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The Western Carolina University School of Music sends shockwaves that echo throughout campus. Its sound rolls through the mountains, hitting the ears of many inside Bardo Arts Center and thousands more on gamedays.

You can hear Western Carolina University’s heartbeat in the Tuckasegee. You can hear it in the thunder rumbling through. And in each of its Catamounts’ footsteps, one after the other, it sounds again: the passionate, centuries-long drumming of a community that cares.

Once more, the hills of Cullowhee are alive with the sound of music. The furious beat of drums and the thunderous roar of brass echo across E.J. Whitmire Stadium as hundreds of music students fan across the field, their faces beaming with pride.

Two scholarship funds established by a Western Carolina University alumnus who grew up the son of Sylva’s first full-time optometrist before embarking upon his own distinguished medical career have supported scores of WCU students majoring in preprofessional health programs and participating in marching band.

WCU grad aims to increase equity and access in arts education

The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has been selected as one of two U.S bands to represent the United States at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland! They will also have the opportunity to visit many iconic sights during their trip. Follow along on Pride of the Mountains social media channels!

Meet Cody Dalton, the man of many talents at Western Carolina University. As a political science major, he's got the academics covered, but he also takes the lead as the drum major for the Pride of the Mountains marching band. Dive into his world as a student at Western Carolina University.