UNK offers several diverse opportunities for participation; our bands are Wind Ensemble, the Symphonic Band, the “Pride of the Plains” Marching Band, and the Pep Band. Membership in Marching Band and Symphonic Band is open to all UNK students; membership in Wind Ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band are regularly invited performers for the Nebraska Music Educators Association Conventions, and the Pride of the Plains Marching Band has performed three times for Rome's New Year's Day Parade (2006, 2009 and 2012, with additional performances in France). Other international performances include Norway (2015), and Ireland (2019 and 2023). The “Pride of the Plains” also had the privilege to perform for President Bill Clinton in 1998. For more information, contact Dr. Duane Bierman, Director of Bands (biermanda@unk.edu).
Pride of the Plains Marching Band
The UNK “Pride of the Plains” Marching Band performs at athletic events, parades, and area marching festivals. Open to winds, percussion, and color guard, the ensemble is recognized for quality performances, supporting UNK athletics, the university, and Kearney community. The marching band performs two different halftime shows per season, along with a traditional pregame show.
The ensemble meets Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 3:35-5:15.
Contact:
Dr. Brian Alber – Assistant Director of Bands (alberbw@unk.edu)
