Jeremy Williams

UWRT 1104

9/14/15

The figured world I chose to observe is the UNCC Marching Band. I have chosen this
community because music is my passion. I wanted to select a group of people who share the same
passion as me that I could relate to. I have been a part of a group like this for many years of my life,
and wanted to continue that experience at the college level.
The name of the specific figured world I am observing is the University of North Carolina @
Charlotte, Pride of The Niner Nation Marching Band
The purpose of the PNNMB is to provide musical entertainment. They provide entertainment
for public crowds, football game crowds, and the actual football team. There are many places of
business for us but the main ones are the practice field at the main entrance of the campus and the
Jerry Richardson Football Stadium. Multiple activities can take place in this space at the same time.
This is especially true when we do sectionals (each community splits and works on their weak
points for a certain amount of time.)
Some of the rules are dont be late; and if you are it must be with a valid excuse. Be
respectful to all staff, student leaders and all your peers. Being loud and obnoxious, not participating
in group activities, not knowing your music, being disrespectful, and wasting time are all examples of
inappropriate behavior. On the other hand helping your peers with music or drill (marching positions
on field) would be appropriate behavior. The only type of communication that is verbal acceptable is
verbal communication while we are in rehearsal or a performance. No cell phones are not allowed.
I expect to find at least four communities of practice. The main communities I expect to find
are the Woodwinds, the Brass, the Percussion, and the Guard. I also expect to find groups
within these groups that are based on instrument types. The woodwinds would include the piccolos,
clarinets, and saxophones. The brass would include trumpets, trombones, baritones, and
sousaphones. Drumline would include snare drums, tenors, bass drums and cymbals. Also another
group would be the drum majors, even though there are only two of them.