UNC Charlotte to Field Marching Band
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 guard – will coincide with the 49ers’ ascent into the elite Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of Conference USA.
Watch a video of the groundbreaking ceremony and gift announcement for the Johnson Band Center.
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 course in marching band techniques, and planning UNC Charlotte’s new marching band. He will direct the marching band when it takes the field in fall 2015.
As with the ambitious planning that went into launching a football team and building Jerry Richardson Stadium, the University has grand plans for its marching band. This includes fundraising for marching band scholarships, purchasing new instruments and new uniforms, and constructing a building for offices and storage. The new structure will be located within walking distance of Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts, as well as the field next to Highway 49 where the band will practice.
The marching band will offer students from every major in every college exciting opportunities to perform at a high level, while contributing to the spirited atmosphere of Charlotte 49ers football games. They will play during the pre-game festivities and will welcome the football team as they run onto the field. The band will play the fight song and other cheer songs in the stands during the game and will return to the field to entertain fans during halftime. At the end of every game, the marching band will lead the crowd in the UNC Charlotte Alma Mater.
“The addition of a marching band will greatly enhance the game-day experiences of our students, alumni, and fans,” says Dr. Jay Grymes, Interim Chair of the Department of Music. “This is truly a great time to be a 49er.”
Interested in marching band? Fill out this contact form. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Miller, Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands.
Want to help field the band? Go to our giving portal and select/enter 49er Marching Band. Thank you for your support!