Band on the Run — Part 2
Hours before before crashing cymbals at 2026 Frozen Four, UND percussionist — with recital approaching — books practice time at UNLV
LAS VEGAS — UND Music Graduate Assistant Matt Fowler wasn’t originally a hockey fan after moving from Brookings, S.D., to Grand Forks and exchanging South Dakota State Jackrabbit blue for Fighting Hawks green in 2019.
But after experiencing the game-day atmosphere at “The Ralph,” there was no turning back for the Pride of the North Marching Band percussionist.
His dedication to his new favorite team and to his musical craft were on full display here in Vegas at the 2026 NCAA Frozen Four, where UND hockey was making its first national championship appearance since 2016.
Fowler, a second-year master’s student, and UND Music Department staff member David Varriano had just taken turns driving 26 hours from Grand Forks to Las Vegas to make sure all Pride of the North Marching Band instruments got to the Frozen Four tournament safe and sound, when he awoke early the next day to practice for his all-important “degree recital,” coming up on May 9.
“He’s a percussionist, so he plays about 50 different instruments,” said Josh Gillen, director of the Pride of the North band. “It’s the kind of thing where you can’t just bring everything with you. You need to have a studio to do it.”
So, Fowler took it upon himself to coordinate an hours-long practice session at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Music, only a few miles away from the band’s hotel. It was the same day that he also was slated to play cymbals for the Pride of the North band in the national semifinal game between UND and Wisconsin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
With a full slate of upcoming performances and time spent on the road recently, finding valuable practice time is challenging, Fowler said.
“It’s been stressful,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful that UNLV was willing to open their doors and let me visit their facilities to keep my hands moving … the music community proves to be incredibly connected, collaborative and helpful.”
In addition to getting extra practice time, Fowler said, he was able to make new connections with the UNLV music school staff and graduate students.
As Fowler noted, his UND degree recital is serious business. For one thing, it involves a jury, and for another, it’s a requirement for his master’s degree.
He wrapped up his practice session at UNLV just in time to join the Pride of the North band at the arena, where, among their usual pep-band excellence, they treated the crowd to a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
“The trip to Las Vegas, as a whole, was an incredible opportunity,” Fowler said. “Working with The Pride has been an invaluable privilege. They’re always inspiring.”
Fowler added that the band gave it their all, just like the Fighting Hawks on the ice (despite losing the game).
“Our students remained standing proud, screaming and fighting with the team,” he said. “This is an experience I will happily remember for a long time.”
