Who We Are
We are the University at Buffalo Marching Band! For over 100 years, the UB Marching Band has entertained audiences across the nation with spectacular and thrilling performances!
Our UB Marching Band offers all students an excellent opportunity to belong to a fantastic organization that supports and cares for its members. We provide an immediate sense of camaraderie, friendship, and school spirit.
We are the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. Entertaining tens of thousands of fans with our spirited, high-energy performances, and we enjoy a fantastic reputation as one of the finest bands in the country!
"The UB Marching Band is the perfect ensemble for any student wanting to keep music as part of their college journey or seeking to bring live music making into their life! You will connect with fellow student musicians and make new friends. We welcome everyone to our marching band family! "
In his 20th season, Jim Mauck serves as the Director of Athletic Bands at the University at Buffalo where he directs the “Thunder of the East” Marching Band and the UB Pep Band. Under his direction, the UB Marching Band has performed twice at the Mid- American Conference Football Championship as well as the International Bowl, Dollar General Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and the Bahamas Bowl. Additionally, the UB Pep Band has performed at multiple MAC Basketball Championship games and in the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournaments numerous times and advancing as far as the Sweet 16 in the Women NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Mr. Mauck is active as a teacher, arranger, adjudicator and performer throughout the Northeast. In addition to his work at UB, Mr. Mauck performs as a professional trombonist with the Chicago Authority. He was also a member of the 5-time DCA World Champion Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps 2002-2007.
Hello, I'm Jack Prybylski, Assistant Director of Athletic Bands here at the University at Buffalo. I'd like to invite you to become a member of the "Thunder of The East" Marching Band! New friendships, amazing performance opportunities, and being part of a 101-year-old tradition await you.
The University at Buffalo Thunder of the East Marching Band is a fantastic organization to join if you want to refine your musical acumen and be part of a close-knit group of like-minded individuals. I am confident you will develop your musicianship and make lifelong friends as a member of this ensemble.
Joining the University at Buffalo marching band was the best decision I made in my undergrad. It gave me my best friends, my best memories, and made me a better musician! We have so much fun in the drumline and we play some gnarly music!
It's Mr. G. Besides doing the announcing for pre-game and half time I also will try and take care of any issues that arise with your instrument and will help you with your music and drill. It's going to be a great season and we'll save a place for you. Go Bulls.
The University at Buffalo Dazzlers Dance Team is a sports and spirit entertainment team that performs at all UB football and basketball home games. The UB Dazzlers also support our athletic teams throughout the postseason by performing with our UB Bulls at Bowl Games, the MAC Basketball Tournament, and the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Being a member of the UB Dazzlers transforms your college career into something truly unforgettable. From traveling across the country to working with inspirational choreographers, this team provides incredible opportunities and friendships that last a lifetime.
The University at Buffalo Marching Band Color Guard is a tight-knit group that adds colorful movement and artistry to our marching band music. We utilize traditional silks, swing flags, and rifles and incorporate dance basics. The team is open to all skill levels so there is a place for everyone.
The band is a great way to meet others with interests that are similar to your own. Those that have joined the marching band see it as an extended family and a chance to continue doing something they enjoy. I joined the staff as a parent volunteer and stayed because of my love for music and working with the band. If you enjoy music and band, then this is the place for you!
The University at Buffalo Marching Band has been a cornerstone of my college experience. In addition to supporting our athletic teams and traveling the world, I have been able to make lifelong friends who I now consider family. By joining the UBMB, you’ll be right in the middle of all the MACtion as you bring the sights and sounds of the band to life. If you have any questions or just want to chat about the upcoming season, feel free to reach out!
- Kwasi Hammond – President
- Laney Wieclaw – Vice President
- Marissa Kasper – Vice President/ Drum Major
- David Wannamaker – Instrument Officer
- Maxwell Farrington – Uniform Officer
- Mary Dixon – Social Media Chair
- Matthew Gonzalez – Head Drum Major
Band Sections
- Piccolo/Flute
- Bb Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bb Trumpet
- Mellophone
- Trombone
- Baritone
- Tuba
- Snare
- Quints
- Bass
- Cymbals
All students are welcome to join the Color Guard. Whether you’re an experienced Color Guard member or just starting out (and willing to learn), you’ll play a key role in visual presentation of the band. Routines typically include standard flag, swing flag, sabre and rifle; we also try to incorporate some dance depending on the prior training our members have had.
Get ready to entertain the crowds throughout football and basketball season (fall and spring). The Dazzlers incorporate pom, jazz and hip-hop dance styles while performing at athletic events (halftime and on the sidelines during games), pep rallies, open houses, alumni gatherings and charity events. Please note that the ability to pick up choreography quickly is required.
UB's featured twirlers represent the musical excellence of our band and entertain fans through the traditional craft and innovative art of twirling.
Where We're From
Current students in the Thunder of the East come from many high school band programs from across New York State. Some of the high schools represented are:
- Corning-Painted Post
- West Seneca West
- Orchard Park
- Lancaster
- Niagara Falls
- West Genesee
- Arlington
- Greece
- Margaretville CSD
- North Tonawanda
- Starpoint
- Saugerties
- Brooklyn Technical NYC