Bulldog Beat

The Bulldog Beat is the core of the Bulldog Marching Band, showcasing some Fresno State's finest musicians. Bulldog Beat members receive one of the highest scholarships in the music department (currently $6,000 per academic year) for their dedicated participation in the BMB, Bulldog Basketball Band, and other performances throughout the year. Bulldog Beat was created in 1993 by then Director of Athletic Bands Gary P. Gilroy who was inspired by the Disney All-American College Band and Green Garter Band at University of Oregon where he completed his PHD. Bulldog Beat plays an exciting mixture of rock, funk, pop, and show music. The group is divided into two ensembles, Uptown Bulldog Beat and Downtown Bulldog Beat, that perform separately and jointly at various campus and community events. Instrumentation is determined each year through auditions held in the spring. Members are required to audition again in the spring to determine retention of their spot. Bulldog Beat is under the direction of Steve McKeithen.

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Auditions

Bulldog Beat hosts an audition day each spring, typically in February or March. Prospective members of the Bulldog Beat will perform a live audition based on a prepared packet of music. Bulldog Beat auditions are held on the same day as auditions for the Department of Music. However, students auditioning for Bulldog Beat can be from any major on campus and do not have to be a music major to receive a Bulldog Beat scholarship. Aspiring music majors, or minors can audition for the Department of Music and Bulldog Beat on the same day. Aspiring music majors are also assessed for merit-based scholarships.