The Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band will be hosting two public rehearsals to showcase its preparation to fans before the sports season begins.

The band will perform at Valley Children’s Stadium from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27. There is no entrance fee to attend.

“People should come watch the marching band to see what the marching band has been up to in the preseason,” said Davian Barba, a junior music education major. “It’s also a great opportunity to see all the details that are put into our shows that you may not be able to catch at the football game!”

Following Sunday’s rehearsal, the annual Dog Tag Ceremony will take place.

Barba said he always looks forward to the Dog Tag ceremony because of how unifying the event is for new and returning band members.

“For me, the Dog Tag Ceremony is super special because it is a reminder of how lucky I am to perform in such an awesome organization,” Barba said, mentioning how he’s had the opportunity to play with FSBMB at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, in Dublin, Ireland for the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival and for the fans at Valley Children’s Stadium.

“Getting to share this moment with some of my best friends that I [have] made while in marching band really brings my experience full circle,” he added.

He said the event symbolizes a start to a new, exciting season and his favorite part of the public performance is when the band sings Fresno State’s alma mater together.

The Dog Tag Ceremony has taken place every year since 2015 after current Director of Athletic Bands Steve McKeithen began the tradition.

Every band member receives a dog tag necklace, indicating the official initiation of being on the Bulldog Marching Band after the completion of band camp.

“After talking to some older members in the BMB, I have been told that the Dog Tag Ceremony is to welcome you into this big group,” said Gianna Melella, freshman snare drum player. “I am excited for the ceremony because being apart of the BMB has been something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Melella encouraged students and community members to attend the ceremony to support their peers, friends and family.

For more information on the marching band’s event schedule, click here.