The marching band comes together one week before school starts (heck week). When I was in the band, we had one week to learn the music, a pre-game show, and the half time show. We practiced out in the hot sun from 8am to 5pm with just an hour break. From 6pm to 10 pm was indoor practice learning the music. To be able to memorize the music and learn all of the steps and moves for the half time and pre-game in one week is a really hard thing to do. During the semester, they meet 2 hours a day, three days a week to practice and prepare for the next game. It is a hard thing to do if you are trying to finish other classes, work, or be with family as many of the band members are also married and have kids. They now give a small scholarship to the members but is only a 1 credit class. That's a lot of effort for 1 credit.