Marching Hilltoppers perform for the last time this semester
By: Emma Beatty
After not being able to perform for most of the semester, West Liberty University band students had one final show for the 2020 fall semester on Nov. 17. Braving 30-degree weather, the band played a total of nine songs while decked in Christmas sweaters and their instruments wrapped in lights. The selections included “Ode to Joy”, “The West Virginia Hills”, “You Can Call Me Al”, “Respect”, “British Invasion”, “September”, “Saturday Night Is Alright (For Fighting)”, West Liberty University’s Alma Mater, and “Fight, Hilltoppers, Fight!” respectively. Each song, except for the final two, were conducted by Field Commander Christian Oliver.

At the close of the show, the four seniors, Tyler Kreitzer, Christian Oliver, Alexa Logsdon, and Jordan Shultz, were recognized. They took their shoes off on the field which is a long-lived tradition. This symbolized that this was the last time they would wear those shoes and they were leaving everything on the field. Also, the seniors are leaving their shoes for the underclassmen to fill after they are gone. At the close of the show, the entire band shouted their chant with the seniors as a final goodbye as marching season ended.

Despite being disappointed most of this semester due to COVID-19, the band was in high spirits during the performance. Their hard work and determination was reflected during the show. The crowd was small due to having to be socially distanced but was very entertained. Professors and students in the audience joined the band in dancing as well as singing along to the songs. Alexia Schmader, who plays piccolo, commented on the performance, “I did not realize how difficult it was to play without anyone listening until this year. Tonight, I was reminded of how wonderful it is to be able to share our music with other people. It was nice to have an audience regardless of the size.” This sentiment was reflected by other members who were grateful that students and professors alike watched the performance.