About Recognized by Hall-of-Fame Coach Vince Dooley as the Heart of the Bulldog Spirit, the Redcoat Band is fundamental to the identity and culture of the University of Georgia. Founded in 1905, the band has since become both creator and keeper of the university's most beloved traditions while proudly representing the institution in thousands of appearances. Central to the Redcoat Band's contributions to UGA are the efforts and creativity of its 400+ student members, who come from a broad set of the university's over 140 major fields of study. The Redcoat experience is among the most rewarding forms of involvement on the University of Georgia campus, yielding thousands of loyal alumni in countless career paths and lifestyles. The relationships that develop during this experience--both among members, and between members and their alma mater--are relationships they maintain and treasure throughout their post-collegiate lives. Purpose The purposes of the Redcoat Band are: • To provide to its students experiences that are as rewarding and enriching as possible • To connect the institution with members and prospective members of its community • To preserve the university’s most valued traditions • To contribute to and elevate the institutional culture • To demonstrate, in all its pursuits, the University of Georgia’s core value of excellence • To publicly represent the university with dignity, vigor, and creativity. In pursuit of these purposes, the Redcoat Band performs at all home football games, select road games (including the annual Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville), and bowl and post-season games. Together with its extensions--the Drumline (front and battery), the Auxiliaries (visual ensembles), the Derbies Pep Band, and the Fall and Spring Sports Bands--the Redcoats perform in over 100 appearances annually at a wide variety of athletic, community, and outreach events. The Redcoat Band was recognized by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 2000 with its celebrated Sudler Trophy--the first such award among bands of the fourteen Southeastern Conference universities. If you are interested in being a Redcoat, please see our page for prospective members. Redcoat Band Directors Brett Bawcum Dr. Brett Bawcum is director of athletic bands. He directs the Redcoat Marching Band, guides and administers other athletic bands, guest-conducts concert bands, and teaches courses in other areas including Songwriting and Marching Band Techniques. View his complete bio. Rob Akridge Mr. Rob Akridge is associate director of athletic bands and assistant director of bands. He assists with all aspects of the Redcoat Marching Band including operations, drill design, and instruction. View his complete bio. Mia Athanas Dr. Mia Athanas is assistant director of athletic bands and assistant director of bands. She assists with all aspects of the Redcoat Marching Band including membership, fall and spring sports bands, and administration. View her complete bio.
