The University of Arkansas Bands Program announces a new mobile app available for prospective students, alumni, and fans. The app is free and available for all Apple and Android mobile devices.

"The creation of the University of Arkansas Bands app significantly enhances our efforts to reach out to prospective students, alumni, and Razorback fans" said Chris Knighten, director of university bands. "Through app updates and notifications to mobile devices, we will be able to enhance our recruitment efforts with a consistent flow of information going out to future band members."

Prospective students will be able to use the app to learn more about the program and to sign-up for an audition date for the 2016-2017 academic year.

"Between early January and mid-April, we will hear almost 275 auditions by prospective Razorback Band members," said Knighten.  "While almost all of them have been admitted to the University of Arkansas by the time they audition, some students have been admitted to several institutions and still have not made their final decision about college. These auditions allow us to hear each student play their instrument, but more importantly, they give our band faculty and staff the opportunity to make a personal connection with prospective students and their family members."

The app will also link all current social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

"This will also help us share more information about Alumni Band events, upcoming performances by one of the four concert bands, a photo gallery, and links to the University of Arkansas Bands YouTube channel" said Knighten.

The app also includes a Soundcloud audio player that will allow the viewer to listen to some of the most popular University of Arkansas school songs such as the Fight Song and William Tell.

The University of Arkansas Bands Program, inside the Department of Music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, began in 1874 and is one of the oldest band programs in the country. The program has six ensembles including the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band, and four concert bands with over 400 student members representing every college at the university.

More information on the program's spring audition season can be found at the University of Arkansas Bands website or by calling 479-575-4100. 

2016-17 Audition Dates

Prospective music major dates in 2016:

• Monday, Jan. 25
• Monday, Feb. 8
• Monday, Feb. 22
• Monday, March 7
• Monday, March 28
• Monday, April 11

Prospective non-music major dates in 2016:

• Friday, Jan. 29
• Friday, Feb. 12
• Friday, Feb. 26
• Friday, March 11
• Friday, April 1
• Friday, April 15
• Friday, April 29