Jeremy Williams

2015

Assignment One
Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band

Note: This particular observation took place over random 30 minute intervals of time
during different activities the PNNMB has participated in Such as Practices and Football
games. I focused my observations at these different times just to help get a feel of what all
the marching band does. The timing of my observations line up relatively close to the
actual times where I observed.
Relevant Background Information: The observations listed in this analysis take place in
several locations throughout the UNCC Campus. Several important sites include the practice
field located in the front of the campus, The Jerry Richardson Stadium and RDH (Residence
Dining Hall). The UNC Charlotte Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band took the field in its
inaugural season this fall 2015. It consist of students from each of the eight colleges here at
UNCC. This group of about 150 musicians entertains audiences at all of the home football
games and many other places. Here is a link to a video about the coming of this band
program. https://youtu.be/XA94z6uV3W0
Figured World: A figured world is a large society where people share the same beliefs, rules,
behaviors, manners etc. Within the community you have specific conventions of appropriate
behavior and a specific discourse. The Pride of the Niner Nation Marching is my figured
world. I chose this figured world because of my love of music. I am also a part of this band so
I thought this would be a good world to observe because of these reasons.
Rules and Conventions: The Rules and conventions of the marching band are strict. It has to
be this way in order to maintain peace and order and maintain a high standard and
professionalism. The band receives a policies and procedures handbook at the start of band
camp that basically lists the rules and conventions of appropriate behavior. These guidelines
are in effect during all PNNMB activities. Members of the band must be in attendance and on
time to all rehearsals, parades, and performances. There is no smoking during rehearsals,
performances or any time you are in your uniform. This policy is in effect with zero
tolerance Any violation will result in disciplinary action. The use of alcohol or illegal
substances is strictly prohibited from all rehearsals, travel, and performances. All members
(including those of legal age in the state of NC) who consume alcoholic beverages or use
illegal substances before official PNNMB events are held accountable for their behavior as a
result of their decision. Members cannot accept alcoholic beverages from Niner football fans
before, during, after games. After games, the band uniform shall be removed and properly
stored before attending parties. The Department of Music has the final decision making
authority in the determination of penalties for substance abuse. Hazing is strictly prohibited.
PNNMB members are expected to be aware of all University policies regarding hazing.

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2015

Students who are aware of acts of hazing should report these to the Director and/or the Dean
of Students Office. Members of the PNNMB should make every effort to show the utmost
respect to their fellow members. Members will show the greatest respect for the University
equipment and uniform. Members should also refrain from engaging in abusive language or
behavior with football fans who may wish to provoke a confrontation. These rules have been
set in place to ensure personal safety.
Actors: Actors are the people in a figured world. These people are usually the important ones
who play a significant roles, and have specific purpose in the community. The people that I
chose all hold a high position and have an important role as a part of the PNNMB. They are
very important and actually keep the band afloat.

Figure 1 - Chesley Black, David, Mr. White, Nick Nichols, Justin McDougal, Dr. Miller (From Left to Right)

Jeffrey Miller Dr. Miller is Associate Director of Bands and the inaugural
Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In this
capacity, Dr. Miller directs the Symphonic Band and Basketball Pep-Band, teaches a
course in Marching Band Techniques, and is responsible for the development and
vision of the Universitys first marching band.

Shawn Smith Dr. Smith is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of

Conducting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Smith holds a Doctor of
Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting from Arizona State University, and
Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Louisiana State
University and Boise State University respectively. He helps the marching band select
music to play and actually helps write some of it. He also conducts the star spangled
banner in the pregame show of the marching band.

Nick Nichols Nick is the Marching Percussion Coordinator. He is in charge of

all things percussion. A native of Belmont, NC, Nick hold degrees from Western
Carolina University (2006 - BS Communication), University of North Carolina at
Charlotte (2011 - BA Music/Percussion), and East Carolina University (2014 - MM
Performance). Nick was a member of the Carolina Panthers drumline and has been a
sought-after local musician.

Justin McDougal Justin is the Marching Band Colorguard Director. He is a

graduate of North Lincoln high school (class of 2008), where upon graduation he was
named Director of the Colorguard and Winterguard programs. Under his direction, the
North Lincoln Colorguard program flourished and enjoyed many successes including
multiple medal-winning performances.

Chesley Black Dr. Black is the Drum Major and Student Leadership Program
Coordinator of the UNC Charlotte Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band, which
will take the field this fall. While an undergraduate student at East Carolina
University, Dr. Black served as Head Drum Major of the ECU Marching Pirates for
several years. He has 19 years of experience teaching drum majors at the high school,
university, and drum corps level... and has been involved with the marching band
activity for a total of 23 years.

