2017 Member Spotlights
“Some of my best friends here at UNC Charlotte are in the marching band, and if I didn’t have his band, I probably would have never met them.”
Riley Kirwan is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music education. He hopes to teach middle school band after college and eventually work toward achieving a master’s degree in music. This is Riley’s second year with the PNNMB and he plays the baritone. He grew up in Matthews, NC and graduated from David W. Butler High School.
Riley started his marching career with the Butler High School Marching Bulldogs, under the direction of Mr. Joshua Stevenson. He spent all four of his high school years in the marching band, serving as baritone section leader his sophomore year, and as hornline captain his junior and senior years. In addition to marching with the Bulldogs, Riley spent the 2015, 2016 and 2017 summers marching with the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps. He plans on returning to Crown for the 2018 season. His favorite aspect of marching band is performing for thousands of people and giving them a great show. Outside of marching band, Riley loves having fun with his friends around campus.
Here’s what Riley has to say about the PNNMB:
“The PNNMB has let me meet so many people. Some of my best friends here at UNC Charlotte are in the marching band, and if I didn’t have this band I probably would have never met them. Nothing beats coming out on football Saturdays with my friends to root on the team and play some great music for the fans. I love being a part of something that allows me to represent UNC Charlotte the way the band does.”
“I’ve met so many amazing people who’ve helped and inspired me to keep my passion alive.”
Alissa Isenhour is a Greater Charlotte Consortium student who will be attending UNC Charlotte in the near future. She is currently a freshman enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), majoring in dance with concentrations in performance, choreography and dance education. After graduating, she hopes to start teaching in a studio and eventually open one of her own. This is Alissa’s first year with the PNNMB as a member of the colorguard. Outside of marching band and focusing on her studies, she enjoys spending time with her friends (whether it is a day in the mountains, a weekend at the beach or just hanging around campus).
Alissa was born in Mooresville, North Carolina, but raised in Ocean City, New Jersey. She traveled back and forth between the two for ten years prior to settling in Denver, North Carolina, where she graduated from North Lincoln High School in 2017. There she was a member of the North Lincoln “Band of Knights” and their “NL Blue” winterguard program all four years of her high school career. She was co-captain of the colorguard her junior year and head captain her senior year. Her favorite part of being in marching band is being on the field with people of so many different talents and seeing everyone come together to help the band grow.
Here’s what Alissa has to say about the PNNMB:
“It’s such an honor to be able to say that I’m a member of the PNNMB. Even though this is my first year, it feels like I’ve been a part of this organization for so much longer. It felt like a family to me from day one. I’ve met so many amazing people who’ve helped and inspired me to keep my passion alive. I’m always looking for ways to express myself, and colorguard is my main outlet. I’m able to visualize the music being played on the field for the audience though my body and equipment. There’s nothing better than the indescribable feeling you have after a performance and knowing you’ve impacted your audience in a positive way. Marching with the PNNMB always gives me that.“
“This marching band has been one of the most exciting, life-changing and honorable opportunities of my life.”
Jeremy Williams (also known to the band as “J Cole”) is a junior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in construction management engineering. He was born and raised right here in the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a 2015 graduate of Olympic High School in the School of Math, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS). Some of Jeremy’s hobbies include photography, videography, digital media design and many other visual platforms that allow him to use his passion for creativity. After graduation, he wants to work for and possibly own a “design-build” construction firm. Jeremy also aspires to be a part-time photographer/videographer.
Jeremy has been a member of the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band since the 2015 inaugural season. This is his third year playing bass drum as a member of the drumline. Jeremy started his marching band career in eighth grade as a member of the Olympic High School Marching Trojans. He played bass drum from 8th to 11th grade, and tenors his senior year. His favorite part of being in marching band is being able to socialize with other music lovers and being a part of something he enjoys so much with his friends.
Here’s what Jeremy has to say about the PNNMB:
“This marching band has been one of the most-exciting, life-changing and honorable opportunities of my life. It was always a dream of mine to march in a band at the collegiate level. Every time I step on the field to perform, it still feels like I’m in a dream. The rush of the field as we perform the UNC Charlotte Fight Song creates an ambience that can’t be imitated. Through the PNNMB, I’ve learned not only the technicalities of a college marching band, but also how to manage time and plan accordingly. Pride is defined as a feeling, deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from achievements of those with whom one is closely associated. Being in the band is a huge responsibility as we set the tone for pride around the campus of UNC Charlotte… especially on game days. It’s well worth the time and effort that it takes. I love being a part of this band and I proudly tell everyone I know that I’m a member of the PNNMB!”
“I’ve met some of my best friends from being in the band.”
Brandon Goetz is a junior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in finance with a concentration in finance & accounting. After graduation, he plans to work at an accounting firm or in investment banking. Brandon plays trumpet and has been in the marching band for three years.
Brandon was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and moved to Apex, North Carolina when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Apex High School in 2015 and was a member of the Apex High School Marching Band all four years. Brandon’s favorite aspects of band are playing his trumpet and meeting other musicians that share a love of music. Some of his hobbies include martial arts, gymnastics, video gaming and spending time with friends.
Here’s what Brandon has to say about the PNNMB:
“I love the PNNMB… it’s like my family away from home. I’ve met some of my best friends from being in this band. It’s a great organization to meet like-minded people as well as play music! Performing in the band is an amazing experience. Words cannot describe what it feels like putting on a show for thousands of people, especially at a Carolina Panthers game. The PNNMB has given me so many opportunities to perform and meet some amazing people. I love being a part of the PNNMB and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”
“This band has let me grow not only musically, but also as a person.”
Teely Yang is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in international studies and minoring in Japanese. She intends to follow the pre-med track, and upon graduation, continue her education in the medical field. This is Teely’s second year with the PNNMB as a member of the alto saxophone section. She also serves as a librarian, which keeps her busy printing and organizing music for the entire band.
Teely has many roots. Though her parents came from Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic), she was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and her hometown is Wadesboro, North Carolina. She marched her junior and senior years with the Anson High School Band, taking part in their leadership program as woodwind captain. Teely says her favorite part about marching band is the excitement and adrenaline she experiences when performing on the field at Jerry Richardson Stadium. In her free time, she loves to go on adventures and enjoys taking power naps.
Here’s what Teely has to say about the PNNMB:
“This band has let me grow not only musically, but also as a person. It has taught me both teamwork and perseverance. Rehearsing in the rain, heat and cold, we all push to do the best we can, and that is reflected throughout our performances. Before band, I never really had a lot of passion for anything… nor had I worked so hard toward something. I love how diversity and passion mean so much to our band. We have PRIDE in everything we do!”
By Dr. Chesley Black, Student Leadership Program & Media Director