WUFT-TV/FM | WJUF-FM
1200 Weimer Hall | P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-5551

A service of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.

© 2024 WUFT / Division of Media Properties
News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Jay Watkins, UF Associate Director of Bands

Today’s episode features Jay Watkins, University of Florida Associate Director of Bands and director of the “Pride of the Sunshine” Marching Band - the official marching band for the University. Membership in the band is open to all students currently enrolled at the University of Florida or Santa Fe College. Students audition each year and currently the band consists of 425 undergraduate and graduate students that represent over 100 majors at the university.

The current era of the band is also referred to as The Sound of the Gator Nation. They perform at every Florida Gators home football game and also at various other events such as pep rallies, parades, and the annual Orange and Blue spring scrimmage game. UF students are encouraged to join other ensembles such as concert band, jazz band, basketball band, and volleyball band. Jay Watkins shares information on the UF music program and an upcoming Spring Break trip to perform at various venues in Ireland.

University of Florida Bands
Online: https://www.ufbands.com/

Sue is the host of Tell Me About It and the voice of Health in a Heartbeat.