News

“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 […]

“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 […]

“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.” 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 […]

“Joining this marching band might have possibly been my best decision in college thus far.” Xavier Esquilin is a freshman at UNC Charlotte, majoring in computer science with a concentration in cyber security. After college, he would like to work in a government cyber security agency or join the cyber security team of a major […]

“I want to encourage all of the female drummers that might be interested in this marching band—you have to believe in yourself and be brave.” Raven Pfeiffer is a freshman at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music. After graduation, she plans to continue her music career through traveling performance and music lessons. She plays snare drum […]

I’m beyond happy that there’s an outstanding organization right here at UNC Charlotte that allows me to show my passion for this activity!” Jarod Ricks is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in business with a concentration in management information systems and minoring in journalism. After graduation, he plans to continue his education at the […]

“PNNMB is not only the best thing that has happened to this University, but also the most exciting part of my tenure here at UNC Charlotte!” Brianna Douglas is a senior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in physics and minoring in music. After graduation, she plans to continue her education at the graduate level, concentrating in […]

“Being involved in UNC Charlotte’s marching band is for sure the best thing I’ve ever done.” Nick Francis is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music education. After graduation, he plans to continue his education in pursuit of a master’s degree in percussion performance. This is his second year as part of the PNNMB […]

UNC Charlotte’s very own “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band (PNNMB) wowed Charlotte 49ers fans with spectacular uniforms, electrifying music and crowd-pleasing formations during its debut in 2015. Now the band is ready to unveil yet another piece of the puzzle. “We’ve crossed another significant milestone,” says UNC Charlotte’s Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Jeffrey […]

As the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band approaches our second season, we introduce you to our drum majors; Quinten Wrenn, Madelyn Colby and Bryce Harris. Quinten Wrenn, Head Drum Major Quinten is a junior from Monroe, North Carolina, and is studying music education at UNC Charlotte. He graduated from Parkwood High School, and was […]

The UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band has been selected as the official band to represent the United States in Normandy, France, in June 2018.  The performance will mark the 74th anniversary of D-Day.  Each year, one band is chosen to represent the U.S. at the D-Day commemoration. The honor was historically reserved […]

Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Director of Athletic Bands, will present at the College Band Directors National Association Athletic Band Symposium, to be held at the University of Minnesota June 2-4. Dr. Miller will present a clinic session on starting new collegiate marching bands, in partnership with Dr. Debra Traficante of Kennesaw State University (Georgia).  Dr. Miller joined the music […]

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 […]