History

Background

Established in 1969, the first Alumni Band Weekend was held in conjunction with WVU Homecoming Weekend. For more than 50 years now, the WVU Alumni Band has lead the WVU Homecoming Parade and taken the field to play before Mountaineer fans and alums of all ages.

The WVU Alumni Band was started by a group of former band members who wanted to get together to play once more. Over the years the Alumni Band steadily has organically grown in size; as the WVU Band has grown, so has the WVU Alumni Band. Today, the WVU Band graduates on average more than 50 four-year seniors, and while everyone who's ever played with the WVU Band is eligible to join the organization, these alumni - who've dedicated many hours to the Band - tend to participate in events like Homecoming Weekend with great fervor and frequency.

The first meeting of the WVU Alumni Band was held November 2, 1968 following the WVU Homecoming Game. Approximately 30 alumni gathered at the Mountainlair - the WVU Student Union - to organize and elect officers for the upcoming year. The first dues were set at a mere $1.00, annually, with more than 800 alumni names comprising the first mailing list. Budd Udell, who was Director of WVU Bands at the time, supported these alums in organizing the WVU Alumni Band.

The WVU Alumni Band's first Mountaineer Field performance came on October 25, 1969 as WVU hosted Pitt for a sellout Backyard Brawl Homecoming. At that time, the Alumni Band rehearsed and played with the WVU Band for Pregame and Halftime and sat behind the WVU Band at the game. Alumni members (all male at the time) dressed in suits and sport coats (with short sleeved shirt/tie, if the weather was to be nice.) More than 50 alumni pre-registered to participate.

Over the years, the WVU Alumni Band has broadened its horizons to expand logically, but worked to cultivate its roots and core values.

Past Presidents

The WVU Alumni Band has had a number of leaders since it's founding in 1969. In alphabetical order, these individuals include:

David Benedum
Anna Chandler
Brad Dugan
Deb Miller Eakins
Ken Godwin
Bill Kennell

Dan Kimble

Mary Lechliter-King

Vicki Legg
Kim Gatian Nicholas
Wesley Nugent
Dave Ornick
Steve Perry
Mike Roberts

Casey Rhodes

John Sinsel