Consisting of multiple ensembles beyond its Spirit Band, the program is housed under the Division of Student Affairs.

The program is also frequently referred to as "TUCBIDG" (pronounced tuck-bidge) which is reflective of its motto: "The UC Band is Damn Good."

Participation is open to all students enrolled at the University of Cincinnati including its branch campuses at Blue Ash and Clermont, as well as all students enrolled in an institution part of the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection (GC3) The Bearcat Bands consists of multiple ensembles including its Spirit Band program (Marching and Basketball Bands), Concert and Jazz Ensembles in both the Fall and Spring Semesters, as well as a various brass, woodwind, and percussion ensembles.

The Bearcat Marching Band begins preparation before the start of the school year with a pre-season camp, kicking off the season on its last day with a Preview Performance.

It is common for the Bearcat Bands to receive many requests to perform from various groups both internal and external from the University of Cincinnati.

Of the three concert bands, the Spring Winter Ensemble acts as the program's premier group, consisting of the most outstanding wind and percussion musicians on campus, committed to high standards of musical excellence.

In the Spring Semester, the Wind Ensemble usually has two performances: one in February and then one at the end of the school year where its counterpart, the Concert Band, joins along.

While pursuing contemporary and traditional pieces, these ensembles also dive deeper into combo music that represent different styles and periods.

In the Fall Semester, the Bearcat Spirit Bands proudly display our color guard and feature twirlers.

While historically taking on many roles throughout its century-long existence, the organization has adopted a support stance solely revolved around social experiences for the general member.

Since Mr. Van Wye had just completed two years of army service, he did not feel obligated to continue as a member of ROTC on campus, requesting to have his requirement waived.

In September 1923, Sergeant Victor Norling transferred from Ft. Thomas, Kentucky to the ROTC detachment at the University of Cincinnati as the second band director.

At the Nippert Stadium Dedication Day game between Oberlin College and UC on November 8, 1924, the band made its first appearance in uniforms.

Norling's tenure as director, the UC Band also began making trips with the team to some of the away football games.

Among his recruiting efforts was the development of the "Varsity Vanities", a musical review sponsored by the UC Band in which students from all colleges and groups participated.

Mr. Van Pelt and the UC Band were one of the first to use animated formations and dance steps in football halftime shows.

However Due to the recruitment needs of World War II, only two bandsmen were left on campus from previous years by the fall of 1944.

In the spring of 1947, Mr. Van Pelt submitted his resignation in order to devote full-time to his responsibilities as Supervisor of Instrumental Music in the Cincinnati Public Schools.

Due to increasing demands upon his ti me from other CCM obligations, Dr. Hornyak completed his tenure as director of the UC Bands in the spring of 1970.

Under the leadership of "Woody", the UC Band was well known for its high-stepping marching style, original music arrangements, and powerful sound.

Due to changes in the athletic department and the introduction of a new University Dance Team, the Bearkittens were disbanded in the fall of 1989.

In the fall of 1994, the beginning of the marching season brought Dr. Terren Frenz Sr. to the UC Band as the thirteenth director.

This marked the first real home for the Bearcat Bands in almost 25 years and replaced its previous lodgings in the basement of Laurence Hall.

The continued success of the basketball and football teams led to increased exposure for the band all throughout the first decade of the new millennium.

His retirement gave way to new assistant band director Dr. Jody Besse graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi.

This consisted of a spaced-apart seating arrangement in the stands, with each game-day only containing a third of the band’s population who would rotate through football games.

This historic success helped propel the Bearcat Bands further into the national spotlight, performing before a record-breaking audience of over 340,000 and making their first ever appearance on ESPN's College Gameday.

Their journey culminated in a high-profile appearance at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, where they showcased their talent in the "Battle of the Bands" and during the College Football Playoff against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

With over a century of rich tradition and student dedication, the Bearcat Bands' extraordinary visibility in 2021 has etched their place in the annals of marching arts history, establishing them as a premier destination for musical excellence.

In 2024, the Future University of Egypt would fund an opportunity for a Pep Band to travel to Cairo to perform several times on the campus of FUE, as well as to meet with students to share college experiences, and tour various museums.