The UC Bearcat Bands make up the university's athletic band program.The UC Band serves as both an academic class and a student group as its own department within the Division of Student Life.
As of 1955 the name has been represented in the plural to better reflect the many facets of the organization. The main body of the Bearcat Bands performs three primary overlapping functions as each year progresses: marching band, pep band, and concert band. In addition to these, many members of the organization participate in smaller satellite groups such as jazz band, winter drumline, winter guard, and a number of smaller ensembles. Finally, organizations such as the Summer Alumni/Community Band and the UC Band Alumni Association fall under the umbrella of the Bearcat Bands.
The UC Band Alumni Association is an organization that was founded to provide the alumni of the UC Bearcat Bands a means of continued involvement with the university and its band program after graduation. While working toward this goal the UCBAA strives to provide support for the Bearcat Bands program by bridging the gap between Bearcat Bands alumni, The University of Cincinnati, and the community.
From the guide to the Bearcat Bands records, 1954-1996, (University of Cincinnati, Archives and Rare Books Library)
