WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 30, 2018 — West Liberty University’s Marching Hilltoppers will join the line-up for the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Fantasy in Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16 in downtown Wheeling.
“The tradition of the Wheeling parade is anticipated annually by residents and visitors alike, and the Marching Hilltoppers are excited to be a part of it this November. The band will perform a rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy,” said Dr. Gretchen L. Pohlman, WLU’s new director of bands.
A native of Troy, Mo., Pohlman was hired this past July to bring the Marching Hilltoppers back to campus after a brief disappearance due to funding issues.
“It’s very exciting to have the marching band back and to be a part of a university where both the administration and the entire campus community recognizes the important role that the band plays. Bands enhance the climate of a university and build a sense of camaraderie on campus,” said Dr. Pohlman.
The Marching Hilltoppers consists of 49 members from across the WLU campus and represent all academic colleges within the university.
The marching band performs at all home football games, as well as area parades and a variety of other campus events hosted throughout the year.
Additionally the University Concert Band will be presenting a free public concert at 6:30 pm on Dec. 5, featuring the University Concert Band and held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 141 Kruger St, Wheeling.
The West Liberty University music program is nationally accredited by NASM, the National Association of Schools of Music, and is recognized for its award-winning faculty and staff.
Besides the Marching Hilltoppers, performance opportunities for music students at WLU include Wind Symphony, WLU Singers, University Band, Choral Scholars, African Drumming and Dance Ensemble, Community Choir, Steel Bands, Hilltop Opera, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, and Electronic Music Ensemble.
WLU’s Department of Music and Theater is housed within the College of Arts and Communication led by College Dean Dr. Matthew Harder. It offers Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Performance and Music Technology and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Students also may choose to minor in music. For complete information on the WLU Department of Music, please visit westliberty.edu/music or call 304-336-8006.