Happy 50th!! What better way to celebrate our 50th Anniversary than by being together with friends who are now family!! We have come a long way in 50 years.  Here's to our next 50!

We have had a busy year.  We were invited back to march in the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Members had a wonderful time and we plan to attend again in the future.

Additionally, we have been working all year long on many projects. Wanda Hembree, Dave O'Neal, and I went to the Alumni Band Symposium in Seattle Washington. We were invited to share our experiences as being a long running alumni band program.  I went with the attitude that we have our stuff together and, look at us, we give The Pride $5,000 each year. Well, let me tell you, I was blown out of the water by what Ohio State, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Georgia and others give to their bands. They have budgets that are in the MILLIONS - yes, you read that right. I just couldn't believe it. So, if they can raise that kind to money, so can we!!

We got so many great ideas from all the Universities that attended. Fundraising was a topic of interest for us as The Pride begins its journey to erect a new practice facility.  We received great tips for forming area pep bands to play for hire at parties, tailgates, weddings, birthday parties, and funerals. You name it, we can play it! We will be in need of many people to help coordinate this project as we want to have groups prepared to play all across the country!  More information will be coming out soon about how you can participate.    

We are also in the early stages of planning a WVU Alumni Band, Inc. Gala event.  There will be so many new ways for members to volunteer in support of The Pride while enjoying time with our extended band family.  Watch for email announcements and updates on our website as new events develop (www.wvualumniband.org). 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at Homecoming!! 

Sincerely,

Mary

Mary Lechliter King, President (2018-2019)

WVU Alumni Band, Inc.

president@wvualumniband.org