Bluefield College to Launch Marching Band
The Bluefield College Music Department will make history in the fall of 2019 with the introduction of BC’s first-ever marching band.
Discussions to create a marching band actually began in the fall of 2012 when the college reintroduced intercollegiate football. The plans were to start first with a stadium band that would eventually grow and develop into a marching band.
“It’s something that’s been on the plans for several years now,” said Dr. Charles Priest, chair of the Department of Music and director of instrumental studies. “We just haven’t had the students enrolled necessary to make it, and we have not had enough faculty that can spend time out recruiting for it.”
But that’s all changed now as the college will be hiring Dr. Andy Necessary to serve full time on the music faculty to develop and direct the marching band. Dr. Necessary actually started BC’s instrumental music program about 10 years ago, creating with it a community orchestra and jazz ensemble, before turning the program over to Dr. Priest in 2010. Since then, he has served as an adjunct faculty member for BC’s Music Department, but will now return full time to launch the marching band.
“I am encouraged about this opportunity at Bluefield College,” said Dr. Necessary in an interview with the BC Public Relations Office. “I have had the honor of working with BC students in the past, and I look forward to exciting new beginnings with the marching band. With hundreds of guests at Mitchell Stadium on Saturdays, this will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the musically talented students we have.”
As part of the process of preparing for this fall, the college will be purchasing instruments and other equipment for the marching band. In fact, according to Dr. Priest, acquiring the instruments and equipment will be easier now, thanks to an anonymous donor who agreed to provide the necessary funds.
“There’s an enormous cost in equipment alone,” said Dr. Priest, “and then not just the faculty to run the band, but the additional instructors and other things you need to run a band camp.”
In addition to purchasing the instruments and equipment, Dr. Necessary said his focus this spring will be on recruiting students, selecting the music, and writing the drill for the marching band.
While the marching band will provide additional support for the football team and entertainment for Ram fans, it will also serve as another learning experience for BC music students. Scholarship opportunities will also be available for students who participate in the marching band.