By Emily Becker
Triangle contributing writer
Wingate University’s establishment of a marching band program last semester brought new energy to football games and expanded financial-aid opportunities for the 48 inaugural members who received a scholarship of $2,500 per year for their participation.
The “Spirit of the Gate Band” was put together from scratch by the school’s first director of athletic bands, Class of 2015 alum Joseph Girgenti.
“It has been a really fun and unique experience as a Wingate alum,” said Girgenti. “I wish I had this program when I was here [as a student] so this [opportunity] was a real treat.”
When building and planing the marching band’s first year, Girgenti was tasked with everything from choosing uniforms and the type of music they would play to finding to designing a logo. Girgenti was assisted by a group of interested students during the 2023-24 school year called the “Foundations Team” who contributed their ideas.
Then Girgenti hit the recruiting trail to find interested high school seniors and transfers with marching band experience who wanted to be a part of building something from the ground floor. The scholarship money he was able to offer helped accelerate the process of building the band, but Girgenti said often the deciding factor for band prospects was the chance to be part of something so organic.
“I know some of the students were deciding between [Wingate] and other schools,” said Girgenti. “I think being a part of a brand new program [at Wingate] definitely gave some incentive [for students].”
The “Spirit of the Gate” performed during halftime of every home football at Irwin Belk Stadium and also took its show on the road during the holiday season at several town parades in Union County.
“Having more students in the band in general has helped enhance the player and fan experience,” said Girgenti. “The football team has been both positive and encouraging towards the band. [The band] also has a close relationship with the cheer team and dance team so [that] they can work together.”
Home football games are the most highly attended events at Wingate and offer the chance to showcase the band in front of alumni, students, faculty and staff. The band has been able to add to the atmosphere at the games while also encouraging school spirit and morale.
“The program and the group all together is very accepting and everyone just likes to have fun with each other,” said Matthew Puga, a sophomore Chemistry major from Rockwell, N.C, who plays trumpet in the band. “We all help each other out to play the best music that we can.”
The band has allowed more students to find their “community” or “niche” at Wingate and the 48 students who make up the group say the social aspects of being a part of it have been the best part.
“[The marching band] is really fun and you can make friends quickly, so there’s a pretty strong connection between all of us,” said freshman Music major and band percussionist Julianna Wedra.
Wedra, from Waxhaw, N.C., says being part of the band helped make navigating the first year of college easier. “It can be difficult at times [for a first-year student], but everyone [is always available] able to help. It has been easier to transition going into classes knowing people.”
Girgenti is already busy recruiting more members for next year and all members of the “Spirit of the Gate” are excited about building on the tradition they’ve established.
“I was excited about this program since I [have done] marching band for five years before college,” said Jeremiah Gonzalez, a junior Music Performance major from Bedford, Va., who was a member of the Foundations Team.
“I was excited to bring this program to Wingate since we’d never had one before. The experience this year has left me hopeful and excited for next year. I am sad I won’t be able to experience the longer-term growth [of the program], but I think we’ve set a really good foundation for the coming years.”
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