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YSU marching band showcases skills
YOUNGSTOWN
Penguin band members had a chance to toot their own horns at Meet the Youngstown State University Marching Pride event Saturday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium.
Brandt Payne, YSU director of athletic bands, said Meet the YSU Marching Pride was an opportunity for not only an additional public performance, but a way for students to highlight what they’ve learned during their performances to their parents.
With off-and-on work fine-tuning students’ skills since April, band members were able to show success with sound.
“All the hard work everyone puts forward brings such wonderful vibes to practices and games,” said freshman student and band member Christina Aviles.
She said her first year in marching band leaves her speechless with the appreciation she has for being a part of such an eclectic group.
Rebeca Eaken, Youngs-town State University sophomore and marching-band member, mirrors Aviles’ feelings and said being in the band has given her a sense of belonging both band-wise and school-wise.
“My experience with the Marching Pride thus far has been amazing, honestly,” Eaken said. “It’s a lot of hot, long days ... but it truly is a family. Everyone takes care of their fellow band members, and I really have gained a sense of pride in my school from being a part of such a wonderful group.”
This group is seeing an influx in freshman participation, something Payne said is a driving force behind positive attitudes.
“We have a very big freshmen class, so, we are a young band. It’s exciting and with that comes a lot of raw energy and excitement,” Payne said.
Eaken said she’s excited to see a lot of new band members, seeing opportunity to make the upcoming year’s performances better than ever.
“[We} are eager to make this year’s shows some of the best we’ve had in years,” she said. “Dr. Payne, the staff and the members of the Pride all have the energy and the drive to make this year’s show a highlight of going to a Penguins’ football games.”
Payne said the kickoff to performance season is a very exciting time of the year, not just because the members are representing themselves, but their school and the city of Youngstown as well.
“To me, students who are able to be this successful and engaged outside the classroom will also be just as successful inside of the classroom,” he said. “As a director of such a performance and great group of students, it’s truly exciting to be attached to Youngstown State.”