.m. Visiting students should wear casual athletic attire that is appropriate for the weather.
From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ATU Band Member for a Day participants will be divided into three groups that will take part in each of the following activities:
*Lunch at Chambers Cafeteria (complimentary for the first 500 registrants courtesy of the ATU College of Arts and Humanities)
*A welcome session in Witherspoon Auditorium
*An academic fair and tailgating games
After a half-hour to change into their band uniforms from 12:30-1 p.m., ATU Band Member for a Day participants will report to Nutt Residence Hall (1505 N. El Paso Ave. in Russellville) at 1 p.m.
From there, band members will participate in the traditional pre-game warm-up, march to the stadium and pre-game performances.
Kickoff for the football game between Arkansas Tech and Oklahoma Baptist University is scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission will be free for all ATU Band Member for a Day participants, who will sit with the Arkansas Tech band and perform on the field during halftime. It is anticipated the game will end at approximately 5 p.m.
Attendees will be responsible for bringing their own instruments to ATU Band Member for a Day.
Drum majors are welcome to bring their own ladder or podium.
Game tickets for the family members of ATU Band Member for a Day participants and the general public are available for purchase at www.arkansastechsports.com/tickets.
For more information, send e-mail to music@atu.edu.
Register for ATU Band Member for a Day 2026 at www.atu.edu/humanities/music/bands/bod-memberforaday-form.php.
