Announcements
Fall 2021 Ensemble Auditions
June 14, 2021 Auditions for fall 2021 large ensembles, including Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 21 & 22. Information, including required excerpts and links to audition registration & information forms can be found online via our Audition Information Page. Students are encouraged to direct questions to [email protected].
Meet the 2021 UCF Marching Knight Drum Majors
April 26, 2021 In a year where nothing was normal, and health and safety were the top priorities, the UCF Marching Knights persevered through one of the most unique situations in our history. From face masks to bell covers to social distancing and more, the Marching Knights found a way to rehearse, produce performances, and most importantly, keep our community. Student leaders were heavily relied upon in the 2020 season, possibly more than any other year. As we look to 2021 and are hopeful for a return to normalcy, we are excited to introduce three of our student leaders for the 2021 season, our UCF Drum Majors.The drum majors of the UCF Marching Knights are responsible for leading the band both in performance and pride. They help run rehearsals, conduct the band in performances on the field and in the stands, and help in several ways off the field. We search for three members each year that epitomize the standards of the Marching Knights, especially when it comes to integrity, intensity and intelligence. We also seek students who are outstanding musicians and believe in servant leadership.
This year we have one returning drum major from the 2020 season, Cam Cobb. Cam went to Estero High School where she was a drum major, and started her marching career at UCF in 2018 on the drum line as a cymbal player. As a sophomore, she was selected to serve as the cymbal section leader, and last year was her first year on the drum major podium leading the band. Cam is a music education major who hopes to eventually be an elementary music teacher after graduation to help develop the next generation of young musicians. During her time at UCF, Cam has performed not only in the Marching Knights, but also the Jammin’ Knights, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, and New Music Ensemble. She has also been learning the Clarinet and performing in the University Band on that instrument. Cam is also a member of the band service fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi, and this year will be their president. Cam is excited to be returning as a drum major for the Marching Knights, and to work with our talented leadership team.
Simone Sharrieff will be entering her fourth year with the Marching Knights this coming year, and this will be her first year as one of our drum majors. According to our records, she holds the distinction as the first African American female drum major of the Marching Knights. Simone is a music education major, and hopes to teach middle or high school band after graduating. She went to Lake Minneola High School, where she was a drum major. At UCF, Simone was the baritone section leader her second year, and the section coordinator this past season. While at UCF, she has also performed in the Jammin’ Knights, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. This year she was also in the Women’s Choir and has been learning to play flute and performing on that instrument in the University Band. Simone also plays trombone, and is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Simone’s favorite quotes are “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered” - Duke Ellington, and “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Ayan Desai will be in his third season with the Marching Knights in 2021 and this will be his first year as one of our drum majors. According to our records, he holds the distinction as the first Asian American to serve as a UCF drum major. Ayan is from Okeechobee High School where he was a drum major. Last year, Ayan was one of our mellophone section leaders. He is a chemistry major, with a track in biochemistry, and hopes to either be a doctor or researcher. During his time at UCF, he has also been a member of the Jammin’ Knights and Concert Band. In addition to his participation in the Marching Knights, Ayan was a senator in the UCF Student Government, and is the current external Vice President for the Asian Pacific American Coalition at UCF. He is excited to be working with his fellow drum majors to create an inclusive and entertaining environment where students can grow and become leaders.
We look forward to what our 2021 drum majors and the rest of our student leadership team will bring to the program and know that they will certainly “Lead the Charge” for the Marching Knights this upcoming season.Photo Credit: Mike Kitaif
This year we have one returning drum major from the 2020 season, Cam Cobb. Cam went to Estero High School where she was a drum major, and started her marching career at UCF in 2018 on the drum line as a cymbal player. As a sophomore, she was selected to serve as the cymbal section leader, and last year was her first year on the drum major podium leading the band. Cam is a music education major who hopes to eventually be an elementary music teacher after graduation to help develop the next generation of young musicians. During her time at UCF, Cam has performed not only in the Marching Knights, but also the Jammin’ Knights, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, and New Music Ensemble. She has also been learning the Clarinet and performing in the University Band on that instrument. Cam is also a member of the band service fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi, and this year will be their president. Cam is excited to be returning as a drum major for the Marching Knights, and to work with our talented leadership team. Simone Sharrieff will be entering her fourth year with the Marching Knights this coming year, and this will be her first year as one of our drum majors. According to our records, she holds the distinction as the first African American female drum major of the Marching Knights. Simone is a music education major, and hopes to teach middle or high school band after graduating. She went to Lake Minneola High School, where she was a drum major. At UCF, Simone was the baritone section leader her second year, and the section coordinator this past season. While at UCF, she has also performed in the Jammin’ Knights, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. This