GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Members of the Glenville State College (GSC) Pioneer “Wall of Sound” Marching Band have wrapped up their 2021 season. It was a successful season with the debut of new uniforms, the return of the band being able to play at home football games, and perform for the public.
“The band was happy to be back to mostly normal and performing our field show for Pioneer fans. We hope everyone enjoyed the performances as much as we enjoyed presenting them. Members of the band are also appreciative to all of those who helped raise money for our new band uniforms,” said Nic McVaney, 2021 GSC Marching Band Field Commander.
In addition to performing at all Glenville State College home football games, the band performed at Gilmer County Elementary School and at the Gilmer County High School Homecoming football game. The Pioneer Band also hosted members of the Braxton County and Calhoun County bands at the last home game as part of their “Band Day,” an opportunity for high school marching band members to visit Glenville State’s campus, see a college football game, and perform alongside the college band members.
New this year, the band helped celebrate the arrival of the football team to Morris Stadium on game days with a new tradition known as “The Pioneer Way.” After arriving at the stadium via charter bus, the band, GSC Cheer Squad, and tailgaters, all formed a pathway to cheer for the team as they made their way from the parking lot to the field house before the games.
A highlight of the season came when the band performed as the featured exhibition band for an estimated crowd of over 5,000 people at the Jim Kessell Big Red Band Invitational in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Their performance was summed up by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel: “The PHS Invitational started off with Clay County High School and finished with a crowd moving performance from Glenville State College, screaming and cheering could be heard across Stadium Field as the band performed.”
“On the behalf of the Pioneer “Wall of Sound” Marching Band, thank you to everyone who came out in support of our students and the program this season. Thank you for your care and assistance – we could not have done it without you!” said Dr. Lloyd Bone Jr., GSC’s Marching Band Director.
For more information about the Glenville State College Marching Band, contact the Department of Fine Arts at (304) 462-6340.
