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The band consists of 225 instrumentalists. 192 of these create the block band that is seen at every home game. The other 33 members are called alternates. These are members of the band who challenge the regular members every week for a spot in the 192-piece block. The alternates also understudy the week’s halftime show with the squad leader in case someone gets sick or injured before the performance.

On game day the alternates help move equipment around if the show has props or a pit, otherwise they are led by the assistant drum major and stand at attention (minus instruments) along the SE end of the field. The band block consists of lettered rows ABCEFHIJKLMQRSTX and D. D row is not considered a part of the block as D row is the Drum Major, Assistant Drum Major, and Drum Major(s) in training.

The rows are paired in sister rows as follows: A-X, B-T, C-S, E-R, F-Q, H-M, I-J, K-L. Each row in the 192 block band contains the following:

• A Row: 7 trumpets, 5 E♭ cornets, one of each as an alternate

• B Row: 12 trumpets, 2 alternates

• C Row: 12 Flugelhorns, 2 alternates

• E Row: 12 Mellophones, 2 alternates

• F Row: 10 Trombones 2 bass trombones, one of each as an alternate

• H Row: 12 Baritones, 2 alternates

• I Row: 12 Snare Drums, 2 alternates

• J Row: 4 Bass drums, 4 Cymbals, 4 Quads, one of each as an alternate

• K Row: 12 Sousaphones, 2 alternates

• L Row: 12 Sousaphones, 2 alternates

• M Row: 12 Baritones, 2 alternates

• Q Row: 10 Trombones 2 bass trombones, one of each as an alternate

• R Row: 12 Mellophones, 2 alternates

• S Row: 6 Flugelhorns and 6 Trumpets, one of each as an alternate

• T Row: 12 trumpets, 2 alternates

• X Row: 7 trumpets, 5 E♭ cornets, one of each as an alternate