UNC Charlotte Bands

05/27/2026

Be a part of the 2026 PNNMB! ⛏️

2026 Commitment Form: https://marchingband.charlotte.edu/join-the-band/pnnmb-commitment-form/

We are getting excited for our 2026 season. Be a part of the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band!

04/24/2026

One of the best things about studying music in Charlotte is having access to world class music, experiences, and opportunities right in our backyard. Today, students in our Instrumental Conducting class and some members of the Wind Ensemble observed a rehearsal with the Charlotte Symphony and got to speak with Music Director Kwamé Ryan and Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees. Thanks for taking some time to share with our students!

We value the opportunity to work with the Charlotte Symphony and appreciate all they provide to music education in our community. Plus it’s an added bonus to hear so many of our UNC Charlotte Music faculty playing with the symphony.

04/16/2026

Looking forward to welcoming Dr. Carvalho to Charlotte!

The Department of Music at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Diogo Carvalho as an Assistant Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Technology.

Dr. Carvalho will join our faculty to support the development of a visionary, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the intersection of music, business innovation, and technology. This newly created position represents a strategic investment in the future of creative careers, fostering collaboration across the College of Arts + Architecture and the Belk College of Business.

His work embodies the "visionary scholar and educator" profile sought for this role, bringing a diverse expertise in electroacoustic, concert, popular, jazz, and Brazilian music. An award-winning composer whose works have been performed globally, Dr. Carvalho has deep experience in electroacoustic music, guitar performance, and entrepreneurship which includes creating and maintaining multiple international music festivals - including the newly established Austin (TX) Game Music Festival.

Dr. Carvalho will lead courses in music entrepreneurship, technology, and industry while assisting in the College’s development of a cohort of entrepreneurially-minded students prepared for the modern music sector. His work is intended to enhance and further the Music Department’s ties to Charlotte’s vibrant cultural community and national arts networks. Please join us in welcoming him to our Department, University, and City.

04/15/2026

Come hear some great music next Wednesday, April 22 AND support local music education!

Have a band instrument sitting around not being used you'd like to donate to a good cause? Drop it off just prior to the Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble concert (6:30-7:30 on April 22 in Robinson Hall) or Thursday, April 23 (in Johnson Band Center) and help us support band programs in CMS Arts!

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

It's !

Support the Bands at UNC Charlotte! Your support directly funds student experiences through scholarships, equipment, instruments, music, and travel.

Your help will ensure a bright future for all aspects of our thriving and growing band program including the "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band, Concert Bands, plus numerous community and music education outreach programs.

Contribute directly to scholarships for our bands and our general fund to help us raise funds to supplies and instruments.

Are you an alum or former band student? Connect to the current band by supporting your section, studio, or area! Help us offer more scholarships to keep growing the band or donate to specific instrument needs.

Visit the link below to give to the Pride of Niner Nation (General Fund or Athletic Bands Scholarships) or Music Department Scholarships (under COA+A Departments & Scholarships) to support the University Bands!
https://ninernationgives.charlotte.edu/giving-day/112727/donate

Thanks for your contributions and go Niners!

03/01/2026

It's been a busy week at Charlotte!

- Charlotte Youth Wind Ensemble gave a FANTASTIC concert on Tuesday, including a collaboration with brass faculty members: Dr. Eric Millard (trumpet), Prof. Byron Johns (horn), and Dr. Kevin Dugat (trombone) with students Eli Mathew (trumpet) and Jason Parra (tuba) on a beautiful transcription of Leonard Bernstein's Suite from MASS for Brass Quintet and Wind Ensemble.

We are excited to continue the CYWE season with chamber ensembles coached by our faculty starting in just a couple weeks!

- Wednesday brought the inaugural Niner Invitational Concert Band Festival with fantastic performances by eight high school bands and feedback from guest clinicians Myra Rhoden, Alfred Watkins, and Bobby Lambert. Congrats to each of these ensembles:

Palisades High School Wind Ensemble
East Lincoln High School Wind Ensemble
Union Academy Wind Ensemble
Hickory Ridge High School Wind Symphony
AC Reynolds High School Symphonic Band
Asheville High School Wind Symphony
Cuthbertson High School Blue Note Winds
Charlotte Catholic High School Symphonic Winds

- We concluded the festival with an exciting performance by the UNC Charlotte Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble delivered a great concert of Samuel Barber's Commando March, Leonard Bernstein/Lavender Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and Arturo Marquez's Danzon no. 2.

- We rounded out the week with the UNC Charlotte Symphonic Band on Friday and a wonderful program of music by Katahj Copley, Isabella Piritta Morrill, Morten Lauridsen, Andrew David Perkins, and Paul Dooley.

All with a fantastic concert by the Jazz Ensemble and Combo on Monday and the Orchestra on Thursday.

Congratulations to all our CYWE students, the participating festival bands, and the UNC Charlotte Bands students on a great week! Go Niners! ⛏️

02/21/2026

We are thrilled to welcome eight fantastic high school bands to campus next week to perform for our first Niner Invitational Concert Band Festival on Wednesday, February 25. Congratulations to AC Reynolds, Asheville, Charlotte Catholic, Cuthbertson, East Lincoln, Hickory Ridge, Palisades, and Union Academy. We look forward to your performances!

Stick around to hear the UNC Charlotte Wind Ensemble perform at 7:30 on a great program of Barber's Commando March, Bernstein/Lavender Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and Marquez Danzon no. 2.

Wednesday, February 25 | Anne R. Belk Theater in the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts

01/28/2026

Official registration is now open!

Join us June 14-16 for the 2026 Charlotte Band Directors Workshop & Conducting Symposium! We thrilled to welcome Travis Cross and Alfred Watkins as our featured clinicians this year!

Register here: https://coaamusic.totalcamps.com/shop/product/569699

Learn more here: https://coaa.charlotte.edu/music/ensembles/bands/charlotte-band-directors-workshop-and-conducting-symposium/

01/17/2026

Interested in joining a growing, vibrant collegiate arts community as you continue your musical studies? Want to learn from exceptional faculty that care not only about your growth and musicianship but also about YOU? Curious about career opportunities as a music major or combining your interests in music and other fields in a strong intellectual and cultural environment?

We welcome you to see what is possible at UNC Charlotte Music in the UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture!

Join us on Monday, February 16 to spend a day as a music major. Learn about ensembles, the cultural opportunities in Charlotte, and scholarship possibilities. Attend classes, meet and learn from faculty, hang out with current students, sit in ensembles, explore campus, and make new friends.

Register below for this FREE event or scan the QR code. Hope to see you on February 16. Go Niners!
https://coaamusic.totalcamps.com/shop/product/571002