Join the Band
Join the Band
What does it take to become a member? Prospective members are required to enroll in MUPF 1118 and attend the entirety of the Preseason Band Camp in August. Auditions are required for prospective members of the drumline, feature twirlers, and colorguard, but not for students who wish to play wind instruments (a part placement audition is required for sections that utilize divisi parts: Piccolos, Clarinets, Alto Saxophones, Trumpets, and Trombones).
Interest form
Interested in joining the band and want to receive more details on important information? Fill out our interest form and we will respond to you shortly! Or, contact us with specific questions.
marching band scholarships
Thanks to generous donations from the Niner Nation community, we are proud to offer scholarships to music majors, music minors, and non-music majors (including drumline, twirler, and colorguard) who participate in the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band. An audition is required for those seeking a scholarship and will take place during the academic year for music majors and minors. Scholarships for non-music majors are awarded in the fall and spring and must be renewed annually and based on available funding. Non-music majors will be notified of audition materials during band camp. Scholarships range from $500 – $1500.00 per semester. Visit the Department of Music website to learn more about admission criteria and auditions.
explore faqs
Are there expenses associated with being a member?
Band members must purchase gloves and marching shoes. Colorguard must purchase dance shoes. All other uniform items are provided.
Can I be in the marching band and other ensembles?
Yes! You can be in as many music ensembles as your schedule allows.
Can I join the marching band if I don’t attend UNC Charlotte?
Yes! Students who have been deferred admission for the fall semester that will participate in the PASSPORT Program may participate in the marching band. Also, students who attend any of the institutions participating in the Greater Charlotte Consortium (e.g. CPCC) may participate in the marching band. There is an application that must be completed by the participant and approved by the home institution and UNC Charlotte.
Do I have to attend a band camp?
Yes. All members of PNNMB are required to attend Preseason Band Camp. The camp occurs every year in August and begins 1-2 weeks before the fall academic semester. During camp, members come together as one group to learn the basic fundamentals of marching and music and to learn pregame and halftime routines. Perhaps more importantly, members will become familiar with 150+ other students before the first day of classes!
Do I have to audition?
All UNC Charlotte or CPCC students with previous band and/or colorguard experience are eligible to join PNNMB. There are auditions for drumline, feature twirler, colorguard, drum major and student leadership positions. Some sections have part assignment auditions that occur during Preseason Band Camp.
Do I have to be a music major to march in the band?
No. Only a small percentage of students are music majors. We have members that represent every major in every college.
Do I have to enroll in a course to be a member?
Yes. All students are required to enroll in “MUPF 1118” (found under “music performance”) for one academic credit.
When does the marching band rehearse?
PNNMB rehearses during the fall academic semester from 4:15–6:15 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are also rehearsals prior to home games on Saturdays.
Will I be able to borrow an instrument?
Percussion, sousaphones, baritones, mellophones and piccolos will be provided. Other instruments are available on a limited basis upon request. Please CONTACT US for specific needs.
Will I have time for marching band in my class schedule?
Yes! We take great care to ensure that students are able to balance their time between band and their other classes. This is an ensemble which offers social activity, continued musical enjoyment and leadership opportunities to those who seek them.