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   If you have ever been to any of the home University of Arkansas at Monticello football games, you had to notice the UAM band. Whether it's the bright horn flashes or the awesome drum line, it is hard not to pay it any attention.

   The UAM band, aka "The Pride of Southeast Arkansas," is large, powerful and full of ecstatic sounds. It is well known throughout the state, and its reputation keeps building with every performance. The UAM band is under the direction of Gary Meggs with Les Pack as the assistant director. Approximately 140 students make up this energetic band.  

   The band was not always so large or even well known until Meggs stepped into the director's spot in fall 2002.

    "The year before he came to UAM, there were around 50 students enrolled in the band program," adjunct instructor Bankie Holley said.

   Within the first year, Meggs recruited approximately 25 extra students to make the band more musically sound. Every year, Meggs recruits more and more hardworking and talented students to lead the way to a more successful program. He said he believes talent is only half the equation, and the other part is made up of determination and hard work.

    "Mr. Meggs has done an outstanding job in the development of the band as a result of his musicality, motivation and recruiting skills," said Annette Hall, chair of the division of Music. "The band has had tremendous strides due to the dedicated directors, talented students, administration support and newly renovated band facility."

    The band has also caught the eye of the faculty. Some faculty members come to the football games just to see the band.   

   "Halftime is my favorite time," said Isabel Bacon, instructor of Art and Spanish.  

   Many people contribute in making this band what it is today. Robert Fellows, one of the mentors, is a graduate student who gives a lot of his time to help assist with the direction of the band. Holley directs the third jazz band, the French horns and the low brass. Assistant professor David Koskoski instructs the high brass. Associate professor Stephen Trana instructs the clarinets, and the newest addition to the band is full-time assistant director Les Pack, who directs second jazz band, guitar, bass guitar and percussion sections.      "The band has made great strides in numbers and quality, and yet still has a way to go," Meggs said. “I feel great with the progress of the band, but we're only four years into a 10-year plan."

   Come out to the next home football game or even to the invitational marching contest hosted by UAM on Oct. 18 to see what everyone is talking about.

Photo By Lee Hassler

Jamming Down - The band performs during halftime at the Weevils/Muleriders game.

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