Justin McManus appointed as UCLA's Marching Band Leader
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has appointed a new leader for its prestigious marching band, as it gears up to celebrate its centennial anniversary. Justin McManus, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Division 1 athletic band programs, has been announced as the new Director of Athletic Bands.
McManus, who previously led the marching band at the University of Connecticut (UConn), will also join the UCLA faculty as an Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands. His appointment was made official on June 17, 2025, although details about his exact role at UCLA prior to this date are not readily available.
Prior to his time at UCLA, McManus spent nine years as the Assistant Director of the University of Notre Dame bands department. During his tenure at UConn, he spearheaded the preparation of athletic bands for travel and performances, and oversaw a 315-member marching band and a 150-member pep band.
McManus' leadership was evident during the 2024 Heisman Trophy Trust Legends celebration, where he led the UConn marching band to a successful performance. His appointment at UCLA was influenced by the institution's commitment to excellence and inclusivity, values he holds dear.
McManus' scholarly work focuses on building healthy band culture, examining welcoming environments, and addressing student burnout. His research and scholarship have been published in both scholarly journals and academic presses.
The UCLA marching band has a rich history, having toured Taiwan, performed with Gwen Stefani, and recorded with K-Pop sensation BTS in the past five years. The band's halftime performance of BTS's music has garnered nearly 3 million views on YouTube.
Ken Fisher, the Associate Director and Acting Director of the UCLA marching band for the past three years, has been praised for his leadership and lifelong commitment to the band. Travis Cross, the Director of Bands at UCLA, expressed his gratitude for Fisher's service and welcomed McManus to the "Solid Gold Sound," the UCLA marching band.
McManus expressed his excitement about joining the UCLA community and leading the marching band into its next chapter, as it approaches its 100th anniversary. He looks forward to contributing to the band's legacy of excellence and inclusivity.
McManus' scholarly work extends beyond music, focusing on education-and-self-development topics such as building healthy band culture, examining welcoming environments, and addressing student burnout. In his free time, he often enjoys entertainment, particularly music, and has expressed his excitement to guide the UCLA marching band, a group that has made a name for itself with performances of various artists like Gwen Stefani and K-Pop sensation BTS.
