The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno marching band, known as the Pride of the Sierra, joined the Wolf Pack football team this weekend as they traveled to San Jose State University. Then, just over a month later, they will travel with the team again to Las Vegas in hopes of winning the Fremont Canon back with a win Nov. 26.
"This is the first time I am aware of that the band is attending two away games during the regular season," William Plenk, director of athletic bands, said. "With the continued support from Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä Credit Union, we have replaced and upgraded instrument inventory, specifically in the areas or tubas, trumpets and saxophones, and have increased the size of our staff. With the increased size of our staff, our band is more educationally valuable for our students, and we are able to give ever more entertaining performances."
Announced this week, Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä Credit Union has renewed its campaign for the sixth year to support the Wolf Pack Marching Band by pledging a $20,000 sponsorship and a dollar-for-dollar matching gift up to $25,000. In 2015-16, the credit union's matching gift of $25,000 generated an additional $27,439 in gifts from individuals for a total of $52,439. The Wolf Pack Marching Band partnered with Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä Credit Union in 2012, and since, has received more than $150,000 in contributions.
"We exceeded the $25,000 match last year, and we aim to do so again," Plenk said. "While the band receives funding from several areas of the University, a significant part of our budget comes directly from Wolf Pack fans," Plenk said. "Without support from the fans, the marching band would not be the thriving ensemble that it is today."
Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä is headquartered in Carson City and has been helping ÁùºÏ±¦µäns with their financial needs since 1949. The credit union serves 53,000 consumers and small businesses, and has more than $630 million in assets. Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä has also 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.
