The typical Thursday afternoon sounds of wind instruments, drums and metronomes echoing from Seth Grove Stadium were nowhere to be found. The members of the Shippensburg University Red Raider Marching Band (SUMB) put down their instruments in solidarity to support the faculty.
SUMB members received an email Wednesday evening encouraging them to make signs and join the picket lines in place of their traditional 3:30–5:30 afternoon practice. The email, sent by the band’s cabinet, said that while attendance is optional, it is highly encouraged.
“We cannot stress this enough…no one is obligated to take part in the picket line if they don’t wish to participate,” the email read.
SUMB members began to gather along North Prince Street leading up to the entrance of Old Main at around 3:15 p.m. Nearly one dozen of them joined faculty with chants like, “Contract now” and “Quality matters, students first.” President of Bands Tara Bennett felt it was important for the band to show solidarity not only for its director, Trever Famulare, but for all university faculty.
“I appreciate the fact that they’re here,” Famulare said of the marching band students.
‘There are 160 of us…it looks good for us. We do support this university. We are the centerpiece of school spirit and pride,” Bennett said. “I think here we’re really showing that.”
Drumline section leader Brian Keffer said the strike would definitely have had a negative effect on his section if it continued longer.
“In band, the longer you go without practice the worse you get. Our section is no different,” Keffer stated.
Although many band members agree with this statement, they also believe it is a sacrifice worth making.
“I’ve been proud of everything they’ve done, especially on and off the field, and this is the off the field part,” Famulare said. “I’m just glad to see so many of them out here supporting the faculty and wearing their band shirts...and just knowing that they’re here for the right purpose.
The marching band has proven itself as a staple to the game-day experience at Shippensburg University.
The band attends all home games, some away games and does multiple exhibition performances across Pennsylvania every season.
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