WCU appoints Henley as director of the Pride of the Mountains and Athletic Bands
Henley has been the interim director of Athletic Bands and Pride of the Mountains since July 5. Donated photo
Western Carolina University announced the appointment of Matt Henley as the next director of Athletic Bands and director of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band.
This appointment was made on the recommendation of Margaret Underwood, director of the School of Music and director of Bands, and George H. Brown, dean of the David Orr Belcher College of the Fine and Performing Arts with the support of Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and Provost Richard Starnes.
Henley has been the interim director of Athletic Bands and Pride of the Mountains since July 5 and has taken over the position fully as of Nov. 25.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to step into the role of director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University, especially after having had the privilege of spending 34 seasons with the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band,” Henley said. “Innovation has always been our tradition, and I am incredibly excited about the future of this program as we continue to push creative boundaries and set new standards of excellence.”
When asked what excited Underwood about Henley and why he was under consideration for the appointment of this position, she said, “Matt’s passion for the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band shines through in every rehearsal and performance, and his contagious energy motivates and inspires everyone involved. I’m thrilled to see the incredible direction Matt will take the group in the future.”
Henley is no stranger to WCU as he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the university. He was previously the assistant director of athletic bands and had duties including assisting with POTM and the two “Cathouse Bands,” which play at all home basketball games, and the dynamic “Purple Thunder” basketball drum line.
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Henley has played with and instructed groups like the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Cops, Limestone College Percussion Studio, Tuscola High School Percussion Program, Showband Gifhorn, Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, Army All-American Band and the Bands of America Honor Band among many accolades he has garnered.
Henley is excited to bring new perspectives to the Pride of the Mountains. However, he understands the history and legacy of those who have come before and the importance of tradition.
“The long purple line of Pride of the Mountains alumni serves as the bedrock on which we stand, and I look forward to strengthening those connections. Our rich past will undoubtedly guide us as we embrace a bright future together as a program,” he said.
Henley also sees value in how music can go beyond the boundaries of learning the art form and how it can make an impact on the lives of the students at WCU.
“Music is the vehicle we use to teach our members essential life skills that transcend the field, the stage, or the concert hall. It’s about building character, resilience and community,” he said. “I am grateful to the WCU administration for trusting me to lead this extraordinary organization, and I am eager to give back to the institution that has shaped my life in so many meaningful ways.”
Pride of the Mountain drum major McKenzie Yazan shared her excitement about Henley stepping into the role.
“The thing that excites me most about having Matt come in as director is knowing that he will change so many lives for the better. He has certainly changed mine for the better,” Yazan said. “I cannot wait to see people come out of this program transformed into great leaders, teachers and hard workers, who all know that they have a family of thousands supporting them. The ‘Pride of the Mountains’ is in great hands, and all us alumni are ecstatic to see what the future holds.”
