By Randall Taylor
Staff Writer
On Nov. 3, 2016, LIU President Dr. Kimberly Cline announced the formation of a new school marching band. Recruitment and plans are now underway. Set to begin performing in fall 2017, the LIU Post Marching Band will be led by experienced marching band leader, Anthony Romeo.
“Mr. Romeo has more than 25 years of experience leading and working with marching bands on Long Island, including the New York Skyliners, the Holbrook Fire Department Drum Band, and the “Rage” Indoor Marching Percussion Ensemble, in addition to high school ensembles throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties,” Cline said in the November statement.
The marching band will be a new club under the auspices of the office of campus life. It will be separate from the existing student pep band in the Department of Music. It will serve to amplify team spirit and enhance the game day experience for the Post Pioneer’s lacrosse team and football team, according to Dean of Students Abigail Van Vlerah. “This program will be funded by the University and the cost of the program will be dependent upon student participation,” Van Vlerah said.
Cheerleading coach and Promise Success Coach Katelin Townsend is “very excited to have a marching band come to LIU Post.” She added, “I truly believe that this will change the atmosphere of game day.” Townsend said that the new marching band could amp up the atmosphere for other teams as well as enhance her own team’s performances. “I always enjoyed dancing along to the band’s songs and chants. It helped us [as cheerleaders] to hype up the crowd and get the players ready to roll!”
Director of Music Education and Chair of the Music Department, Dr. Jennifer Miceli, as well as Music Professor and Director of Bands, Dr. James W. McRoy said that they could not comment about the marching band as it will not be a part of the Music Department. Romeo did not respond to the Pioneer’s requests for comment.
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