Bands at UNC Charlotte

The bands at UNC Charlotte are dedicated to broadening the artistic level and interest of their members while performing both new music and music of historical interest. Whether your interest is participating in a quality concert ensemble or playing as a member of a high-energy athletic band, we have a place waiting for you. Each year students from every major in every college join one or more of our band organizations.

In addition to the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band, the Department of Music hosts the following ensembles:

  • Wind Ensemble (MUPF 1112)
    The Wind Ensemble is the university’s most advanced organization for winds and percussion, performing a wide variety of music from traditional to contemporary. The Wind Ensemble presents two concerts per semester on campus and frequently gives concert tours throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. All participants must audition at the beginning of each semester.
  • Symphonic Band (MUPF 1113)
    The Symphonic Band presents one to two concerts each semester, offering a diverse and exciting repertoire. All students must complete a placement audition at the beginning of each semester to establish part placement.
  • 49ers Basketball Band (MUPF 1114)
    The 49ers Basketball Band performs for both men’s and women’s basketball teams throughout the basketball season. Since UNC Charlotte is an NCAA Division I school, band members travel to annual conference tournament games, including the NCAA basketball tournament.
  • Jazz Studies at UNC Charlotte
    • The Jazz Studies program at UNC Charlotte offers a learning environment that is both engaging and inspiring. With a focus on instrumental mastery as well as artistic expression, the program is committed to the development of young artists.  In addition to being the home of the annual 49er Jazz Festival, our creative environment incorporates an extensive calendar of guest artists and clinicians including Marvin Stamm, Ed Thigpen, Dick Oatts, Brad Leali, Scott Wendholt, Rich Perry, Clay Jenkins, Mike Steinel, Jeff Coffin, Harold Danko, Terell Stafford, Jim Riggs, Cyrus Chestnut, David Berkman, and Paul McKee. The areas includes the Jazz Ensemble, which provides students with a solid understanding of the lineage of big band literature from the swing era to contemporary styles and various Jazz Combos that focus more on the element of improvisation in small ensemble settings.
    • For information about our jazz ensembles and jazz studies, contact Dr. Will Campbell, Director of Jazz Studies.

Follow our University Bands social media pages: @cltbands on Instagram and on Facebook.

For more information about our University Bands, visit our Bands Homepage or contact:

Dr. Hunter Kopczynski
Director of Bands
704-687-7894
hkopczyn@charlotte.edu

Dr. Brian Taylor
Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands
704-687-6158
brian.taylor@charlotte.edu

To connect with and learn about the faculty in the Department of Music, visit our Faculty Directory to inquire about lessons or becoming a music major or minor.