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Awards and Honors

Awards

In addition to performing at WCU football games and providing exhibition performances throughout the Carolinas, the band has been featured three times as an exhibition band at the prestigious BOA Grand National Championships (a showcase for the nation’s top high school marching bands) and at four BOA regional competitions in Atlanta.

Pride of the Mountains received the Sudler Trophy in 2009 from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, a prestigious award often referred to as the Heismen Trophy of marching bands. This award recognizes excellence in both musical and performance standards, as well as contributions towards the cumulative advancement of college marching band standards. That same year, the band was described as "one of the five best collegiate marching bands in the nation" by the College Band Directors National Association. 


Honors

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 

Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at the Macy's Parade

 

In 2014, Pride of the Mountains was one of only ten marching bands selected from across the nation to perform in the 2014 Macy’s parade.

In addition, they were also chosen as the Lead Band for the parade, kicking off the entire event from Central Park.

In April 2018 it was announced that they will be making a return trip to New York City to perform in the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Pride to Pasadena

Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at the Rose Bowl

 

In 2011, the Pride of the Mountains was honored to represent Western Carolina University and the state of North Carolina in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The invitation to perform at this parade, which is held annually in conjunction with the Rose Bowl college football game, is one of the highest marching band honors.

It was seen by a million spectators along the parade route, and followed live on television by over 50 million viewers in the U.S. alone.

 

 

   

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