They are known as “The Pride of West Virginia” and this fall, two of Bridgeport’s own will be among its members.  The award-winning West Virginia University Marching Band is steeped in tradition, including their famous fight songs and formations such as the outline of the state.  This year, two young men from Bridgeport will be featured on the field as the 2015 season kicks off in August.

 

Joseph Ellis, son of Bridgeport’s Jim and Pat Ellis, is making his mark in the WVU Marching Band in a unique way.  Although hundreds audition for the band, Ellis has never actually been in a marching band.  As part of the eight-member band at Notre Dame High School, Ellis has been committed to music since sixth grade, but, due to the size of the band, has never had the opportunity to march. 

 

“My family is very musically oriented,” said Ellis, who recently graduated from Notre Dame.  “My dad is one of my major influences. He has been a band director for 26 years and is the driving force in my music career. My brothers and my mother are also very talented musically, so the passion for it is instilled in me.”

 

Ellis plays Alto Saxophone and has made All County Band all four years of high school.  Deciding to audition for WVU was a process that began in early April.  “Auditions included scale exercises, sight reading , a marching band piece, and one piece that I could rehearse ahead of time.”  It only took three weeks to get confirmation that he would be a part of the 2015 Pride of West Virginia. 

 

“It will be an adjustment playing in a large band, attending an intensive camp and working my schedule around practices, but I am so excited to begin this journey.”

 

Another Bridgeport native is moving up the ranks in the West Virginia Marching Band as he has proven to excel in both performing and leadership.  Chase Reeder was the first boy in history to every be a part of the color guard at BHS..  From there, he auditioned for WVU and was selected as part of the team.

 

After a year, he was promoted to rank leader, and, most recently received the honor of being named WVU Color guard Dance Captain.  “ The process included an interview, dance, flag routine and teaching the upcoming freshmen.  I was selected as Best Dancer in the process and because of my leadership skills, was named Dance Captain.”

 

Reeder’s duties include stretching and warming up the entire Color guard team, leading them in floor dance techniques and writing dance routines that will be performed at the games.  He is also in charge of the Pom routines in the stands.

 

With both men making history in their own ways, the band itself will also be making history as they unveil new uniforms mid-season this year.  Besides having the opportunity to showcase their talents and love of music, both Ellis and Reeder will be representing their hometown pride along with their state pride on the field in August.