The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) is the premiere band at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is one of the most dynamic and recognized marching bands in the nation. Under the direction of John R. Graham Jr, we are known as…
M1 – Marching….
M2 – Musical….
M3 – Machine…
M4 – of the Mid-South!
About
Founded in 1946 by Miss Alma L. Brown, the band is now currently under the direction of Mr. John R. Graham Jr, with Assistant Directors Mr. Darryl K. Evans and Mr. Harold J. Fooster Jr. as well as Chief Arranger Ryan T. Harris, M4 energizes crowds at every Golden Lion home football game and travels to away games within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to bring their signature distinct sound and unwavering spirit.
From performances at FedEx Forum for the Memphis Grizzlies and Caesar Superdome for the New Orleans Saints games to appearances at Mardi Gras and WWE Bad Blood, M4 continues to showcase excellence in musicianship and showmanship.
Highlights in M4’s storied history includes its unforgettable performance at the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands, as well as in the 2009 Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama, marking its place in both musical and national history.
Marching Band
M4 operates within the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The regular marching band season starts early August, and concludes near the end of November.
M4 has its annual M4 Band Camp, in which incoming freshman and current upperclassmen who are in the band train their Discipline, Pride, Attitude, and Commitment to the band. Band camp starts mid to late July, and ends late August.
Band members are expected to wear the following to each rehearsal:
- Plain White T-Shirt
- Plain Black Sweatpants
- Plain White Socks
- Plain White Shoes
- Wearable Hydration Pack
- White Towel
The Marching Band is comprised of the following instruments and sections:
- Piccolos
- Clarinets
- Alto Saxophones
- Tenor Saxophones
- Trumpets
- Trombones
- Mellophones/Horn in F
- Euphoniums
- Sousaphones/Tubas
- Snare, Tenor, Bass, Quint Drums
- Cymbals
- 24 Karat Golden Silks (Flag Line)
- Golden Girls (Dancers)
Staff
John R. Graham Jr.
Head Director of Bands
- Marching Band
- Wind Symphony
- Woodwind Specialist
Email: grahamj@uapb.edu
Darryl K. Evans
Assistant Director of Bands
- Marching Band
- Concert Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Brasswind Specialist
Email: evansd@uapb.edu
Harold J. Fooster Jr.
Assistant Director of Bands
- Marching Band
- Concert Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- Percussion Specialist
Email: foosterh@uapb.edu
Ryan T. Harris
Assistant Band Director and Chief Arranger
- Marching Band
- Sound Recording Technology Specialist
Email: harrisrt@uapb.edu
Audition
To audition for the band, you must meet and have the following requirements:
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- Official ACT/SAT Scores – minimum 13 ACT/730 SAT
- High School or College Transcript
Click here to audition for the band. Scholarships are available for those who successfully meet the requirements including Full-Tuition Scholarships.
Connect with M4!