year she was also in the Women’s Choir and has been learning to play flute and performing on that instrument in the University Band. Simone also plays trombone, and is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Simone’s favorite quotes are “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered” - Duke Ellington, and “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ayan Desai will be in his third season with the Marching Knights in 2021 and this will be his first year as one of our drum majors. According to our records, he holds the distinction as the first Asian American to serve as a UCF drum major. Ayan is from Okeechobee High School where he was a drum major. Last year, Ayan was one of our mellophone section leaders. He is a chemistry major, with a track in biochemistry, and hopes to either be a doctor or researcher. During his time at UCF, he has also been a member of the Jammin’ Knights and Concert Band. In addition to his participation in the Marching Knights, Ayan was a senator in the UCF Student Government, and is the current external Vice President for the Asian Pacific American Coalition at UCF. He is excited to be working with his fellow drum majors to create an inclusive and entertaining environment where students can grow and become leaders. We look forward to what our 2021 drum majors and the rest of our student leadership team will bring to the program and know that they will certainly “Lead the Charge” for the Marching Knights this upcoming season.Photo Credit: Mike KitaifUCF Wind Ensemble Selected for Conference Performance
July 17, 2019
CONGRATULATIONS to the UCF Wind Ensemble for their selection as a featured performing ensemble for the 2020 College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, February 20-22, hosted at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. There were only seven college & university bands invited from the 10-state Southern Division to perform and selections were made through blind evaluation of live performance audio application submissions.The UCF Wind Ensemble remains extremely active in maintaining a national presence through conference performances, recording - including their 2018 commercial release of their Zodiac Concerto CD through Flying Horse Records - and events such as the annual UCF Conductors Symposium, Knights Rising High School Honor Band, and Concert Band Invitational.2019 UCF All-Southeast Wind Band Invitational: Congratulations, Participating Ensembles
January 14, 2019
New Marching Knights Store!
October 1, 2018 MK Fans! Show your Marching Knight pride with the new MK Merchandise! MK Mom and MK Dad Shirts, Sword of Black/Sound of Gold Shirts, Magnets, Duffel Bags, Hoodies and more! Purchase now at: shop.ucfbands.com
Marching Knights Welcome New Color Guard Instructor
June 26, 2018
We are excited to welcome Christopher Haubenestel as our new Assistant Color Guard Instructor. Chris is a UCF Marching Knights alumnus and former color guard captain. He has since moved on to coach some of the top color guards in Central Florida. Here is his full bio:Chris Haubenestel has been involved with the marching arts for over ten years. Born and raised in Florida, he received a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida. Chris performed with the University of South Florida Herd of Thunder Colorguard and is also a UCF Marching Knights Alumnus, having performed with the Starlet Knights during the 2012 and 2013 seasons where he also served as section leader. Other performance credits include: USF Winterguard, Orlando Visual, and UCF Pegasus World.Chris has taught a plethora of award winning colorguards throughout the Central Florida Region including: St. Cloud High School, East Ridge High School, UCF Marching Knights, UCF Pegasus A (2016 and 2017 WGI IA top ten finalists) as Team Director, and UCF Pegasus Open (2018 WGI IO Gold Medalists) also as Team Director. He currently serves as the Colorguard Director at Lake Nona High School.Outside of the marching arts Chris serves the community as the Prevention Contract Manager for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Area 7 HIV/AIDS Program Office, where he oversees prevention programming in the Orlando Service Area.We are excited to have Chris back with the Marching Knights and look forward to what he will bring to our color guard!Marching Knights Welcome New Dance Instructor
February 28, 2018
The Marching Knights are excited to welcome Michelina Moen as our new dance team instructor. At an early age, she learned to dance various styles and then toured and danced professionally in companies across the United States, ranging from Boston, New York City, etc. She has thrived in a career in Central Florida dancing at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, as well as being involved in local television filming, local dance companies, production companies and even producing her own solo show in The Fringe Festival. Her passion is to pass along her knowledge to younger dancers. She is a believer in encouraging everyone to lead lives where they feel empowered to be true to their true self, take brave steps in achieving their goals and to experience joy in everything they do. We look forward to Michelina joining us this summer/fall and cannot wait to see what she will bring to our program!
2018 Marching Knight Registration has Begun!
February 11, 2018 Registration has begun the 2018 Marching Knights! Your first step in become a member for 2018 is to fill out our "Intent to March Form". This lets us know you are interested and will allow us to communicate with you through the spring and summer leading up to band camp.Please note that Drum Line or Starlet Knights (Color Guard, Dance Team, Majorettes) will require passing an audition to join. Please click the link below for more information.If you will be joining us from a local community/state college, there are some extra steps you will be required to complete.We are excited for a great 2018 season, and for you to join us!Go Knights! Charge On!Click HERE for more information!
Upcoming Concert Ensemble Performances
February 9, 2018 UCF Bands will be putting on two upcoming performances featuring all 4 of our concert bands. The dates are:University and Concert Band Concert will be held on February 18, 7 PM at the VAB AuditoriumWind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Concert will be held on February 25, 7 PM at West Orange High SchoolWe hope to see you there!
