Sound Wave: The official band of Sounders FC

Sound Wave is the official band of Seattle Sounders FC. In 2009, minority owner Drew Carey conceptualized an ensemble made up of traditional marching percussion and brass instruments to bring the spirit of Sounders FC to life. The 43-person band plays custom arrangements from all genres of music including rock, pop, Latin, funk, and big band. Incorporating choreography and musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds, Sound Wave can be found at Sounders FC home matchdays and entertaining the local community at parades, charitable events, and corporate functions.

The band is comprised of trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, and other instruments.

Book Sound Wave

Want Sound Wave at your next event? Fill out the form below to request the band!

Sound Wave is available to for a variety of different performances and events. The band annually marches in the Pride Parade and Macy’s Holiday Parade as well as local music functions and corporate events. Pricing will vary.

Guidelines:

The minimum band size is 18 members due to the variety of instruments needed to perform.
The band requires a 3-hour minimum for events (includes commute time).
All requests must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to your event.
Sound Wave is available year-round apart from the 3 weeks surrounding annual auditions in January. Holiday pay rates may apply.
Sound Wave will perform all events in their matchday attire.
Non-profit (501C3) organizations will receive a 15% discount.

Availability:
Sound Wave is normally available year-round. Holiday pay rates may apply.

Please fill out the form below and a Sounders FC representative will contact you with more information.

MATCHDAY SCHEDULE

Sound Wave begins the Sounders FC matchday at Occidental Square and March to the Match two hours prior to kick. The band leads the March to CenturyLink Field with a performance at the Northwest Bollards one hour prior to kick. During the match, Sound Wave can be found on the Green Zone performing the Sounders FC fight song, corner kick grooves, and the Sounders Samba. After the final whistle, Sound Wave celebrates the match with a 30-minute performance on the North Stairs of CenturyLink Field.

Meet the Director

Keith Rousu enters his eleventh season with Sounders FC as the Director of Sound Wave. He manages the 43-member ensemble and the creative process of music selection, music arranging, and choreography.

He manages the 53 musicians and the creative process of music selection, music arranging, and performance effectiveness.

Outside of Sounders FC, Keith is also the Director of Blue Thunder (Seattle Seahawks) and works as a transportation specialist for Bloodworks Northwest. Keith is the Chair of the professional Sports Music Association and can be found drumming in local rock bands.

Born in Seattle and raised in Woodinville, Keith is a proud graduate of both the University of Washington, where he participated in the Husky Marching Band as an undergraduate, and Seattle University, earning a Master’s in Sports Administration and Leadership. He currently resides in Renton with his wife Erin and their two dogs, Nali and Bruiser.

Auditions

Want to be in the band? Auditions for 2019 have closed but you can pre-register here to receive updates and information for the 2020 season.

March to the Match