Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

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. 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.
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 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. 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.

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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.
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 medalwinning 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.

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

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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.
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. 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

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

Interview 1:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Do you plan on being a part of the PNNMB next year?
Yes
Interview 2:
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
The Observations:

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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.
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 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 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

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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. 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 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 titled JoJo, Atypical 8s, and Hurkey and Tam aka
Dyslexic Sandwich. Them we go through Pregame show music. 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

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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).
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.

Jeremy Williams

UWRT: Assignment One

2015

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 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.