The pride of the ACC

The UNC Bands is hosting “The Pride of the ACC,” a new pre-recorded show on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, this fall.

After discussions regarding the risks associated with a large group of people playing wind instruments, campus leaders determined that the risk of infection and spread were too great. Additionally, the normal functioning of the band would require multiple exceptions to Carolina’s Roadmap for Fall 2020.

Faced with an unprecedented challenge, Director of University Bands Jeff Fuchs decided to take the group in a new — virtual — direction this year. With support from a few UNC Bands alumni, Fuchs devised “The Pride of the ACC”.

The new series, which will run during the standard marching band season from August to November, will feature interviews with Fuchs, section spotlights, staff features, alumni stories, and recaps of popular previous performances. The show will be hosted by UNC Bands alumnus Adam Pohl, Carolina Class of 2002.

“It is an enormous honor to represent an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my life,” said Pohl. “We hope this show brings pride to our current members and alumni while showing future students how truly special it is to be a Marching Tar Heel.”

Amid a year unlike any other in his 25-year career at Carolina, Fuchs hopes the show will provide a sense of connection for current students, alumni, and members of the Carolina community who will miss the sights and sounds of the band this fall.

“We are excited about creating this new online presence for the Marching Tar Heels,” said Fuchs. “We hope this endeavor will serve the program well in terms of connecting the current members, reconnecting the former members and establishing a connection for future members.”

The alumni community has already given back to the program this year. After learning of the University decision, Fuchs asked over 2,000 former band members to send a note of encouragement to current members. The UNC Bands alumni answered the call: each of the 228 students who planned to be involved this fall received at least one personal email from a former member.

“The Pride of the ACC”, named after the longtime tagline of the UNC Bands, promises to provide a unique behind the scenes look into the people and passion of this cherished campus organization. The show can be found on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about the “The Pride of the ACC” visit www.bands.web.unc.edu and follow UNC Bands on social media.