the unh wildcat marching band is a corps-style band, which means it employs a roll step and other drill techniques taken from the tradition of drum corps international (dci), and has in some capacity since 1965. the wmb's instrumentation comprises piccolos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones (alto and tenor, occasionally also baritone), trumpets, mellophones, trombones, marching baritones, sousaphones, and a battery consisting of snare, tenors (sextet), and 5 pitched bass drums, as well as cymbals. the wmb has used a pit (front ensemble) in the past, but since 1997, it is no longer standard. the wmb also fields a color guard that primarily uses flags, but sabres and rifles are often used in feature. a featured twirler is sometimes also used.