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News from the WVU Alumni Band in Morgantown, West Virginia. To arrange an interview with a WVU Alumni Band officer or member, please contact President, Al Hall.
  • 20 Feb 2021 1:39 PM | Anonymous

    From:  WVU Alumni Band, Inc. Officers, 2020-2021

    Date:  February 19, 2021


    We are writing to give you an update on the campaign to fundraise for the Pride Practice Facility and Field Project, and we have some good news to share with you!

    As you know, your Alumni Band has been helping to raise money for a new state of the art practice facility and field for the Pride of West Virginia.  The construction will be completed in three phases:

    1. Turf Field;

    2. Storage Building;

    3. Covered Pavilion. 

    The band has provided all of us with lifelong friendships and memories.  It is time for us to give back and provide a permanent home for the future generations of band kids experiencing what we once did, because who cares about the band as much as WE do?

    We have agreed to partner with the College of Creative Arts Dean, Keith Jackson, and Development Director, Jennifer Jordan, to make this project a success.  Through our partnership with the College, approximately $650,000 has been raised supporting the facility to date. 

    The good news we are thrilled to share with you is that the College of Creative Arts has been awarded a “matching grant,” up to $250,000, from the Maier Foundation for the upcoming WVU Day of Giving on March 3.  You read that right: donations in support of the Pride Practice Facility and Field Project will be matched dollar for dollar on March 3! 

    This is a tremendous opportunity for us!  We are closing in on raising the $1 million required to hold a groundbreaking at Homecoming this fall.  This would be amazing for both band students and alumni alike.  In a year when the student band experience has been anything but normal due to COVID, we can collectively give our band this gift.

    You have some options to consider, as we approach March 3:

    1.     Become a WVU Day of Giving Ambassador: As an ambassador, you will be equipped with tools to share your WVU passion within your social network and track the impact you're making during the WVU Day of Giving. You help create excitement about WVU Day of Giving before and during the campaign.  Here's how it works:

    • Sign up to be an ambassador by registering at dayofgiving.wvu.edu – There is an Ambassador tab at the top of the page.
    • Once registered, you will have access to social media graphics and example language for social media posts.
    • A personalized URL to share on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (or wherever else you want to) to encourage your friends and family to participate. You will get to see your direct impact on the day!
    • The top five registered ambassadors who inspire the most gifts through their unique URL will receive a WVU swag box.

    2.     Recurring Gifts: On the Day of Giving site, a donor can select to make a recurring gift (for example, you can schedule a donation every two weeks for the next year). Recurring donations made on the Day of Giving count for a year’s total (or the total for whatever the designated duration is). The entire recurring gift amount will be eligible to be matched!

    3.     Major Gifts and Planned Gifts: If any Alumni Band members have been considering making a Major Gift or Planned Gift towards the Pride Practice Facility, they could do so on the Day of Giving and it will count for the day. You can set up pledge payments for the Major Gift, but the entire gift amount will count towards the day!  Pledge payments could also be set up for gifts that are not quite at the major gift level, however, the full gift amount would be counted towards the day. For instance, if you’re interested in making a $25,000 gift toward the facility, it could be paid over 5 years in $5,000 payments with the entire gift being counted towards Day of Giving…and then matched!

    We are sure you all remember back when you started in junior high band and had to go from door-to-door selling something or had car washes or rock-a-thons or…you get the drift.  Things really never change even on the collegiate level.  We have learned this to be true with all universities, not just ours.  Every uniform and most band travel are paid for by donors like yourselves.  This field will be a lasting tribute to our commitment and love for the Pride of West Virginia. 

    We didn't have a “home” when we were in band, but we can give one to future generations of the marching band.  Please consider asking friends and family to participate in the Day of Giving to ensure we take advantage of the very generous match being provided – and remember, YOU also need to give generously yourselves.

    In closing, we'd like to paraphrase the late President Kennedy who said "Ask not what your band can do for you, but what can you do for your band.”  Now is the time… Let’s Go Mountaineers!!


    Thank you!

    2020-2021 WVU Alumni Band, Inc. Officers


  • 30 Jan 2021 10:05 PM | Anonymous

    The February meeting of the WVU Alumni Band, Inc. will be held virtually (Zoom) on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:30pm.  Registration is required and you must be a paid member to participate.  An email with login information will be sent to all registrants on February 8, 2021.  Please go to the Events section of the website to register.

