The University of Nevada, Reno’s ‘Pride of the Sierra’ Marching Band played through sunshine, clouds, slight rain and some brief hail at Saturday’s Annual Silver and Blue Spring Game. The band uses this scrimmage game each year as an opportunity not only to support the football team and athletics, but also to recruit incoming freshman and build excitement for the upcoming season.

Will Plenk, director of the marching, pep and symphonic bands, and conducting instructor, said, “It’s an important event that leads into the next season and we are here to create a game-day experience.”

As the football team battled on the field and the sunshine and clouds waged wars in the sky, the marching band played for touchdowns, first downs and everything in between. The band also played for fans in the tailgate area before kickoff, adding music and a fun presence to the tailgate lot and to Mackay Stadium once the game began.

As a sneak preview to the University’s regular in-season games, the Silver and Blue Spring Game follows many of the routines and traditions of Wolf Pack football games and the marching band is definitely a part of that day. Senior geological engineering major and clarinet player Sarah Stolte remarked on the importance of the marching band’s attendance at football games.

“The marching band provides a heightened sense of school spirit that the crowd alone can’t,” Stolte said. “Every song we play in marching band is upbeat, so when we play, I think we provide a much happier and upbeat environment.”

As the marching band looks forward to next season, it also looks to continue the support it has received from the community and from Greater Nevada Credit Union. The ‘Pride of the Sierra’ is coming to an end of its three-year “It’s Time to Support the Band” campaign with the credit union, which has matched community donations to the band up to $45,000 and provided an additional annual gift of $20,000.

This funding support from Greater Nevada Credit Union has enabled the marching band to purchase new uniforms they debuted last season as well as new instruments and has also expanded travel opportunities.

As a four-year member of the marching band who will be graduating this upcoming spring commencement, Stolte has seen many of the drastic changes and improvement the marching band has undergone, due in part to Greater Nevada Credit Union’s support.

“GNCU’s sponsorship has allowed us to take trips to away football games,” Stolte said. “These trips not only allow us to provide more support to our football teams, but they also provide band members with memorable experiences that allow them to bond more as a group…. As our band grows, it’s important to have enough equipment and uniforms to accommodate, and without the support of Greater Nevada Credit Union, that wouldn’t be possible.”

With current negotiations over a new contract with Greater Nevada Credit Union, Plenk hopes to continue their support in order to develop the band and hit a 200-member goal this upcoming season.

“With that many people, the band is an exciting place to be,” Plenk said. “GNCU’s support has been absolutely essential for us and it looks like our partnership with them will continue.”

The Annual Silver and Blue Spring Game provided the marching band the opportunity to shine through the weather and show off to fans and potential members that it will continue to grow and continue providing a great game-day atmosphere.

To learn more about supporting the Wolf Pack Marching Band, a major ensemble of the Department of Music in the University's College of Liberal Arts, contact Kristen Kennedy, director of development at the University, 775-784-6873; or Greater Nevada Credit Union, 775-882-2060, or donate online.

Greater Nevada Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full service financial institution headquartered in Carson City that has been helping Nevadans with their financial needs since 1949. Greater Nevada serves nearly 48,000 consumers and small businesses, has $537 million in assets and has been consistently recognized as both Best Financial Institution in many of its service areas and as a top employer by the Reno/Tahoe Best Places to Work Awards.  Greater Nevada is open to everyone living or working in Nevada. For more information, visit https://www.gncu.org/.