Talented WVU student accomplishes goal
A local native who graced his parents’ home with music growing up and aspired to be a drum major of his college band recently was granted his wish. And, Joe Andria, a 2003 graduate of Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School, will help lead the West Virginia University marching band when the Mountaineers take on the Florida State Seminoles in Saturday’s Gator Bowl at Alltel Field in Jacksonville, Fla.
Andria’s selection as a drum major for the WVU band was something his mother, Sheila Andria, said he has wanted to do for quite some time.
“He has had a major desire to do this for a while, and Joe is very goal oriented,” she said. “We were nervous when he was trying for it because we knew he wanted it so badly, but we knew he had a pretty good chance of getting it.”
Andria, who was a drum major for his high school band as well, plays the saxophone, piano and organ, and his mother said his family has enjoyed hearing his music over the years.
The WVU sophomore said he attempted to get the position of drum major during his freshman year, without success. But, he didn’t let that stop him from trying again.
“This year, there were 16 people who auditioned for it,” he said. “They chose the top five out of those 16, and then we had to write an essay for the interview director.”
He said that acquiring the leadership role with the band doesn’t come without hard work, but he thinks it is all worth it.
“We rehearse four days a week for two hours,” said Joe Andria. “We play for five or six home games and travel for one game away. Throughout the year we’ll have demonstrations and parades too, so it really is a lot of work.”
Andria said that even though the band’s halftime shows are not televised during the football games, he thinks the band still gets enough credit for its efforts.
“The band is really well received here,” he said, adding that the university has given them the slogan “Pride of West Virginia.”
“Everyone knows about the band, and they love us a lot,’ said Andria.
The new drum major said he is particularly excited about traveling to Florida for the Gator Bowl.
“There are 350 of us in the band, so we’ll travel on nine charter buses,” said Joe Andria.
“It’s a pretty big deal. We’re all excited about it.”