225+ members. One band. Your spot is waiting.
The "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band is more than a performance ensemble, it's a community. Whether you're a music major or a engineering student who hasn't put down their instrument since high school, there's a place for you here. Here's everything you need to know about becoming a member.
Are you interested in learning more about the PNNMB? Please fill out this form to receive important information and we'll get back to you soon!
Ready to join the band for the upcoming season? Please fill out this form to be a member of the 2026 – 2027 UNC Charlotte Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band!
You do no have to be a music major to join the “Pride of Niner Nation.” In fact, only a small percentage of our members are. We welcome students from every major in every college at UNC Charlotte, and you can be in as many additional music ensembles as your schedule allows. All UNC Charlotte students with previous band or colorguard experience are eligible to join.
You also can join the marching band if you don’t attend UNC Charlotte. Students enrolled in the PASSPORT Program or attending a Greater Charlotte Consortium institution (such as Central Piedmont Community College) are also welcome to apply. There is an application that must be completed by the participant and approved by the home institution and UNC Charlotte. All members are required to enroll in MUPF 1118 (found under “Music Performance”) for one academic credit.
PNNMB rehearses Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. during the fall semester, with additional rehearsals on Saturday mornings before home games. We take great care to make sure members can balance band with their academics. This is an ensemble built on social activity, continued musical enjoyment and leadership opportunities to those who seek them, not just performance.
Band members must purchase gloves and marching shoes. Colorguard must purchase dance shoes. All other uniform items are provided. 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.
Most sections are open to any eligible student, but auditions are held for drumline, colorguard, feature twirler, drum major and student leadership positions, as there are limited number of spots availiable in these sections. Students who do not successfully audition for the feature twirler or drumline, but who also play a wind instrument are encouraged to join PNNMB’s wind section. Auditions are not required for students who wish to play wind instruments. Some sections also have part assignment auditions during Preseason Band Camp.
All members are required to attend Preseason Band Camp, held each August one to two weeks before the fall semester begins. 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!
The UNC Charlotte Twirling Program aims to enhance auxiliary and visuals in the PNNMB. The program seeks up to 3 talented, experienced baton twirlers to serve in the role of Feature Twirler. Feature Twirlers will perform at all Home Football Games and additional performances throughout the year. Feature Twirlers are encouraged to have a presence in the realm of competitive baton twirling to serve as inspiration for twirlers to come. Scholarships are available.
Once selected, Feature Twirlers will be given the opportunity to renew their spot for the next eligible season without re-doing the application process, so long as the expectations of performance, character, attendance and academics have been met in the previous season, at the discretion of the University staff.
Prospective members should be prepared to submit audition information by March 1, 2026. Please submit each video application via an “unlisted” Youtube link.
Applicants will be notified of the selections within 1-2 weeks of audition deadline. The University will provide Feature Twirlers with a stipend to contribute to the cost of one costume. Costumes will be designed and approved by the Twirling Coordinator and Band Staff prior to purchasing. Twirlers will be responsible for purchasing a warm-up, tights, shoes and accessories.
*ANY QUESTIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO MRS. MELISSA HEYWARD – TWIRLER COACH
The 2026 Rep Packet contains all of our exercises, pregame, street beats, grooves and stand tunes that we play all season. You should submit a video audition by Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Once your submission is received and viewed, you will receive comments and directions as to what to prepare for the in-person audition. There will be a help session on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
There will be an in-person audition on Saturday, July 25, 2027. On this day, there will be sectionals happening, and you can sign up for an individual time slot.
Additionally please fill out the CLT_DL26 Info Form to help us to plan for numbers and instrumentation for the season! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Nick Nichols.
There is no audition to join the colorguard. All students are welcome to join. Please contact Mr. Brandon Nichols for more information.
There is currently no audition requirement to join the wind section of PNNMB; however, a part-placement audition is required for the instruments utilizing divisi parts (piccolos, clarinets, alto saxophones, mellophones, trumpets and trombones). Audition music and instructions will be sent to students who have completed their PNNMB Commitment Form. Auditions are held in Robinson Hall.
We are proud to offer scholarships to music majors, music minors and non-music majors. A required audition will take place during the academic year for music majors and minors. Scholarships for non-majors are awarded in the fall and spring and must be renewed annually based on funding. Non-majors will be notified of audition materials at camp.