  • 15 Jan 2021 8:25 PM | Anonymous

    Hello,

    This is a reminder that your membership is due for renewal as of today with the WVU Alumni Band, Inc.  Membership dues are $35.00 (voted on by the membership at the October 2020 WVU Alumni Band, Inc. annual meeting).  However, if you pay your dues by April 1, an early bird discount will apply, which makes your dues $20.00.   Please see information below about important changes to the renewal process.

    1. Membership renewal for 2021 will be processed as an "Event" from our website (https://www.wvualumniband.org).  You can find the registration on our homepage under the Event tab or under the Upcoming Events call box.

    2. You can renew online by logging in with your email and password.  If you do not remember your password, please select the "Forgot Password" link located in the upper right corner of the homepage under the login fields. If you do not remember the email address you used to register, do not sign up for a new account.  Please email the site administrator at webmaster@wvualumniband.org

    3. Registration Form

    a. If you have an outstanding membership renewal from any previous year, please contact the site administrator at webmaster@wvualumniband.org before completing the registration form.  

    b. Once you complete the renewal form, the invoice can be paid using PayPal.  To pay by check, please select the option to create an invoice.  Payment should be made to WVU Alumni Band, Inc.  You can mail your payment to the address below.    

    WVU Alumni Band. Inc.
    745 Broadway Street    

    East McKeesport, PA 15035

    c. Your membership renewal may take up to 7 days to post to your account.  If you have questions, please email Sarah Bennett-Harper at webmaster@wvualumniband.org.

    If you have any other questions, please email the site administrator at webmaster@wvualumniband.org.

    Thank you.

  • 15 Jan 2021 11:42 AM | Anonymous

    January 12, 2021

    Greetings fellow Alumni Band members!

    We hope each of you had a nice holiday season.  Whether you celebrated with family or stayed close to home, we wish each of you the best in 2021.  

    Past Events

    The 2020 Annual WVU Alumni Band, Inc. meeting was held via Zoom on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.  The following are highlights from the meeting:

    1. Dr. Cheldon Williams spoke to the membership about the WVU Marching Band and how things have been going in dealing with the challenges faced with COVID-19 restrictions during football season.

    2. The President, Mary Lechliter-King, gave an update about what the board has been working on since the 2019 homecoming event. 

    3. The Chairs for Merchandise, Becky Campbell, and Bylaws, Theresa Smith, were announced.

    4. Membership voted to approve an increase in membership dues.  The new amount is $35.00.  Anyone paying their dues by March 31, 2021 will only pay $20 with an early bird discount. 

    5. 2020-2021 Officers were elected.

    President - Mary Lechliter-King

    Vice President - Angelia Barnett

    Secretary - Hope Poole

    Corresponding Secretary - Dave O’Neal

    Treasurer - Wanda Hembree

    Website/Membership - Sarah Bennett-Harper

    Equipment Manager - John Sinsel

    Pep Bands - James Burkhamer

    Adopt-A-Dot Campaign Updates

    We continue to raise funds for the new Alumni Band Practice Facility.  We have currently sold over 185!  Thank you to those who have already participated. Former Pride Assistant Director, David Satterfield, has shared with us his support for this new facility.

    Being the Assistant Director of the Mountaineer Marching Band has been one of the true honors and highlights of my career. Each and every year, the Pride of West Virginia touches literally tens of thousands of West Virginians with a visible display of State tradition, pride, and excellence. More importantly, this iconic group provides life-changing experiences for the 300+ members each and every year.

    2020 marks the 40th anniversary of new Mountaineer Field ---- Mylan Puskar Stadium. During that time, our athletic facilities, programs, notoriety, and our place in football history has evolved significantly. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the rehearsal facilities of the Mountaineer Marching Band. It is time for a new practice facility and I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in this heroic undertaking.

    A new practice facility will assist with recruiting as well as provide a rehearsal space fitting the excellence which continues to be a hallmark of our program. It is well past time for a dedicated, modern, and versatile rehearsal facility for the Pride of West Virginia. I am proud that our institution has seen this need as a priority for investment and support. I hope you join me and consider supporting this effort as well. 

