Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Marching Band Youth Concert

Friday, November 7, 2025  •  10 a.m.

Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.

For school groups of all ages  

Ohio State Marching Band Youth Concert

The Ohio State University Marching Band earned its name as The Best Damn Band in the Land by developing famous marching band innovations, including floating and animated formations, script writing, and the fast cadence with a high knee lift. The band’s Script Ohio is considered by many to be the most memorable tradition in college band history.

Carrying on the tradition of excellence that dates back to the late 1800s, the 228-piece “Pride of the Buckeyes” is one of the few college all-brass-and-percussion bands in the U.S. and is acknowledged as the largest of its type in the world. An ensemble that includes student members from all over the country, the OSUMB strives to continue a legacy of hard work, determination and Buckeye pride while performing at Ohio State football games and other events during the autumn semester.

This special concert is open to school groups of all ages.

Enjoy demonstrations of instruments, selections from the season's halftime shows, school songs and more.

  • The concert is approximately 90 minutes. Dismissal to buses can take some time, plan ahead. 
  • All seats are $8. No tickets will be issued.
  • Bus parking is FREE.
  • Cars/vans pay parking garage rates.
  • Registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • REGISTER EARLY. This concert is popular.

Registration Instructions

  1. Count all students and chaperones carefully before registering.
    • Note that bus drivers may not be able to attend, as bus parking is across campus.
    • Please count all attendees carefully. We may not be able to adjust your numbers closer to the event.
    • Refunds can only be made if the School of Music cancels the event.
  2. Approximately 3–5 days after we receive your registration, we will email Welcome Instructions:
    • your invoice with payment instructions
    • a confirmation letter with basic details
    • no tickets will be issued
  3. Approximately 2 weeks before the event we will email Final Instructions, including details for arrival, parking, attendance and dismissal; and a map.

Register Here

Registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 20

Public Concert

The public Marching Band Hometown concert will be held Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. (not on Sunday this year). Ticket information will be announced in September.

Additional Youth Concert Opportunity

The annual Music Celebration Youth Concert will be held Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 10 a.m. 

The public concert will be held the same evening, Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket information will be announced in September.

Mershon Auditorium in daylight

Planning Your Visit

The youth concert begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive at the location indicated in your Welcome Instructions (this may be a drop-off point other than Mershon Auditorium) between 9–9:30 a.m. to allow the staff to assist with unloading, bus parking, walking to Mershon, entering the auditorium and getting groups seated.

The concert lasts approximately 70 minutes, with no intermission, and dismissal can take up to 30 minutes. Plan your return to school for lunch accordingly, or make alternate arrangements.

  • Regrettably, there are no accommodations for eating lunch in Mershon Auditorium and no good options for a large group to eat on campus. The Ohio Union cannot accommodate a large outside group for lunch.

Mershon Auditorium Bag Policy

The bag policy is the same as other athletic and entertainment venues on campus. We prefer no bags, but medical/diaper bags are permitted and will be searched. 

  • Bags 8"x5"x1" are permitted.
  • All bags will be searched.
  • Metal detectors will be used at all entrances. 

Accessibility

Mershon Auditorium does not have an elevator. Main floor wheelchair-accessible seating is available for guests with mobility-based needs and their companions. Visit the accessibility web page on wexarts.org to learn more about what is provided at Mershon Auditorium. Current ADA standards allow for companion seating of 3 people maximum. 

  • Please carefully indicate special needs in the appropriate section on your reservation form.

To make other accommodation requests, please email accessibility@wexarts.org or call 614-688-3890 as soon as possible.

Parking

  • Details for bus arrival, drop-off and parking will be provided in your Welcome Instructions. There is no fee for bus parking.
  • If arriving by car or van, proceed directly to the Ohio Union South Garage (next to the Ohio Union). Fees are $17.25 for 4 hours. This garage utilizes Pay-on-Foot machines that are located on the ground floor and bridge level elevator lobbies. Take your ticket with you and pay on your way back to your car. Use the paid ticket at any exit lane. Receipts for paid parking are offered at the time of payment. Please do not lose the ticket. Lost ticket fees are high.
  • After parking, it is a short walk to the intersection of 15th Ave. and High St. to Mershon to join your group in the lower lobby.

Questions?

Email Angela Heck Mueller at heckmueller.1@osu.edu or call 614-292-5495.