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2015

Artifacts: Artifacts can be the physical items that play an important role to the figured world.
Not only are they physical items, artifacts can be identified as emotions or feelings. That
means that one can a have a feeling that impacts the figured world either in a positive or
negative way.

Whistle The whistle is an important artifact for the band. It is something

everyone in the band can understand and relate to. It symbolizes many things from the
count off to a song to the need to assemble to the attendance block

Dr. Beat Dr. Beat is the nickname of the Metronome we use to keep time
and help us with tempo when we practice. A metronome is simply a device that puts
off a constant click or other sound in a repetitive unchanging manner.

The Drum Majors Excitement The excitement put off by the drum majors
can definitely defined as an artifact. They are always and in a good mood all the time
and that rubs off on the whole community. This excitement gives a positive vibe
which keeps the will to work hard higher.
Communities of Practice: Communities of practice are groups of people who are involved
with, and care deeply about the same things as their peers. These are usually groups of 3 or
more people. An example of this could be the Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band. As
a community of practice we meet in a common domain, the practice field, and share our
passion for music. As a community we practice together and engage in the same activities as
one another as a part of our common interest and appreciation for music.

Woodwinds The wood winds include Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and
Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the
same subgroup of instrument know as a woodwinds.

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2015

Brass The brass include Mellophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and

Sousaphone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the same
subgroup of instrument know as a brass.

Percussion The wood winds include Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and
Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people simply share the fact that they play the
same subgroup of instrument know as a woodwinds.

Color Guard The Color Guard includes Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone,
and Tenor Saxophone. This smaller group people share the love for dance and flag
spinning.
Domain: A domain of a community is the goal or a shared interest that everyone has. In a
way it explain what the group is all about and what its focus is.

Desire to please The goal of the PNNMB is to perform do something that

someone else would enjoy and appreciate. This is not only our goal but it is basically
out job. Pleasing fans is a job that we all love. To do that they focus on keeping a
positive attitude and strive to focus on what is in front of them.
Practices of the Community: Practices of the community is what this group actually does
together within the group. . If there is ever a problem within a community, they work together
to find a solution.

Stretching Stretching is a common practice amongst the band. That is

something they do at the start of every practice. Stretching is important because it
helps prevent injury. Marching band is very physical and it is possible to hurt yourself
if you pass up on the stretches.

Watch and Listen I could also say a practice of the community is to watch
and listen while performing to ensure a quality performance. Those are two words you
hear a lot in the marching band community. The members are supposed to watch the
drum majors and listen to their surroundings.
Literacy Practices: Literacy practices are the way a Figured world uses to communicate. The
most common literary practices could include calling, texting, sending emails, etc. A more
recent form of communication now is social media in which people not only communicate
their actions but they also communicate their thoughts and feelings.

Conducting Conducting is the main way to communicate musically within

the band. Conducting tells a marcher at what speed to play at what volume to play at,
how fast to move his feet when marching and even when to start and stop playing.

Emails and Phone Calls/Text These are the main forms of communication
off the field. This is how the band director asks you to contact him when you have a
situation such as a tardy or absence, or any other reason you may need to talk to him.
Members also use text most of the time to communicate with each other.

Jeremy Williams

2015

Interview 1 Justin (Drumline Bassdrum)

1.
2.

3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

What are some of the other marching ensembles you have been involved with?
My high school marching band. (Mooresville High School) and the
Revelation indoor percussion group.
Why did you want to be a part the PNNMB?
I wanted to be a part of this first year marching band to make history, also I
just love music and the band and I knew I wanted to continue marching in
college so they started this marching band just in time.
Describe what you like about the band.
I like the social aspect, I have made a lot of new friends that I probably
would not have made if I wasnt a part of the band.
Describe what concerns you have about the band.
Well, we work on multiple shows at 1 time so Id say that sometimes Im
concerned that we wont be able to perfect a show because he have to focus on
so much at one time
Explain the most difficult part of being a member of the band.
The walks! We walk a lot and it kills my feet. Also there is sooooo much
music to memorize.
How do you feel about the music the band plays?
I like it, it is a nice variety of styles. I think it appeals to all types of people.
Do you plan on being a part of the PNNMB next year?
Yes

Interview 2 Andrew (Drumline Snaredrum)

1. What are some of the other marching ensembles you have been involved with?
My high school marching band as well as my high school indoor percussion
group
2. Why did you want to be a part the PNNMB?
I like to be able to share and develop my musical abilities as well as be
around similar peers
3. Describe what you like about the band.
I like the people, the staff, as well as the music we play
4. Describe what concerns you have about the band.
I have no general concerns, but I do wish the band can be the best it can be
5. Explain the most difficult part of being a member of the band.
Keeping up with my schoolwork and still earning my keep in the band can be
very demanding and sometimes be over encumbering
6. How do you feel about the music the band plays?
The music is very fun and is written to be recognized and appreciated by
people from all different backgrounds.
7. Do you plan on being a part of the PNNMB next year?
Yes

