UNC Charlotte to field marching band

The UNC Charlotte Department of Music will field a marching band in fall 2015. It will augment the drum line that has performed at home football games this fall.

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.

The Department of Music is conducting a national search for its inaugural director of athletics bands. This position is expected to join the UNC Charlotte faculty in fall 2014 and will spend a full year leading students in planning the marching band and establishing new traditions.

According to officials, the planning will include fundraising for marching band scholarships, purchasing new instruments and new uniforms and the construction of a building for offices and storage. This facility would be located within walking distance of Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts, as well as the field next to Highway 49 where the band would practice.

“The addition of a marching band will greatly enhance the game-day experiences of our students, alumni and fans,” said Jay Grymes, interim chair of the Department of Music in the College of Arts + Architecture. “This is truly a great time to be a 49er.”

He added the marching band would 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.

Officials anticipate the band would play during pre-game festivities and welcome the football team as they run onto the field. Also, the band could play the fight song and other cheer songs in the stands during the game and 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.