Representing West Virginia University and the entire Mountain State, “The Pride of West Virginia,” the Mountaineer Marching Band, will participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the second appearance for the band in the historic parade.

Macy’s Parade officials were in Morgantown Saturday (Sept. 16) to surprise band members with the news of their selection prior to the WVU football game. See video from the announcement.

Q: Can you tell me about your connection to WVU? Did you go to school here, what years, what activities were you involved in?

A: As a WV native, I have always felt a connection to WVU.  I started taking clarinet lessons in Morgantown when I was 15. During high school, I attended Mountaineer Music camp two summers and had been a member of various All-State conferences that were held in Morgantown. Even after those positive experiences I thought I would attend a smaller school.  But in the Spring of 1998 the Pride of WV sent a Keynotes CD to every high school in the state after receiving the Sudler Trophy, and I was hooked. I graduated from the College of Creative Arts in 2002 with a degree in Music Education. While at WVU I was a member of various instrumental ensembles including the Pride of WV, where I served as a drum major for three seasons.  I also was a member of Mountain Honorary. 

Alumnus Harry Guenther will be supporting West Virginia University in perpetuity with a $500,000 planned gift establishing the Harry L. Guenther Fund for the WVU School of Music.

The fund will support the greatest needs of WVU’s School of Music and will be utilized at the Dean’s discretion. 

After thirty years of service to West Virginia University College of Creative Arts, Associate Dean John Hendricks III will retire on June 30.

“John Hendricks is a true son of the state who is a model of character and integrity,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean. “I have known John since my interview at WVU in 1995. He is a dear friend and I am fortunate to be one of the many who look to him for guidance, perspective and timely humor.”

Phil Faini, a staple at the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts for more than 40 years, passed away Wednesday (June 7) at the age of 91. 

Faini, a native of Masontown, Pennsylvania, started his musical journey at age 16. He excelled as a drummer and played regularly with dance bands in the region. His work was featured on radio shows and he was recruited to become part of the 4th Army Band in San Antonio, Texas, where he played official ceremonies including a visit from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

The schools in the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts have selected their 2023 Outstanding Seniors.

Each school selects their top senior based on merit. From the group, administrators award the College of Creative Arts Outstanding Senior honor at the college’s commencement ceremony.