    Sincerely,

    David Satterfield

    Director of Asset Development and Associate Professor of Music

    Former WVU Marching Band Assistant Director, 1983-1992

    Former WVU Marching Band Percussion Coordinator, 1981-1982

    Former WVU Marching Band Percussion Instructor, 1980


    For more information about the practice facility or to purchase a dot, please go to https://give.wvu.edu/pridepracticefacility.  For a more economical option, please remember that you can purchase your dot with a monthly payment plan.  

    Upcoming Events

    Auctions - The WVU Alumni Band, Inc. will be launching a new auction fundraising event at the end of January. More information will be provided in the coming days about the first auction item.

    February Membership Meeting - Members are invited to attend our February meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2021.  Registration information will be provided around February 1, 2021.

    2021 Membership Dues - Event Payment

    Membership renewal for 2021 will be processed as an "Event" from our website.  Starting Friday, January 15, 2021 you will need to go to the website and login to process your payment.  You will find the 2021 Membership renewal under the Event tab or on the homepage under Upcoming Events.  More information will be released on January 15th about paying dues. 

    We rely on membership dues to pay for our website, storage unit, insurance, and office supplies, to name a few. Without your dues, we will not have an organization.  Fees for homecoming only pay for homecoming events and do not fund our general operating costs. 

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@wvualumniband.org.

    Stay safe and Let’s Go Mountaineers!

    Sincerely,

    Officers and Board of Directors, WVU Alumni Band Inc., 2020-2021



  • 20 Sep 2020 4:26 PM | Anonymous

    September 20, 2020

    Greetings fellow Alumni Band members!

    Let’s Go Mountaineers!  After months of uncertainty, NCAA football is finally underway and our Mountaineers are off to a great start for the 2020 season.  We hope each of you will try to catch a game by radio or TV throughout the season and sing Country Roads with each victory.

    Upcoming Events

    Although Homecoming events are cancelled, we will be holding our 2020 Annual WVU Alumni Band, Inc. meeting.  The meeting will be a virtual Zoom meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 7:30pm.  This is a member only meeting.  Those members with current paid membership will receive more information about registration for the event.

    Adopt-A-Dot Campaign Updates

    We continue to raise funds for the new Alumni Band Practice Facility.  We have currently sold over 100 dots!  Thank you to those who have already participated. Former Pride Director, Don Wilcox, has shared with us his support for this new facility.

    The project of providing a long-needed all-weather practice facility for the Pride of West Virginia is one that has been dear to my heart for many years.  From our years of practice at the infamous “Mud Bowl” with its ankle-deep puddles, to eventually our paved parking lot by the Coliseum which was the band’s happy home for many years, it has been a long journey of almost 50 years.

    The idea of an actual indoor facility [covered pavilion] for the marching band was a dream of mine for almost half a century, and maybe the time has finally come!  I would love to come back for Homecoming and share such a wonderful facility with the band that will always be Number ONE in my heart. 

    Let’s get it built! 

    Don Wilcox

    Retired, Director of Bands Emeritus, West Virginia University

    WVU Marching Band Director, 1971 - 1998

    For more information about the practice facility or to purchase a dot, please go to https://give.wvu.edu/pridepracticefacility.  For a more economical option, please remember that you can purchase your dot with a monthly payment plan.  

    WVU Alumni Association Pride Webinar

    If you weren’t able to participate in the WVU Alumni Association live webinar WVU Check In: The Pride of WV, with the new Pride Director, Dr. Cheldon Williams, and Dean of the College of Creative Arts, Keith Jackson, be sure to check out the recording here. Together, they provided an update about the marching band, the new Pride practice facility, and other programs at the College of Creative Arts.

    Finally, if you haven't paid your 2020 dues, please do so as soon as you are able. We rely on that money to pay for our website, storage unit, insurance, and startup money for fundraising events, as well as office supplies, to name a few. Without your dues, we will not have an organization.  Fees for homecoming only pay for homecoming events and do not fund our general operating costs. 

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@wvualumniband.org.

    Stay safe and Let’s Go Mountaineers!

    Sincerely,

    Officers and Board of Directors, WVU Alumni Band Inc., 2019-2020

  • 12 Aug 2020 6:35 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Member:

    I hope this finds each of you healthy during this difficult time. I have updates that I would like to share.