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2015

The Observations: *The times are listed as actual times- 4:00 represents 4 oclock, (not
4minutes into the observation) *
Observation One
Friday, September 14, 2015
Marching Band Practice
3:55 Members of the Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band are preparing for practice.
Some people have arrived early and the rest are trickling in. Multiple people from various
groups of instruments play Frisbee in the practice field. Band director arrives to the practice
field on a scissor lift. Some band members scream welcoming him. More band members pull
out a football and make a mad dash to the field. Guard girls gather in conversation and wait
calmly until practice begins. Drummers look over music and practice parts on drums and/or
drum pads. Cymbal players sit together in a tribal like circle.
4:00 Drum majors blow a whistle at 4 on the dot and yell Please head to attendance
block. Students hustle to attendance block. Everyone is speaking loudly. And excited for the
practice. You also have those people who are complaining about the weather and the fact that
we have to practice in general. Drumline debates if we should bring our instruments to the
attendance/stretch block. Drum captain decides we should even though the rest of the band
isnt bringing them to the block. Bass drum player complains about bringing drums. We take
drums to the block. All drummers place their equipment slightly to the right of their spots in
the block so we have enough room for stretches.
4:05 Drum majors blow whistle and start stretch block. Guard girl says hey to me. One guy
begins to complain about starting stretches. He questions the point of the exercise. Section
leader explains the purpose of the stretches. Stretches we do: everyone raises hands straight
above heads then bends over to touch left toe. Everyone then moves to the right toe on the
word of the drum majors. The next stretch is right arm over left to stretch deltoids. Few
people throughout the stretch block are not participating. Drumline is having side
conversations about YouTube videos. Drum major gets distracted by the band director asking
them about something. Everyone stops stretching and looks around aimlessly. The girl that is
responsible for the attendance walks past the drumline and ask the drum captain if everyone
is present and if everyone has their required materials.
4:15 People who have classes that roll over to the time of marching band practice start
rolling in late. They check in with the attendance girl as they make their way to the field to
join the rest of the band. Stretches are continued now we stretch our legs more by pulling our
left foot up behind us. Then the same goes for the right foot. Band does calf stretch. Everyone
scurries to find a partner to do a calf stretch with. Everyone has a big smile on their face as
they have found a partner they can have a good time with. Calf stretch is done for left foot
then right foot. Drum majors let everyone know to start arm stretch. The same left to right
part is applied here. Drum majors then send everyone back to their original positions in the
block while announcements from the band director are made.
4:20 Everyone grabs instruments or flags. Real rehearsal begins with the band director
sending everyone to the end of the previous song (Fireball by Pitbull) in the show. Band
director rides the lift to the top. So he can see all the forms from above. Everyone disperses to
their sets (position on the field for a specific time) and some are confused. People ask around
to get clarification on what we are doing. Drum major runs with a metronome to back field.
Everyone gets to their spots and wait patiently unto the band director counts us off.

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2015

Metronome starts and everyone starts moving to their next set. Director notices some
problems, and sends everyone back to their previous set. Drumline takes their time
returning to the set. Drumline Instructor then shows up late after being at work. Not too long
after the bass drum instructor shows up. Practice becomes repetitive as the sets begin to
repeat over and over. Band instructor gives us a quick water break.
Observation Two
Monday, September 12, 2015
Practice before Game against Presbyterian
4:50 (AM) - Drumline starts showing up to RDH (Residence Dining Hall) early. Everyone
looks tired and exhausted since it so early. Band director is standing in RDH looking at us
come in. People walk slowly to grab drums. Drum captain looks around to see if all drumline
members are there. He notices that we are missing about 5 people of 25. He ask anyone if
they know where they are. Nobody know where they are and is too tired to care. One guy on
the drumline questions why they have to be there so early before the rest of the band. Drum
captain explains the reasons behind it. He explains that we need extra practice before the
performance.
4:55 Drumline starts heading out to the field for practice. Everyone takes there time. Drum
instructor makes them move faster. Everyone gets to field and puts their stuff down and talks
to each other. One girl in the drumline pulls out her Frisbee and ask if anyone want to play to
wake themselves up a bit. Only one person wants to. They run out in the dew cover field
leaving tracks in the wet field.
5:00 The Drum instructor calls drumline over to drum arcs. (The formation in which the
drumline stands to warmup) The people playing Frisbee run to grab drums. The instructor
gives us a short talk. He goes over all the things we will be playing as some of the late people
start showing up. Then he reminds us that we have once chance to plan an exercise correctly
(Diddle Machine Drum Cadence) and if we cant we wont be performing it. Drum captain
looks upset and says, I hope you all looked over it! He counts us off and we start plating it.
Everything is all good until the end. We start over and once again everything is good until the
end.
5:05 Drum instructor scraps that song for this game. Then gives us a lecture about how we
must do better and work harder. Drum captain is upset. We continue to practice. We play
through a drum warmups. We play 3 warmups (JoJo, Atypical 8s, and Hurkey and Tam aka
Dyslexic Sandwich). Them we go through Pregame show music (The Star Spangled Banner,
UNCC Alma Mater, 49er Cheer, UNCC Fight song, and American Celebration). We make
it halfway through the first song then we encounter a problem in the tenor drum section. The
drum instructor addresses the problem and works on it with them individually for a moment.
Then we start over then make it all the way through the song. Then we make it through all the
rest of the songs for the pregame without any major problems.
5:10 We start working on halftime show music. Last late person from drumline shows up.
HE explains why he was late. Everyone laugh at his reason. He had said that he didnt know
that the drumline had a different call time. Drum instructor just shakes his head and continues
on with practice. We look over music for the show we have to perform the following week.
We get through it. The drum captain says, That was dirty (not good, bad beats and playing).

