West Liberty University will celebrate its annual athletic Hall of Fame football game Saturday, Sept. 28, at Russek Field in a special way when the Marching Hilltoppers wear their brand-new uniforms for the first time. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
Beautiful black and gold uniforms, complete with headgear, will dress-up the look of the band and excite the fans as the Marching Hilltoppers take the field Saturday. (Link to 9-28 halftime show.)
“Our band students work extremely hard at rehearsal and they deserve to look the part. We know that the fans, athletes and entire campus community will be impressed with the uniforms. They are first class, just like the musicians who will be wearing them,” said Director of Athletic Bands Brian Baldauff.
The uniforms will be worn at all home football games, and at band exhibition shows, parades and other performances. The hats feature a brass chain just above the rim and a white feather plume. Brass buttons, epaulets and gloves add to the look.
The last time the Marching Hilltoppers donned new uniforms was about 20 years ago. Over the last few years the band has worn several temporary and transitional uniforms consisting of a variety of polo shirts, athletic gear, t-shirts, etc.
“The students love the uniforms and feel better wearing them. They play better too, so the fans are going to enjoy the performance even more now,” added Baldauff.
The Marching Hilltoppers will be traveling to the Eastern Panhandle to perform for over 1,200 high school band students at the Big Apple Tournament of Bands Show, Oct. 12 and will perform again at the OVAC Showcase of Bands, Martins Ferry High School, Oct. 19.
Other chances to see the Marching Hilltoppers in their new uniforms include:
▪ 1 p.m., Oct. 19, Home Football Game, vs. Urbana
▪ 7 p.m., Oct. 31, Home Football Game, vs. University of Charleston
▪ 7 p.m., Nov. 16, Home Football Game, Notre Dame College
▪ Nov. 22, Wheeling Festival of Lights Parade
▪ Dec. 6, Tri-State PRISM Concert
The Marching Hilltoppers is just one of the ensembles offered to West Liberty University students. Others include: University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.
Baldauff is a native of Daytona Beach, Florida, and also is director of Percussion Studies at West Liberty University. His responsibilities include conducting the percussion ensemble, teaching applied lessons and percussion methods courses, and directing the Marching Hilltoppers and the WLU Pep Band. He completed his undergraduate degree in music education at the University of Central Florida and earned his master degree in music in percussion performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He currently is a Doctor of Music candidate at Florida State University.
The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Technology. For more information, please contact Baldauff at brian.baldauff@westliberty.edu.