The West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band, under the direction of Jay Drury, will present its annualKeynotesconcerts Dec. 1 and 2 at the Creative Arts Center.

The concertswhich begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatrewill showcase the bands full complement of brass, woodwinds, percussion, flags and feature twirlers. They will perform musical highlights from the 2008 football season, including favorite pregame and halftime music.

Special performances by each of the bands sectionsincluding percussion, saxophones, trumpets and piccolosare especially popular with the audience, as are the outstanding performances by the twirlers.

The award-winning unit, also known asThe Pride of West Virginia,enjoys the reputation as one of the outstanding groups on the WVU campus. Most of the students in the band come from states along the East Coast. These students are enrolled in the various colleges at the University and represent almost every major WVU has to offer.

The Pridehas performed throughout the nation, from nationally televised bowl games to presidential inaugurations. During the past 15 years, the WVU Mountaineer Marching Band has played before more than a million people and has traveled to several major U.S. cities.

The band is known for its high-energy performances, outstanding musical arrangements and innovative drill moves. Because of its tradition of excellence, the unit was recognized in 1997 as the countrys outstanding collegiate marching band by being named the recipient of the 1997 Sudler Trophy, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

For tickets and information, call the WVU box office at 304-293-SHOW.