The Shippensburg University Red Raider Marching Band (SUMB) held a members-only movie night in Seth Grove Stadium Oct. 8.
SUMB members have been unable to officially take the field due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They gathered to watch, “Remember the Titans” and “The Greatest Show.”
While following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, band members sat socially distanced on the football turf with their own supplies of snacks and drinks throughout the event.
Hearts have been heavy in the SUMB since the cancellation announcement of their 2020 marching band season. Trever Famulare and Aaron Trumbore, director and assistant director of bands, have been continuously trying to plan fun events for band members in order to keep spirits high.
SUMB officials held the movie night on the field with the films presented on the scoreboard. The movie night helped to continue the bonding of band members, despite the chilly weather.
“It was unbelievably cold outside, but I was happy to spend an evening surrounded by all my friends,” band treasure Emily Osilka said.
A surprise was in store for band director Famulare, known as “Fam” to SUMB members.
Famulare is in his 20th year as director of the SUMB and band members surprised him with a video tribute following the movie screenings. After the movie was over, the SUMB cabinet leadership and Trumbore surprised Famulare with a “thank you” video on the scoreboard in his honor. The video included many personal messages from Famulare’s friends, family, SU community members, colleagues and leadership team members.
“The video was a great way to express to Fam how much we appreciate him. The SUMB would not be the same without his love and support for our program,” band member Bailey Cassada said.
At the end of the video, a scholarship was announced in Famulare’s honor. People in the community are now able to donate to the “Shippensburg University Red Raider Marching Band Family Legacy Scholarship.”
This scholarship will be awarded to a three or four-year member of the SUMB. A legacy recipient is defined as a grandchild, sibling, child, niece or nephew of the SUMB. The recipient overall must demonstrate the family spirit of the band.
Editor’s Note: Olivia Faenza is a member of the SUMB and holds the position of secretary in the SUMB Cabinet.
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