FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2013

For More Information: Dustin Crutchfield
Public Relations Department
Glenville State College
(304) 462-6394
Dustin.Crutchfield@glenville.edu

GLENVILLE, WV – Members of the Glenville State College marching band returned to campus a few days early to begin their training and practice for the upcoming season. Band members used the extra week before fall classes began to prepare marching drills, learn new routines, and familiarize themselves with new songs.

The camp is a first for the band as members normally begin practice once the fall semester begins. Most band members are busy during the summer teaching and assisting with high school band camps across the state. This year, however, many of those camps wrapped up earlier than normal allowing the GSC students a chance to come together earlier.

"The first annual GSC band camp was a great way to start off this season of marching band. We got a head start on our show and made great strides to be a tighter, more cohesive group. This year marks the beginning of a great tradition that will continue to benefit this band for years to come," said Jake Masters a GSC senior music education (PreK-adult) major from Prichard (Wayne County), West Virginia.

Recent Glenville State College graduate Thomas Jude from Delbarton (Mingo County), West Virginia and band field commander and junior music education major Courtney Cole from Lizemores (Clay County), West Virginia conducted the camp alongside GSC Marching Band Director Lloyd Bone. In addition to this being the first time the band has met before the semester began, the camp also took place in a non-traditional location.

Since GSC's Morris Stadium was already in use by the practicing Pioneer Football team, the band reached out to the community for a rehearsal venue. The Glenville Presbyterian Church offered the use of the field adjacent to the church for the band to use. Churchgoers also provided meals to the hungry band members during their practice sessions.

"We could not have held this camp without the Glenville Presbyterian Church's assistance. They've been incredibly helpful, providing us with both a location and meals," said Bone who also serves as the college's Fine Arts Department Chair. "I'm also thankful to the GSC Student Life office for allowing our freshmen band members to move in to Goodwin Hall early to facilitate this camp."

The 'Wall of Sound' Marching Band is comprised of about 60 students and performs a halftime show at Morris Stadium during every home football contest. They will entertain football fans on Thursday, September 19th when the Pioneers take on the Fairmont State Falcons during the first home game of the 2013 season. The band was also invited to be the Featured Exhibition Band at the Fairmont Band Spectacular on Saturday, September 14th and at the Liberty Band Spectacular on Monday, September 16th.

For more information about the GSC Marching Band, contact Bone at Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6340.