The Western Carolina University marching band was founded in 1938 with just 23 students. Today the award-winning Pride of the Mountains marching band has grown to almost 500 members, one of the largest marching bands in the United States.
Participation is open to all students and approximately 60% of marching band members are non-music majors.
Every year, Western Carolina University holds the Tournament of Champions, an invitational competition that brings 27 of the Southeast’s leading high school marching bands to campus to perform, compete and learn. The one-day event attracts some 10,000 musicians and spectators.