News

The Pride of Niner Nation has launched its first crowdfund campaign, one of just four inaugural campaigns accepted for the new Crowdfund UNC Charlotte initiative. Crowdfund UNC Charlotte provides an online platform to students, faculty and staff to generate funding for ideas significant to them. “Crowdfunding is an opportunity for students to reach out through […]

On Wednesday, October 21, the Johnson Band Center was officially dedicated in a 12:30 pm ceremony on the building’s front lawn. The new building is named for Vickie and Gene Johnson, UNC Charlotte alumni whose generous support launched the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band. In his opening remarks at the event, Chancellor Philip L. […]

As the Pride of Niner Nation begins its first season, we introduce you to our drum majors, Madelyn Colby and Quinten Wrenn. Madelyn is a sophomore from Concord, North Carolina, and is studying communications at UNC Charlotte. A seasoned band member, she was the drum major of Concord High School’s Spider Marching Band for two […]

The “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band will make its official public debut at the inaugural New Student Convocation on August 24. Led by Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Jeffrey Miller, the band will perform the UNC Charlotte 49ers Fight Song and will also be joined by Director of Choral Studies Dr. Randy Haldeman to […]

The UNC Charlotte Department of Music will field a marching band in Fall 2015. The new band will augment the drumline that has been performing at home football games since the Charlotte 49ers started playing football in August 2013. The introduction of a full marching band – complete with brass instruments, woodwinds, and a color […]

UNC Charlotte Director of Bands Shawn Smith will conduct the Sao Paulo State Symphonic Band in a concert in the Sala Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 19. The Sala Sao Paulo was recently named one of the top 10 concert halls in the world. The concert features soloist Otavio Bloes, flute, and music by Giuseppe Verdi, Spanish composer Ferrer Ferran, and […]

After a successful groundbreaking ceremony that included the announcement of a $2 million gift to the UNC Charlotte’s new marching band, the university has officially begun construction on the Vickie and Gene Johnson Marching Band Center. The 6,700 square foot building will house a conference room, workroom, and four offices for the band staff.  It will also include […]

The marching band won’t start performing until next year, but UNC Charlotte has already selected both a uniform and a name: The UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band. Earlier in the fall, the Department of Music solicited suggestions for the new band’s name and received 366 entries. A selection committee that included Director of Athletic Bands […]

CHARLOTTE – Oct. 2, 2014 – First was football, and starting in fall 2015 the UNC Charlotte Marching Band will take the field. UNC Charlotte alumni Vickie and Gene Johnson have been the driving force behind the band, and they are donating $2 million to support the endeavor. “The future well-being of our region is […]

The UNC Charlotte Department of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Miller as its inaugural Associate Director of Bands / Director of Athletics Bands.  Dr. Miller will join the UNC Charlotte faculty in fall 2014 and will be responsible for directing the 49er Basketball Band, conducting the Symphonic Band, teaching a […]