Marching Knights Welcome New Staff Member
May 1, 2017
We are pleased to welcome Cindy McIntire to the Marching Knights staff. Cindy will be joining us as the Assistant Majorette Instructor. Cindy was a member of the Marching Knights from 1989-1991. We are excited to welcome Cindy to our staff and back to the MK family! For a full bio, please visit: https://ucfbands.com/staff/
Marching Knights Welcome New Staff Members
April 13, 2017
The UCF Marching Knights welcome two new staff members for 2017!Dianna Castronuovo - Dance Instructor:Dianna Castronuovo enters her first year as the dance instructor of the Starlet Knights dance team. As an accomplished performer and educator, Dianna has performed with several dance and show companies in the Central Florida area. Currently, she performs with Antigravity Orlando, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. She has danced throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. As an educator, Dianna has taught several dancers and stunt performers in Central Florida. She has earned a Dance Performance degree from Valencia College and has been part of several dance programs.Mike Hansen - Percussion Instructor:Mike Hansen enters his first year as the Battery Caption Head and Arranger for the UCF Drumline. In addition to his duties at UCF, he is the Director and Arranger for the NBA Orlando Magic Rhythm N’ Blue Drumline, Battery Caption Head, Arranger, and Designer for the WGI Percussion Independent Open ensemble INFINITY 2.For Full Bios, please visit: https://ucfbands.com/staff/
UCF Welcomes New Director of Bands, Dr. Scott Lubaroff
April 3, 2017
Dr. Scott Lubaroff will join the music faculty at the University of Central Florida in the Fall of 2017 as Professor of Music and Director of Bands, leading a comprehensive ensemble program that includes four concert bands, athletic bands, and chamber winds. He will also oversee the graduate program in wind conducting. Dr. Lubaroff comes to UCF after twelve years as Director of Bands (3 years also as Chair of the Department of Music) at the University of Central Missouri, in Warrensburg. Under his direction, the UCM Wind Ensemble performed twice by invitation in New York’s Carnegie Hall (2016; 2010), three times in a seven-year span at the annual Missouri Music Educators Association Conference (2015; 2011; 2008), and performed for the 2014 Southwest Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association. Dr. Lubaroff has also been extremely active in the commissioning and premieres of new music for winds, including composer residencies and three world premiere performances during the 2016-2017 academic year. Prior to his appointment at UCM, Dr. Lubaroff served previously as Associate Director of Bands at Kansas State University (2001-2005), and Director of Bands at Williamsburg High School, in Iowa (1991-1997). He earned his DMA in conducting from Michigan State University, and MFA (conducting), MA (music education), and BM (saxophone/music education) degrees from The University of Iowa. He has published articles in the Journal of Band Research and Journal of the National Band Association, a book on Stravinsky’s neo-classical wind music, and a transcription for concert band of Johann Strauss, Jr.'s Eljen a Magyar. Dr. Lubaroff is in high demand as a guest conductor, clinician, speaker, and adjudicator throughout the United States and abroad. He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, and Pi Kappa Lambda, is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and is an honorary member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Join the Marching Knights in 2017!
February 28, 2017 Our "Intent to March" form has been released for the 2017 season! Please visit ucfbands.com and fill out the form if you plan to march with us this coming fall. If you are in Drumline or Auxiliaries, there is an audition, please be sure to check the "Join" section under Marching Knights for details. If you will be at a community college and would like to join, please visit that page as well for details on how you can participate. We have some great plans for 2017 including 7 home games and performances at the State FMBC competition!
Kizer named Associate Director of Bands
April 14, 2016
Tremon Kizer has been named the new Associate Director of Bands at the University of Central Florida effective August 2016. Mr. Kizer comes to the University of Central Florida from the University of Dayton where he has served as Associate Director of Bands. In his new role at UCF, Mr. Kizer will serve as the primary director of the UCF Marching Knights, the primary conductor of the UCF Symphonic Band, and as an Assistant Professor of Music Education.Mr. Kizer holds a Bachelors in Music Education from Kansas State University, a Masters in Music from the University of Central Missouri, and is a candidate for the Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of South Carolina.
Concert Band Concert
March 29, 2016 The UCF Concert Band will present its final concert of the academic year on Sunday, April 24 at 7:00 PM in the Visual Arts Building Auditorium. Admission is free. Featured on the program will be Johan de Meij's "Symphony No. 1" subtitled "Lord of the Rings." This five-movement work was inspired by the series of novels of the same name written by author J.R.R. Tolkien. Audience members should not expect to hear the soundtrack from the recent films as this composition was written approximately thirteen years before the first film was released. Rather, fans of the Tolkien story can expect to hear a different soundscape inspired by the tale of Middle Earth.
University Band Concert
March 28, 2016 The UCF University Band will present its final concert of the 2016-2017 academic year on Sunday, April 17 at 7:00 PM in the Visual Arts Building Auditorium. Admission is free. The concert is entitled "Around the World in Forty Minutes" and will feature six compositions based on the music of five different regions of the world. The program features:American Fanfare - James StephensonXerxes - John MackeyIreland: Of Legend and Lore - Robert W. SmithEl Relicario - Jose Padilla / LongfieldRussian Christmas Music - Alfred ReedThe Circus Bee - Henry Fillmore