The West Virginia University Drumline recently met for a three-day camp to prepare for the upcoming Mountaineer Marching Band season.
While practicing for the famous pregame show and various performances throughout the fall 2024 semester, the band is also preparing for a trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
“I am definitely looking forward to participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Grant Fisher, cymbals section leader. “Being able to represent both the university and the state of West Virginia on a national and international level is a massive honor.”
The Mountaineer Marching Band began in 1901 as an all-male ROTC band with only eight members. Since then, the band has grown to consistently have over 300 members, performing across the state and nation at football games, concerts, parades and other special events. The band holds itself to the highest standard each season and is taking measures to ensure it represents WVU and West Virginia well in NYC.
The West Virginia University Drumline performing a marching drill at their July 2024 camp.
“We always say that marching in straight lines is the most exposed area of marching, because anyone in the audience can tell when a line is not straight,” said Elijah Hall, section leader for the snare drums. “The Pride will do whatever it takes to put our best foot forward in New York.”
This season’s drumline consists of 10 snare drums, five tenors, seven basses and 10 cymbals. This month, the group will join the rest of the Pride of West Virginia for a week-long camp. Once classes begin, they will rehearse with the rest of the marching band four days a week and hold a separate sectional practice one evening per week.
While the nationally televised parade will surely be a highlight, it isn’t the only event members look forward to this year.
“I am most excited to for the Penn State and Pitt games this season. There is nothing better than performing for a packed stadium,” Hall said.
Whether spread out on a football field or packed into a parade route, the drumline is a crucial element for the marching band, defining the tempo and rhythm of each performance. Such an important role can come with unique challenges, including bringing five new snare drummers up to speed.
“The new members have been working very hard and all of the veteran snares have been supporting them,” Hall said.
“Every year has its own set of challenges, and taking the step into a leadership role has been eye-opening to what goes on to prepare for the upcoming season and working through the unexpected,” Fisher added.
The marching band will begin its season on August 31 at the WVU vs. Penn State football game at Milan Puskar Stadium.
“The Pride of West Virginia” is currently raising money through the Pride Travel Fund to help all 300-plus students get to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Visit give.wvu.edu to donate.