Jeremy Williams

2015

5:15 Other band members begin to show up early for their practice that begins at 5:30.
Some guys pull out a Frisbee and run out to the field and start throwing it. Drum instructor
tells to play the drum cadences (drumline specific song) again. We play through them
quickly. He asks us to set our drums down in order and gather around him. He talks to us
about responsibility and accountability. Then he says that he wants us to stay focus and make
this rehearsal productive. He tells us to keep the talking at a low. Then he says oh, and no
pecking (playing on drums out of turn) He tells us to grab some water at be out with the rest
of the band at 5:30
Observation Three
Monday, September 14, 2015
Marching Band Practice (Sectionals)
3:55 Members of the Pride of the Niner Nation Marching Band are preparing for practice
once again. Everyone is heading to the field from RDH (residence dining hall) where the
instruments are stored. Some people are already at the field. The usual people are out in the
field playing Frisbee and football. Most of the guard is in the field already practicing. Dr.
Miller rolls up on the lift. Everyone greets him. All 3 drum instructors then show up and talk
with Dr. Miller for a moment. The drum captain then walks over to the Nick the Main drum
instructor and starts talking with him then the rest of the snare line gathers around them.
4:00 Drum majors blow a whistle at 4 on the dot and yell Please head to attendance block
as normal. Students stroll to the attendance block. Everyone is in good spirit and speaking
loudly with their friends. People are having conversations about how the game went that
previous Saturday. Drumline debates if we should bring our instruments to the
attendance/stretch block as usual. Drum captain says not to bring them out since it will be a
sectional rehearsal. (Sectional is a rehearsal where each section or instrument group separates
into small groups to practice what they need individual help on)
4:05 Drum majors blow whistle and start stretch block. We do all the usual stretches
starting with a stretch into the air then down to your right foot then to your left. Then right
arm across the front of your body. Then Left arm across the front of your body. Then right
arm back so that your hand touches your back. Then left arm back. After that we pull our
right leg back holding our ankle. The band then sticks out their arm and sings the super man
theme while continuing to hold their leg. Then we get to the end we touch our toe that is still
on the ground with our extended arm. We proceed to do the same for the opposite leg. Then
we do calf stretches and shoulder stretches.
4:10 The drum majors then introduce us to another type of stretch. They call it the shakey
shakes. You basically throw your arms down 8 times, then to the sides 8 times then up 8
times. Then you proceed with same pattern by reducing the amount of times to 6 then 4 then
2 then 1. After finished everyone questions the purpose. One drum major say to loosen joints.
This is the time where people who have classes that roll over to the time of marching band
practice start rolling in late. They check in with the attendance girl as they make their way
to the field to join the rest of the band.
4:15 Dr. Miller calls for everyones silence and attention. The field turns silent like a ghost
town. First he talks to us and complements our performance at the game. Next he talks to us
about how the sectional rehearsal is going to work. After he has said all that needed to be said

Jeremy Williams

he dismisses us and says Go Niners. Everyone cheers loudly. Some people are screaming
and jumping around from the woodwinds and brass sections.
4:20 Everyone grabs instruments or flags and disperses across the field in to their sections.
The drumline gathers around our drum instructor. He tells us to split up too. The bass drums
go to around the 45 yard line in front of the front hash. We work on warmups for a quick
second. Then practice some of the music we have barely looked at. Our drum instructor
comes around and tells us we are meeting as a full drumline in 45 minutes.

2015