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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

Fall 2026 Large Instrumental Ensembles

All wind instrumentalists wishing to perform in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Orchestra will need to complete a live audition to participate. Concert Band requires an audition for part placements, but if you register for the class you are in the band (there is not an audition for membership, just part placement). These auditions will occur the first week of classes.

Audition Form

All wind instrumentalists wishing to perform in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band or Orchestra will need to complete a live audition to participate. Concert Band requires an audition for part placements, but if you register for the class you are in the band (there is not an audition for membership, just part placement). These auditions will occur the first week of classes.

Music majors 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 or Concert Band (Special Instrument Ensemble: Concert Band 1119). Please ensure you have space in your schedule for any of these options. 

Non-music majors will also need to register for the ensemble you make. If you register for Symphonic Band MUPF 1113, you can add Wind Ensemble MUPF 1112 if you make the group and it fits in your schedule. If you register for Wind Ensemble MUPF 1112, but do not make the group, you’ll need to add Symphonic Band MUPF 1113 or Concert Band instead. Percussion auditions will be handled by Dr. Kopczynski and our percussion professor, Prof. Rick Dior.

  • STEP 1: Fill out the Audition Information Form
  • STEP 2: Sign up for an audition time by clicking on the link for your instrument. If you are a percussionist, please complete the Audition Information Form listed in Step 1, and we will reach out to you about percussion information.
  • STEP 3: Download and prepare your audition material.
    • Auditions will take place in the locations indicated above. You should warm up in Robinson Hall prior to your audition then walk over to the audition space five minutes prior to your audition time. Each audition will take approximately five minutes. 
    • If you are unable to audition during your scheduled time or if times are all filled, please email Dr. Kopczynski at hkopczyn@charlotte.edu
    • Results will be posted and e-mailed to students by Sunday, August 23 and rehearsals for concert ensembles will begin the second week of classes (week of August 24).

Fall 2026 Class Schedule

You will need to register for the ensemble you are a part of. Music majors should register for Wind Ensemble MUPF 1112, but if you are not 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 and Concert Band without an audition.

  • Wind Ensemble (MUPF 1112) MWF 2:30-3:45 pm 
  • Symphonic Band (MUPF 1113) TTh 5:30-6:45 pm 
  • Concert Band (MUPF 1119 Special Inst. Ens: Concert Band) W 7:00-9:15pm
  • Orchestra (MUPF 1110) TWTh 2:30-3:45 pm
    • Wind/percussion students placed in orchestra from wind ensemble will attend the TTh orchestra rehearsal blocks
  • Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band (MUPF 1118) MWF 4:15–6:15 p.m
  • 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