Roger Dancz (1930-1998) was the UGA Redcoat Band director from 1955 to 1991. Under his leadership, the Redcoats became one of the country's finest marching bands. In addition, Dancz started UGA's jazz studies program, directed the symphonic band and created jazz/music festivals that brought thousands of high school musicians to Athens, GA. He also broadcast more than 500 "Invitation to jazz" programs on Peach State Public Radio from 1987 until his death in 1998.
Roger Dancz's wife, Phyllis (1932-1991) directed the Redcoat Band's auxiliary units. In 1959, she formed the "Georgettes" (a dance line that performs alongside the band during pre-game and halftime shows). Later she created the Bulldog Banners (Georgia Flag Line) to add color and motion to the band's halftime show.
Their son, Steve Dancz (1957-), has written numerous musical scores that have been featured in movies, documentaries and events such as the Super Bowl. He headed up the UGA Music School's jazz studies program for 20 years and was a co-founder of the UGA Music Business Program. He currently is the director of the Atlanta campus of the SAE Institute.
This collection (1943-2011) consists of materials pertaining to Roger, Phyllis and Steve Dancz. The Dancz Family collection includes music manuscripts, scripts from the "Invitation to jazz" radio programs and information about the UGA Redcoat Band. There are, also, plaques, mixed media and concert materials.
