Marching Bulldogs Bring Energy to Family Weekend Halftime Show

Gardner-Webb Band Presents Preview of ‘Viva La Diva’ with Chart-topping Hits and Bold Visuals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Marching Bulldogs are excited to step into the spotlight with a halftime show that features some of today’s biggest hits. Band members started working on the show in August, arriving to campus two weeks before the start of classes to learn the music and their drill.

They will be performing at the first home game on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., which is during Family Weekend. It’s a red-out game (wear your GWU red) with the Dawgs vs. The Citadel.

Director of Bands Dr. Sarah Fabian, assistant professor of music, said the first performance is a preview of what’s to come. “This year’s show is titled ‘Viva La Diva,’ featuring music by pop powerhouses Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan,” she described. “For this performance, we’ll be showcasing some of today’s biggest hits, including: ‘Abracadabra,’ ‘Espresso,’ and Pink Pony.”

Fabian added, “Get ready for high energy, bold visuals, and major diva vibes and stay tuned as we unveil more of the full production throughout the season!”

Raniyah Adams, of Bessemer City, N.C., is the new drum major. She auditioned for the position by submitting a video of herself conducting and then presenting an in-person teaching segment and conducting the national anthem and other songs. A computer information systems major, Adams has been a member of the Marching Bulldogs for three years. “I am truly honored and excited to have been selected as drum major, and I look forward to stepping into this role with pride and dedication,” she affirmed. “So far, this year has taught me so much about what it means to be a leader. I’ve grown not only as a drum major, developing my skills and confidence on the podium, but also as someone who can guide, motivate, and support others. Every challenge and rehearsal have pushed me to be stronger, more patient, and more determined.”

Her favorite part of this year’s halftime show is the opener. “It has a little bit of a rock feel and very upbeat,” she observed. “I believe fans are going to enjoy this show. We’re playing some very popular songs by very popular artists that are topping the music charts. I hope it encourages everyone to sing and dance during our performances.”

She continued, “Every time I step onto the field, I feel a rush of excitement. I think about all the hours of hard work it took to get to that moment, and I can’t help but picture my family in the crowd. More than anything, I just want to give it my all and make the people I love proud.”

Makenzie Harris, of Bessemer City, is the drumline section leader. She also likes the upbeat opening movement. A biology major with a biomedical science concentration, she has been a member of the band for four years. “I think the fans will be super excited about this show as we are playing new hit songs,” she asserted. “Our student section will appreciate our second movement a lot, I believe.”

Harris said she loved learning the show with the band members, and especially those in her section. “They make me so proud to be a section leader,” she praised. “I am super excited for my senior year. When I take the field, I think about how far I have come since I was a marcher in my freshman year of high school, and I feel so proud of myself. I am motivated to make every performance amazing, and I perform each time like it is my last.”

The colorguard section leader, Kaselynn Mitchell, of Woodstock, Ga., believes that the show is exceptional because the musicians, guard, and dance team have worked many hours to become a cohesive group. “The best part of the show this year is the unity across every section of the band, which really shines through in our performance,” she explained. “The color guard choreography adds to that sense of connection because it matches the music so well and helps bring the entire show to life.”

On game day, Mitchell feels confident and grateful. “I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to walk onto the field surrounded by my band family and share with the audience what we’ve worked so hard to perfect,” she stated. “The moment the band begins playing, all my nerves disappear, and I feel completely carried by the music as I put my heart and soul into every movement of the choreography. My love for performing motivates me to give my best effort each time, and I’m also driven by the joy of connecting with both the audience and my teammates.”

Mitchell added, “One of the biggest things I’ve learned this year in marching band and color guard is how much I value the leadership team we have. I love the way we work together because everyone brings their own strengths, and we support each other to make the whole band stronger. Being part of such a collaborative and encouraging group has taught me how important strong leadership and teamwork are to our success.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.