Athletic Bands
Marching Band
Central to the pride and pageantry so uniquely associated with college football, since 1923 the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior Marching Band has played a pivotal role in UH athletic events and campus life. The only university marching band in the state of Hawai‘i, the UH Marching Band is comprised of over 250 students representing nearly every major on campus. One of the most visible ensembles in the Department of Music and the largest student organization on campus, the UH Marching Band presents pre-game and half-time shows at all UH home football games at Aloha Stadium.
Through rehearsals, student camaraderie, and the excitement of marching in front of thousands of cheering fans, the students of the Rainbow Warrior Marching Band share rich experiences that create social as well as musical bonds that last a lifetime.
The UH Rainbow Warrior Marching Band has been seen and heard on national television supporting the UH Warrior Football team. The band has also played for sell-out crowds in the 50,000 seat Aloha Stadium and plays for fans at our home football venue at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Other appearances include the 1989 Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, HI, the 1992 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, the 1999 O‘ahu Bowl, and the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2016, 2018 Hawaiʻi Bowl in Honolulu and the 2007 All State Sugar Bowl.
Director: Dr. Adam Kehl
Assistant Director: Gwen Nakamura
Director of Operations: Justin Woo
UHRWD Dancer Director: Janelle Bayne (Sanqui)
Color Guard Director: Robynne Asato
Drumline Director: Sean Mitchell
Registration: MUS419E
Fall Semester: MWF 3:45pm-5:15pm
Pep BandS
The UH Pep Band UH performs at the Simplifi Arena at the Stan Sherriff Center in a rotation of pep bands at Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Volleyball games. The band plays Pep Tunes and Tags, and keeping the crowd excited and always on their feet! The UH Pep Band performs for various UH Campus & Athletic events, community events and much more! The band had been featured on Hawaiʻi 5-0, Disney Plus’ Doogie Kamealoha M.D., Sunset on the Beach events for Hawai’i 5-0 and Magnum P.I.
Director: Gwen Nakamura
Color Guard
Registration: MUS 419F (Drum, Leader, Guard)
MUS 419E (Marching Band)
The UHCG continues the long-standing tradition of pageantry within collegiate marching arts. We showcase the talents of color guard performers from around the world, offering opportunities for performance and competition during both the fall season. During the fall, the color guard performs during pre-game and halftime shows alongside the UH Marching Band, and as well as in the stands. The team is made up of members of all skill levels and a variety of training backgrounds.
The UHCG rehearses before the start of marching band rehearsal (2:30pm-3:20pm).
Director: Robynne Asato
Drumline
Registration: MUS419F (Drum, Leader, Guard)
MUS419E (Marching Band)
The UH Drumline is the rhythmic, beating heart of the UH Marching Band. In addition to all the great music the section performs as part of the full band, the drumline has its own featured repetiore of cadences and grooves, additional Game Day performances, community performances and much more! Auditions are required for membership. The drumline usually fields 8-10 snares, 4-5 tenors, 6-7 basses and 8-10 cymbals.
The drumline rehearses before the start of marching band rehearsal (2:30pm-3:20pm).
Director: Sean Mitchell
Rainbow Warrior Dancers
The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warrior Dancers (UHWRD) is the official dance team of the University of Hawai’i. Associated with the University of Hawai’i Marching Band, we aim to uplift and to invigorate dedicated fans of our beloved school. Our love for dance, UH Mānoa and the energetic fans never fail to push us to be the inspiration for others. #GOBOWS!
Auditions happen potentially bi-anually. These auditions are held live on campus and video submissions are also accepted for those who live out of state. These auditions will usually consist of three parts; technique, choreography, and interview.
Director: Janelle Bayne (Sanqui)