All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Glenville State College Marching Band Field Commander announced

Glenville State College senior Kristina “Tina” Lowe will be serving as the field commander for the Pioneer ‘Wall of Sound’ Marching Band for the fall 2020 semester

Glenville, WV – Glenville State College (GSC) senior Kristina “Tina” Lowe will be serving as the field commander for the Pioneer ‘Wall of Sound’ Marching Band this semester. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a minor in business. She hails from Elizabeth in Wirt County, West Virginia, and is the daughter of Cindy Lowe and the late Robert E. Lowe Jr.

“Being field commander is something I’ve always wanted to do, so finally having the chance to be in this position is amazing,” said Lowe. “We have a great group this year, and it’s an honor to be their field commander. I’ve loved every minute of it so far, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes the marching band.”

“Tina is off to a fantastic start, and we are very proud of her! Congratulations, Tina!” said Marching Band Director Dr. Lloyd Bone.

Her inspiration for music comes from her father. “I grew up watching him play any instrument that was put in his hands, and he always did so with so much passion. He pushed me into band in middle school, and from that point on, I was hooked. He was my biggest supporter when it came to my music and pursuing my degree in music. He’s responsible for where I am today and why I continue to have such a deep passion for music and music education,” she said.

Lowe’s primary instrument is trumpet, which she has played since middle school. She plays trumpet in Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo at Glenville State College. In addition to trumpet, Lowe has recently shifted her focus to percussion instruments as well. “I have always had percussion instruments in my life. I had a drum set when I was a kid, and then my dad bought me a small marimba. I stopped playing as much once I picked up the trumpet. All of my fuel went into trumpet until my senior year of high school when I stepped into drumline every once in a while to help. It wasn’t until college that I realized I could further my education in percussion. I started lessons with Mr. [John] McKinney, and then I joined the Percussion Ensemble. It changed my life significantly and has truly been the biggest blessing,” she said.

Despite the recent announcement from the Mountain East Conference regarding postponing fall sports, Lowe reassures fans that the Pioneer Marching Band will continue to push forward. “We have some big things planned as a group and as part of the Fine Arts Department this year. We are going to keep learning music, and hopefully, we’ll be on the field again soon. Dr. Bone, the band staff, and I have been having conversations about what we can do this year in terms of performances. It is still up in the air about what we can do, but the fans can expect great things from the Pioneer Marching Band throughout the 2020-21 year.”

After graduating from GSC in Spring 2021, she plans to pursue her master’s in music business.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Braydon Osburn

TENNERTON — In continuing to bring you the best sports coverage in Upshur County, the My Buckhannon sports department is…

Highland Landscaping continues to build lead in Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League

Highland Landscaping extended its first-quarter lead in the Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League to 15 points after a decisive 22-7 win over Lisa Cain Edward Jones during a weather-shortened week four round.

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates recognized as outstanding seniors

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were honored as Outstanding Seniors for exemplary academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement during the Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

David Robert Asson Jr.

David Robert Asson, Jr., 81, a devoted family man, Navy veteran, and active community volunteer in multiple states, passed away in West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of service and cherished relationships.

Mother arrested for child neglect after police find wanted man, drugs in home

Latachia A. Weese, 30, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after allegedly admitting to being high while caring for her two young children in a residence containing drugs and firearms.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.