FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama Marching Band, the Marching Pride of North Alabama, took to the field Thursday in the Lions’ season opener against Western Illinois with some new equipment and more on the way.
“The University’s move to Division I athletics has provided our marching band an opportunity to expand its brand to reach a national audience,” said former College of Arts and Sciences Dean Carmen Burkhalter, who helped oversee the purchase of new items. “I am extremely grateful for the administration’s infusion of new resources for new equipment, new look, and a new brand.”
Carmen Burkhalter
The uniforms that have been in use were purchased in 2009, according to Marching Pride of North Alabama Director Dr. Lloyd Jones. In addition to uniforms, new brass instruments as well
as a new box truck and semi-trailer will be vital for the band’s logistics as well as on performance, retention, and recruitment of student musicians.
“Membership in the UNA Band has grown consistently over the last 20 years,” Jones said. “A collegiate marching band must have instruments and equipment transported appropriately to practice and performance venues on a regular basis. The acquisition of an additional box truck and semi-trailer will ensure student safety along with proper care of University-owned equipment.”
North Alabama Director Dr. Lloyd Jones
Further, Dr. Joseph Gray joined the faculty this fall as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Interim Associate Director of Bands.
Jones said will this addition to the faculty will “insure proper training and instruction for student members of the band program.”
Dr. Meghan Merciers
The move to Division I athletics has also been a Division I move for the Marching Pride of North Alabama, and these acquisitions and personnel additions will make for an easier transition until the move is fully realized in 2021.
“The students and faculty in the UNA Department of Music are elated about the Division I upgrades to the UNA Band program,” said Dr. Meghan Merciers, Chair of the Department of Music. “We are grateful to the UNA Administration for their continued generosity and extraordinary support of the UNA Bands and the Department of Music.”
Media Release/Michelle Eubanks
Interim Associate Director
University Communications & Marketing/UNA
