By Elizabeth Knott, Contributing Writer

For West Liberty’s marching band, the Marching Hilltoppers, their uniforms are as old as most of the members themselves.

Since the marching band has experienced exponential growth in recent years, the band is currently working toward replacing their current uniforms that are now 22 years old.

The old uniforms that were purchased in 1990 have motivated the team to set the fundraising goal to $36,800.

Raising money for a high school band and a university band is very different in form. Instead of conducting fundraisers with students and parents’ help, the university band has to rely on fundraising from the University when making major purchases such as this.

The band director, Brian Baldauff, is working with the Office of Institutional Advancement to contact potential donors for the fund.

The purchase of the new uniforms would supply the band members with enough uniforms for the projected growth over the next couple of years.

“Last season, we had fifty-five members on the field. This was a fifty percent increase from the previous season and we anticipate adding a large number again in the fall,” Baldauff said.

Baldauff said their goal is to allow West Liberty’s band members to show off their Hilltopper pride and let their talent shine in their new uniforms. “The style of the new uniform is more modern, but still a classic style of band uniform,” Baldauff said.

He added, “The new band uniforms would provide a sense of renewal and a fresh face for the marching band. As we work to build new traditions and foster pride in the Marching Hilltoppers membership, this would be a huge step forward.”

Those interested in making a contribution toward the purchase of marching band uniforms can do so through the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Contact the Director of Major Gifts, Angie Zambito, for more information or visit http://westliberty.edu/institutionaladvancement to make a donation.

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