Member the Members: Dr. Bobby “Chip” Wood, Jr.
“The opportunities for teamwork, leadership, precision, discipline, learning a new show each week and performing in front of large crowds have carried over into my business career.”
— Dr. Bobby “Chip” Wood, Jr. ‘89
UNCBAA is spotlighting our members! We ask their favorite band memories, their role in the band and what they are doing today. Today, we are speaking with Dr. Bobby “Chip” Wood, Jr. from the Class of 1989.
Q: What instrument did you play?
A: Snare: Marching band 1985-89, Drum Set:, Pep Bands, 1985-89, Snare Captain 1986, Percussion co-section leader 1987, Percussion section leader 1988, Women’s Basketball Pep band 1985-86, Men’s Basketball pep band 1986-1989.
Q: What are you up to now?
A: I am an optometrist living in San Antonio, Texas with my wife Nancy Wood and twins Jackson and Madeline who are seniors at the University of Texas at Austin. I am the Administrator for Vision Source in San Antonio and own two optometry practices: Wood Vision Source in San Antonio and Coyote Optical Vision Source in Uvalde, TX. (I still cheer for the Heels every chance I get, though!) I also enjoy golf, pickleball and have enjoyed acting in several musical theater plays in San Antonio including Rock of Ages, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Bridges of Madison County and Elf the Musical.
Q: How did UNC Bands prepare you for what you are currently doing?
A: Teamwork, leadership, precision, learning a new show each week, discipline, performing in front of large crowds. These opportunities have carried over into my business career—allowing me opportunities to own and lead two optometry businesses, be the administrator for Vision Source in San Antonio and serve as a speaker, Key Opinion Leader and Advisory board member for several eye care companies in the US.
Q: What is your favorite UNC Bands memory?
A: UNC defeating Duke in the 1989 ACC Men’s Basketball Championship. Arguably the most physical and aggressive game in the history of the UNC/Duke rivalry and UNC won their first ACC Tournament Championship in seven years after losing the prior two years. Great win for Coach Dean Smith, JR Reid and Jeff Lebo over Danny Ferry, Christian Laettner and Coach K.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: In 1987, I wrote the original drum cadence now known as “the old cadence” including many of the breakdowns still played today including my favorite “2, 3, 4”! Attending the band Alumni Reunion Weekend this year and being able to play these cadences with today’s Tar Heel drumline was a thrill and memory I’ll never forget.
Meet the Members: The Sprecher & Troxler Families “To be in that stadium and watch your child marching in the place where you marched a few years ago…it’s just really special”. — Gail Sprecher, ‘85 UNCBAA is spotlighting our members! We ask their favorite band memories, their role in the band and what they are…
Can You Still Hear It? Ronald Campbell ‘98 Do you remember? Do you remember how it felt the first time? I do. In my mind, I can see myself in front of Wilson Library. The warm-up chorale begins. Then, cadence erupts. Finally, we march down Stadium Drive through a crowd of fans and the Rams…
Member Spotlight: Sophie Therber “Being in band has helped me to become a better person.” — Sophie Therber ‘22 UNCBAA is kicking off a new series to highlight current members. We will learn some of their favorite band memories, their role in the band and what they are doing today. First up, we have Sophie…
UNC Bands Alumni Association
106 Hill Hall • CB #3320
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
bands@alumni.unc.edu
(919) 962-5695
Learn more about UNC Bands on uncbands.org