Catawba Marching Band

Ben Jones, Director of Bands

Dr. J. Ben Jones is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Catawba College where he serves as conductor for the Wind Ensemble, director of the Marching Band and Pep Band, and administers the entire Catawba College bands program. Prior to this appointment he served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Elon University from 2020 to 2022 and as interim conductor of the Duke University Wind Symphony during the fall of 2021.

Ben earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting at the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2021. While at UNCG, he served as the principal conductor of the University Band and was the co-conductor of the Symphonic Band during the 2018–19 school year. He was also a frequent guest conductor with the Wind Ensemble, Casella Sinfonietta, and served as an instructor in undergraduate instrumental conducting.

Prior to his graduate studies Ben taught in the public school system of North Carolina as the Director of Bands at Ashbrook High School in Gastonia, where he oversaw marching and concert bands and collaborative efforts within the community. An advocate for music education and building leaders in school music programs, Ben has presented leadership training workshops, worked with young music educators, adjudicated, and served as a guest clinician for many band programs around the Carolinas.

Ben is a native of Gastonia, NC, and holds a BME from the University of South Carolina and an MM in Instrumental Conducting from UNCG. He has studied with Dr. Kevin Geraldi, Dr. John Locke, and Dr. Jonathan Caldwell, and is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Doug Rowe, Percussion Instructor

As an up and coming artist, Douglas Rowe has made an impact in music education over the last several years. In addition to being a performer, he has served as an instructor, arranger, composer, and clinician throughout North Carolina. Doug completed his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Wingate University and his Master's degree in Percussion Performance at UNC School of the Arts. His primary teachers included David Markgraf and John R. Beck.

Throughout college, Doug taught many marching percussion sections at Piedmont High School as well as Cuthbertson High School. Both groups are highly performing marching bands. He also served as the Percussion Instructor for Cuthbertson Middle School while completing his student teaching with the Cuthbertson bands. Because of his persistence in the music education field, Doug was recognized as the Outstanding Music Educator among his graduation class at Wingate University.

Doug is an active performer in many professional groups. He has served as a percussion section member of the Union Symphony Orchestra for the past 7 years. He serves as a substitute percussionist with the Salisbury Symphony, Hendersonville Symphony and North Carolina Brass Band. Doug has also been featured several times in a professional steel drum band called Panjive. In addition, he is a founding member of his jazz combo Real Deal Jazz.

Doug currently resides in Monroe, NC where he is teaching music at Hemby Bridge Elementary School. He was recently appointed Professor of Percussion at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. He is a proud endorsee of Salyers Percussion sticks and mallets and member of the Black Swamp Percussion Educator Network. 

Student Leadership

The following positions make up the marching band student leadership:

• Drum Major
• Band Captain
• Woodwind Captain
• Drumline Captain
• Properties Crew Chief
• Section Leaders
• Social Media Coordinator
• Uniform Committee

Frequently Asked Questions about participating in the Catawba College Marching Band:

What is the typical time commitment for the Catawba College Marching Band? Will I have the time?

During the fall semester, the marching band rehearses two times a week from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday and Thursdays, and we also hold rehearsals in the morning of home games. The time requirement is much less than most high school programs.

What are the performance opportunities like for the Marching Band?

The Catawba College Marching Band performs multiple exciting and impactful shows each season as well as at tailgate events, a pregame show, and stands performances throughout each home football game in Shuford Stadium. The marching band performs at all home games during the football season and at select events on campus and in the community.

How do I join the Catawba College Marching Band?

Just visit the Marching Band website and fill out the commitment form (link)! We’ll take it from there. Participation in the Catawba College Marching Band is open to all Catawba College students regardless of major and there is no required audition for membership.

Is there a band camp before the beginning of the academic year?

Our Preseason camp begins about 10 days before school begins in the fall and is mandatory for all members. Our pre-season camp is a great opportunity for students to get to know Catawba College and prepare for the upcoming season. Marching band students have the opportunity to move into housing at the beginning of camp and are provided meals on campus. It's also an awesome way to get to know other students before classes start! A sample preseason camp schedule can be found on our website.

What about scholarships? Are there any scholarships available to Marching Band students?

Yes! Participation in the Catawba College Marching Band comes with a scholarship for every member in recognition of their talents and dedication to the campus community. These scholarships are in addition to any others already granted to students by the college and are renewable each year students remain in the ensemble. Scholarships are awarded and maintained through participation in the ensemble and adherence to its policies.

What if I have other questions? How can I get in contact with the Marching Band?

If you would like to receive more information about joining us for the upcoming season, please complete the Band Information Request form.