The Sound of Spirit

A third-generation band director, Director of Athletic Bands Brian Taylor came to UNC Charlotte in 2023 and has grown the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band into its largest ensemble yet, with 227 members. For the first time ever, the PNNMB has two drumlines: a green line for football games and a white line for soccer games.

“The community of music is the reason I wanted to teach music and make music a part of other people’s lives,” Taylor said. “Music provides community.”

But that community doesn’t just develop magically. Taylor, the other band staff, and the students themselves all intentionally create it.

“We’re building community at the school, building traditions, making this place feel like you’re part of a unified group, rather than just a place where you go to school,” said Taylor.

Ten years ago, the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band played its first home game on Sept. 12, 2015.

“We got a standing ovation,” said mellophone player Anna Murphy. “It was a forever, amazing moment.”

Read more about the history of the PNNMB in the Inside UNC Charlotte feature story.