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Bands in the UNC Charlotte Department of Music

The bands at UNC Charlotte seek to foster artistic opportunities of the highest level. We inspire, build community and celebrate a diversity of experiences through engaging and representative programming that connects our students and audiences, while serving as a resource to local music educators and programs. We are dedicated to broadening musicianship and artistry through performing new music and music of historical, cultural and societal interest.

Explore Ensembles

Whether you wish to participate in a quality concert ensemble or perform as a member of a high-energy athletic band, we have a place for you. Each year students from every major in every college join one or more of our band organizations.

section of the wind ensemble with students playing flutes
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble (MUPF 1112) is the university’s most advanced organization for winds and percussion, performing a wide variety of music from traditional to contemporary. The Wind Ensemble presents at least two concerts per semester and frequently gives concert tours throughout NC and the Southeast. The ensemble has performed multiple times for North Carolina Music Educators Association and College Band Directors National Association Southern Division conferences and is active in commissioning and premiering new works. Members must audition each semester. Practice: MWF 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Section of the Symphonic Band performing
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band (MUPF 1113) presents two concerts each semester offering a diverse and engaging repertoire. Open to students from any major by audition at the start of each semester. Practice: Fall TTh 5:30-6:45 pm, Spring TTR 4:00-5:15 p.m.
close up of students playing woodwind instruments
Concert Band
Concert Band (MUPF 1119) is a non-auditioned performing ensemble open to wind and percussion students of any major. Performs one concert of varied traditional and contemporary repertoire each semester. Concert Band is geared specifically to non-majors who seek additional opportunities to play, as well as music education majors seeking experience on secondary instruments, and learning additional repertoire and rehearsal strategies. Practice: W 7:00-9:15 p.m.
Percussion Ensemble on stage
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble (MUPF 1151), led by Charlotte Symphony percussionist and Senior Lecturer Rick Dior, brings together percussion students to perform ensemble works in one concert each semester. Percussion Ensemble meets on Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
Marching band students outside
Marching Band
The UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band (PNNMB) (MUPF 1118) is the largest and most visible spirit organization on campus, representing a wide variety of majors from each college within the university. The band entertains thousands of fans each year at football games, community performances, and regional high school marching band festivals. The band’s unique style combines exciting arrangements from diverse musical genres with traditional and contemporary drill design.
Visit the "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band Website
Basketball band students at night
49er Basketball Band
49ers Basketball Band (MUPF 1114) performs for both men’s and women’s basketball teams throughout the basketball season. As an NCAA Division I program, band members travel to annual conference tournament games, including the NCAA basketball tournament. Membership to the 49ers Basketball Band is contingent upon audition in October.
Visit the 49er Basketball Band webpage
Audition Procedures

Spring 2026 Wind Auditions

All wind instrumentalists wishing to perform in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Orchestra for the Spring 2026 semester will need to submit a video audition. Concert Band is open to any student without an audition. Music majors auditioning should complete the audition for Wind Ensemble. If you are not placed in Wind Ensemble, you will be placed in Symphonic Band.

Audition Form

Audition submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 2. Results will be announced by Friday, January 9.

Notes: Percussion placement will be determined by Professor Dior. If you are a non-music major percussion student, please email Dr. Kopczynski directly for placement information. If you are a string player please contact Dr. Yamamoto.

  • STEP 1: Download and prepare your audition material. Audition information and excerpts are available here.
  • STEP 2: Record all audition material onto one video file. Upload file to YouTube as an unlisted link. 
  • STEP 3: Complete audition form. Form is not complete until you have provided the unlisted YouTube link to your video audition.

Spring 2026 Class Schedule

You will need to register for the ensemble you are a part of. Music majors and returning Wind Ensemble members should register for Wind Ensemble MUPF 1112, but if you do not get selected for Wind Ensemble, you will need to drop MUPF 1112 and add Symphonic Band MUPF 1113. Non-majors can elect to be in any ensemble (Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band by audition, Concert Band without an audition)

  • Wind Ensemble (MUPF 1112) MWF 2:30-3:45 pm 
  • Symphonic Band (MUPF 1113) TTh 4:00-5:15 pm 
  • Concert Band (MUPF 1119 Special Instrumental Ensemble: Concert Band) W 7:00-9:15pm
  • Orchestra (MUPF 1110) TWTh 2:30-3:45 pm
  • PNNMB MWF 4:15–6:15 p.m. and performs at all Charlotte 49ers home football/basketball games
  • Band students standing outside for a posed photo
  • Close up of male student playing tuba in the symphonic band
  • Women in the marching band pointing and smiling at the camera
  • Quartet of students playing marimbas
  • Conductor in front of students in the symphonic band
  • Student playing French Horn

Looking for information on our "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band?

Develop great friendships, perform amazing shows, and establish traditions when you join the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band! PNNMB is open to all UNC Charlotte students.

PNNMB Website