Nationally Recognized. Unmistakably Tennessee.
Welcome to Rocky Top
From the field to the concert stage, UT Bands offers transformative performance experiences rooted in excellence, tradition, and community.
EXPLORE ENSEMBLES
Whether you plan on majoring in music or not, UT Bands offers a variety of ensemble experiences for students of all skill levels across campus.
Concert Bands
UT’s concert band program includes nationally recognized ensembles dedicated to artistic excellence, collaboration, and high-level performance experiences. Students perform a wide range of repertoire in ensembles designed for both music majors and non-majors.
“Pride of the Southland” Marching Band
Experience the energy and tradition of one of the nation’s most celebrated collegiate marching bands. From Neyland Stadium performances to travel opportunities and spirited game day traditions, the “Pride of the Southland” includes musicians, color guard, and majorettes united by Big Orange spirit.
Pep Bands
Bring Big Orange energy to Tennessee athletics through spirited performances at basketball, volleyball, postseason tournaments, and special events. Pep Bands offer exciting performance opportunities in a high-energy environment beyond football season.
UT Bands has given me so much more than musical growth. It’s given me a community, friendships, and experiences that have shaped my college journey in the best way possible. Being a part of the Pride has pushed me to grow both as a musician and a leader while surrounding me with people who are passionate, supportivem and driven toward excellence. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a program that has challenged me, supported me, and made Tennessee feel like home.
Sydney flenniken
Music Education Major,
Drum Major, Fall 2026
Upcoming Programs & Performances
Band Camp
August 3 – August 14, 2026
Band camp is where the foundation for the entire season is built. During these two weeks, members learn music, marching fundamentals, pregame traditions, and the first halftime production while developing the relationships that make the Pride a family.
Concert Band Auditions
August 14 – 16, 2026
Current UT Student Auditions: Learning how to audition for the UT Bands and Orchestra is an important part of the educational process for every student. To maximize this opportunity, we encourage you to adequately allow yourself the time to prepare the audition material to the best of your ability.
Quick Facts
415+
members in the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band.
Established in 1869
The UT Bands program is one of the nation’s oldest collegiate band traditions.
75% Non-Music Majors
While 25% of the “Pride of the Southland” Band are music majors.
Nationally-recognized
concert ensembles
The UT Wind Ensemble was one of only seven performing groups selected to perform at CBDNA in 2025.
Access to world-renowned composers and clinicians
15 presidential inauguration appearances
more than any other civilian organization.
Latest News from UT Bands
- Written by Alissa Galyon For the first time in nearly a decade and only the second time in UT Bands history, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has named two women to lead its Pride of the Southland Marching Band (POTSB) as Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major. On Friday, March 6, the POTSB announced that Sydney […]
- Written by Alissa Galyon On February 25, the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music will host the Volunteer Concert Clinic, an educational event designed to spotlight middle and high school ensembles from across the region in a collegiate performance setting. Held in the Student Union Auditorium, the clinic provides participating students with […]
- Original story written by Rhiannon Potkey, Tickle College of Engineering Anukkah Burleson thought there had to be a better solution to fix the whale tail connector on the carrier of her bass drum. Every year, like clockwork, the part would break. Burleson, a senior mechanical engineering major, is a member of the drumline for the […]