    It is with great sadness that I announce that the Board of Directors has voted to cancel Homecoming 2020 events. This has been a difficult decision and not one that any of us take lightly.  After many conversations with both Athletics and the band office, it was determined that hosting events this year is not possible. We won’t be able to host a party, be allowed on the field, or have use of the CAC at all. With the current orders in place by the Governor of WV, the parade is also highly unlikely. Also, seating availability at the stadium can’t be confirmed for an organization of our size.

    We graciously ask that you consider applying monies that you would have used for Homecoming toward our Adopt-A-Dot campaign. The Pride isn't traveling this season, and the band office has assured us the travel fund is stable. Monetary donations would greatly benefit the new practice facility construction as well. For more information about the practice facility or to purchase a dot, please go to https://give.wvu.edu/pridepracticefacility.

    Finally, if you haven't paid your 2020 dues, please do so as soon as you are able. We rely on that money to pay for our website, storage unit, insurance, and startup money for fundraising events, as well as office supplies, to name a few. Without your dues, we will not have an organization.  Fees for homecoming only pay for homecoming events and do not fund our general operating costs. 

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at president@wvualumniband.org

    Thank you! Stay safe and see you in 2021! 

    Mary Lechliter King
    President, 2019-2020 WVU Alumni Band, Inc.
    Morgantown, WV 


  • 07 Aug 2020 2:41 PM | Anonymous

    Adopt-A-Dot

    Pride Practice Facility Campaign

    The Officers and Board of Directors have announced a new fundraising campaign called "Adopt-A-Dot" in support of the WVU Pride Practice Facility.  Please read the announcement on the homepage to learn how you can participate!  

  • 30 Apr 2020 8:19 PM | Anonymous

     Please read the latest news concerning the Pride practice facility and upcoming fundraising opportunities.

    Pride Practice Facility_Updates and Fundraising Opportunities_4302020.pdf

  • 11 Nov 2019 8:33 PM | Anonymous

    Please read the press release at WVU TODAY about the Pride practice facility.

    https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2019/11/11/wvu-seeks-to-build-pride-of-west-virginia-practice-facility

  • 15 Sep 2019 8:25 PM | Anonymous

    Our 50th Anniversary Homecoming is a story of growth, evolution, diversity, inclusion...and most importantly Magic and Love. Some things NEVER change...and we are ALL uniquely blessed by that extraordinary constant.

    The Pregame drill we all know by heart was written by Don Wilcox around 1975 to both accommodate a growing organization and as a gift of love to former students so they would continue to feel a dose of the magic. For over 40 years, the drill has not changed except to “amoeba” the pictures to accommodate larger numbers of returning veterans. Old folks run around with paper charts (GASP) and try to squeeze countless more bodies into the original wVu. It’s getting crowded out there.

    Over the years, many folks have mentioned not just the need to tweak the traditional drill to accommodate our growth, but the wish we could somehow be even more integrated with The Pride during pregame. Both the Board of Directors and the Band Office have shared the same vision. For over a year, the BOD brainstormed ideas to make our 50th Anniversary extra special at pregame.  After many discussions with the Band Office, we were all able to make that dream of performing with The Pride and perform Simple Gifts come true. 

    Thanks to Dr. Scott Tobias, who took on the challenge of writing a massive drill for approximately 700 bodies, and Dr. Stephen Lytle, who collaborated with him and took on the challenge of modifying The Pride’s pregamedrill...and has the personal courage to believe we can pull it off and lead this massive effort with a little over an hour of Alumni Band drill setting and no joint rehearsal beforehand.

    The Pride and the WVU Alumni Band will field a joint pregame show never seen before.  Friends, I’ve had a chance to see the drill...in motion...on the fancy cell phone app the kids use these days. It’s Brilliant. I’m telling you here and now...THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT!!!!!

    As I’ve grown older these last few years, I’ll admit the thought of the run on and then having the ability to execute the downfield medley has given me pause. I know many of you share those concerns, but Wild Horses Could Not Keep Me Off The Field This Year.  So, my friends please take a second look at the music downloads on our website and make sure you have ALL of the tunes printed.

    Contributed by: Ellen Ramey


  WVU Alumni Band, Inc.
  WVU Alumni Association

  PO Box 4269

  Morgantown, WV 26504


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