"Meet the Marching Pride” Aug. 28 in Stambaugh Stadium
The annual “Meet the Marching Pride” celebration to be held 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, in Stambaugh Stadium on the campus of Youngstown State University. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Kate Ferguson, new Director of Athletic Bands, said, “We are thrilled to have the Marching Pride back together again. There have been many changes over the past few years, but one thing that will never change is the camaraderie and enthusiasm that exists in the Marching Pride. I am honored to be so welcomed at YSU, and am so excited to be a part of the Marching Pride family!”
New to Youngstown State University, and currently in her twenty-fourth year as an educator, Ferguson previously taught in the Akron Public, Crestwood Local and Cuyahoga Falls City School Districts. Additionally, she has served as a faculty member at The College of Wooster, Southeast Missouri State University, and at Kent State University. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education degree from Kent State University, a Masters in Music Education Degree from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Kent State University.
Under her direction, Ferguson’s ensembles consistently earn superior ratings at both district and state Ohio Music Education Association Events. Her ensembles have been invited to perform at the International Music Festival at the Kennedy Center for the performing arts, the Northeast Ohio Band Invitational at Severance Hall, the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Conference, the Magnificent Mile Light Parade, and the Fort-McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade. Additionally, her performing groups are highly involved in community performances and events within the Northeast Ohio area.
Ferguson recently presented sessions on Sight Reading at the 2021 Kentucky Music Education Association Conference, the 2018 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the 2019 OMEA Professional Development Conference. Additionally, Ferguson has presented her research on several occasions at the Research Roundtable and Poster Session associated with the OMEA Professional Development Conference. She has spoken about sight reading and concert preparation during instruction improvement days in the Akron Public Schools. Ferguson is published in Contributions to Music Education, and the TRIAD.
Ferguson is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). Her service to OMEA includes adjudication and hosting High School Solo & Ensemble Events. In addition, she has been a frequent member of the Professional Conference Planning Committee, has served as the All State Band Chair, and Past-President of District VI. The Marching Pride will perform music from their pre-game and half time shows, along with the YSU Fight Song. Members of the Penguinettes and Color Guard will also perform their routines, and the Feature Twirler and members of the Drumline will attend.
Parking is available for a nominal fee in the M-81 surface parking lot across from the Watson and Tressel Training Site, accessible from Service Road. The west stands will be available for patron viewing.
More information is available by calling the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-727-7514 or on the Marching Pride website.