Member Spotlight - Riley Kirwan (Winds)
Riley Kirwan is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music education. He hopes to teach middle school band after college and eventually work toward achieving a master’s degree in music. This is Riley’s second year with the PNNMB and he plays the baritone. He grew up in Matthews, NC and graduated from David W. Butler High School.
Member Spotlight - Xavier Esquilin (Winds)
Xavier Esquilin is a freshman at UNC Charlotte, majoring in computer science with a concentration in cyber security. After college, he would like to work in a government cyber security agency or join the cyber security team of a major bank. Xavier plays sousaphone, and this is his first year as a member of the PNNMB. In his free time, he likes to go out and be active in intramural sports such as basketball and flag football.
Member Spotlight - Raven Pfeiffer (Drumline)
Raven Pfeiffer is a freshman at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music. After graduation, she plans to continue her music career through traveling performance and music lessons. She plays snare drum in the drumline, and her favorite part of the PNNMB is being able to grow and drum with her best friends.
Member Spotlight - Jarod Ricks (Colorguard)
Jarod Ricks is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in business with a concentration in management information systems and minoring in journalism. After graduation, he plans to continue his education at the graduate level where he then plans to become a business database analyst. This is his second year as part of the PNNMB Colorguard and his first year on the weapon line. When he isn’t devoted to his studies, Jarod likes to spend time with his friends and volunteer as a Niner Guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UNC Charlotte.
Member Spotlight - Brianna Douglas (Winds)
Brianna Douglas is a senior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in physics and minoring in music. After graduation, she plans to continue her education at the graduate level, concentrating in astrophysics and astronomy. This is her second year in PNNMB, and she now serves as a member of the Student Leadership Staff in the role of clarinet section leader. She holds the duties of keeping the clarinet section (a.k.a. “CSQUAD”) musically apt, together with marching and also keeping the section a family (and up to date on their notorious dance skills!).
Member Spotlight - Nick Francis (Drumline)
Nick Francis is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in music education. After graduation, he plans to continue his education in pursuit of a master’s degree in percussion performance. This is his second year as part of the PNNMB Drumline, both years as a member of the snare line. This year, Nick accepted a Student Leadership Staff position as Drumline Equipment Manager. He is responsible for tuning the drums and ensuring everything is in good condition. In his free time, Nick likes to watch sports and play disc golf.
"Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band Reveals New Logo
UNC Charlotte’s very own “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band (PNNMB) wowed Charlotte 49ers fans with spectacular uniforms, electrifying music and crowd-pleasing formations during its debut in 2015. Now the band is ready to unveil yet another piece of the puzzle.
Meet Our Drum Majors
As the "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band approaches our second season, we introduce you to our drum majors; Quinten Wrenn, Madelyn Colby and Bryce Harris.
PNNMB Will Be Official Band at 2018 D-Day Event
The UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band has been selected as the official band to represent the United States in Normandy, France, in June 2018. The performance will mark the 74th anniversary of D-Day. Each year, one band is chosen to represent the U.S. at the D-Day commemoration.
Dr. Miller to Present at Band Directors National Conference
Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Director of Athletic Bands, will present at the College Band Directors National Association Athletic Band Symposium, to be held at the University of Minnesota June 2-4. Dr. Miller will present a clinic session on starting new collegiate marching bands, in partnership with Dr. Debra Traficante of Kennesaw State University (Georgia).