History of the UA Bands
The University of Arizona Department of Bands is part of the UA School of Music in the College of Fine Arts. In 2002, the band department celebrates its 100th anniversary with four concert bands and the "Pride of Arizona" marching and pep bands. Faculty members include Gregg I. Hanson, Director of Bands; Jay C. Rees, Associate Director of Bands/Director of The "Pride of Arizona"; Dr. Robert Bayless, Assistant Professor; and Kelly Thomas, Pep Band Director.
Concert Bands
Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band
Over the years, UA concert bands have been directed by an illustrious group of composers, conductors and musicians. Joseph DeLuca (1928-1935) composed The University of Arizona March dedicated to the institution. Frank Simon came to UA in the 1950's having been cornet soloist with the John Philip Sousa band and principal trumpet with the NBC Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. As UA Professor of Trumpet, Simon contributed his extensive knowledge and talent to enhance the UA band program. Jack Lee (1952-1980) conducted some well-known UA band ensembles and hosted the 1976 American Bandmasters Association. James Keene (1980-1985) brought the introduction of the Wind Ensemble to national prominence.
Gregg I. Hanson, Director of Bands since 1990, brings more than 25 years of experience to UA's Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds. He is credited with numerous premieres of outstanding repertoire for the wind band and is praised for his authentic interpretations and degree of excellence. The UA Wind Ensemble has achieved international recognition with the release of three CD recordings, all of the music of David Maslanka. In 2001, the band was one of only two groups from the U.S. chosen to perform at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Jay C. Rees, Associate Director of Bands, conducts the UA Wind Symphony, a large concert ensemble. Rees' varied musical background adds diversity to the group, performing repertoire that includes everything from classic band literature to selections from film scores and musical theatre.
Athletic Bands
The "Pride of Arizona" Marching and Pep Bands
The "Pride of Arizona" athletic bands perform at UA football games, men's and women's basketball games, volleyball, softball and soccer games, as well as national festivals, bowls, celebrations, parades, and community events.
The "Pride of Arizona" was first organized in 1902 as a military unit and began performing at University of Arizona Wildcat football games in 1922 with a group of only 23 members. It has since grown into a nationally renowned Pac-10 conference athletic band with a roster of over 250 members, including a battery-unit drumline and some of the nation's finest auxiliary units of baton twirlers, pom pom dancers and color guard.
Several distinguished persons have marched with the "Pride", including Senator Douglas Holsclaw who wrote the school's first fight song with Thorton Allen. Fight Wildcats Fight became the official UofA fight song in 1930. Jack Lee, who directed the band from 1952-1980, composed Bear Down Arizona which hails as the school's beloved fight song to this day.
In 1995, Jay C. Rees assumed direction of the "Pride of Arizona" Marching and Pep Bands. His unique and inspired approach has earned the "Pride" recognition as one of the finest collegiate athletic band organizations in the nation. Rees writes contemporary arrangements and innovative drill design, continuing to march the "Pride" into the spotlight by pushing the envelope to create a visionary style for the medium. The band has released CD recordings and appeared in numerous television features.
The 52-member Pep Band supports a variety of UA team sports, as well as campus and community events. They have performed at several national championship men's basketball games, receiving widespread attention for their spirited musicianship and jazz/pop repertoire. In the fall of 2001, Kelly Thomas was added to the UA Band Department as Pep Band Conductor.