I am pleased that you have chosen to visit our new web page and hope that you enjoy your stay! Being an alumni of the Western Carolina University Music Department, I am especially proud of the tremendous faculty and staff that serve our music and band students. If you find that you need information beyond what is provided, feel free to contact our student staff coordinators, Jennifer, Rachel, Sheldon, or Brandon by email or at our office number, (828) 227-2999.

Whatever your musical needs may be, they can most likely be addressed in our music department and band program. Dr. John West, Director of Bands at WCU, is recognized throughout the southeast as an outstanding musician, educator and conductor, and is extremely knowledgeable regarding band literature. Western's Wind Ensemble, under Dr. West's direction, tours annually and has recently performed at the North Carolina Music Educator's Convention. Pavel Wlosok is a noted jazz pianist and director of WCU's Jazz Ensemble. Dan Cherry serves as the conductor of the Symphonic Band, as well as professor of the trombone/euphonium studio. In addition to these fine ensembles, several chamber ensembles and choral groups are offered to our students. We are proud of our entire Music Department and are thankful for their support.

The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band has grown by over one hundred twenty students in the last decade and has developed a style unlike any other university band in the Southeast. It prides itself on being supportive of the WCU Athletic Program and yet maintains a special identify through its off-campus performances. For me personally, I am proud to have helped create a marching band that is student organized and operated, fun to be in, and open to anyone in our university community.

Take a few minutes to look around and come back often to see the new additions.

--Bob Buckner--