For the Shippensburg University Marching Band (SUMB), it has been a long season. With their field show lasting at least 12 minutes, practices and performances at games were tiring for band members.

To celebrate a fulfilling and fun season, the SUMB held its annual banquet at Green Grove Gardens Event Center in Greencastle on Friday Nov. 22.

Band Director Trevor Famulare started the speeches by recognizing the band’s outstanding work ethic this season. He said that the band responded extremely well to the challenge the members requested long before the season started.

He also said with such a fast-paced and strenuous field show to work though, the band pulled through as a whole this year and finished the season strong.
Shippensburg Mark Maciejewski also made an appearance at the banquet, and thanked the band for supporting the team at games.

He believed the band had a huge role in helping the team win games, particularly the televised game against Bloomsburg, when the band fought strong winds and rain to support the team.

Awards were also given at the banquet to recognized members of the band. Daniel Day was awarded the Robert Sammartino Memorial Scholarship for marching percussion earlier in the season, and was recognized for his dedication again at the banquet.

The Pam Burgess Award for two outstanding senior marching band members was given to Drum Major Jessica Wolford and Band President and colorguard member Catherine Carroll. Vice President Owen Ecker was awarded the Bennie S. Truax Scholarship, being recognized as a staff member for at least two years and a great leader to the band.

There was also an award known as the “Section of the Year” given to two sections of the band who portrayed consistent hard work, spirit and dedication throughout the year. This year the award was given to the drumline and majorettes.

Drumline Captain Elizabeth Strine was elated when her section won the award, and believes that all of their hard work this season paid off to the fullest. “I think this season went very well. I was more than happy with the hard work and dedication from everyone,” Strine said.

“I think in the back of everyone’s mind, section of the year was a goal but we had other goals to meet before that. Hearing your section called in front of the whole band for that award was probably the most rewarding feeling, knowing that all your hard work paid off. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this season.”

To end the evening, a video presentation filled with pictures and smaller videos taken throughout the season brought back fun and happy memories to the members and staff. The band then danced and socialized for the remainder of the night.

With the season ending on such a strong note, there is no telling what next year will bring for the SUMB. One thing is for certain though, their spirit and hardworking attitude will return with them.

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