Autumn Peck of Shamokin, Pa., Participates in Wilkes University's First Marching Band

2014 Aug 26

Sophomore pharmacy student Autumn Peck of Shamokin, Pa., is participating in Wilkes University's first marching band, the Marching Colonels. The band is the first collegiate marching band in northeast Pennsylvania. Peck, the daughter of Brenda Checci and Michael Peck, plays the clarinet. Peck also acts as section leader.

The band debuts at the Colonels' first home football game versus Muhlenberg College at 1 p.m. on September 6. The marching band performs in drum corps style and includes wind and percussion musicians as well as color guard. The band offers students many opportunities for leadership development, including drum majors, section leaders, and setup crew leaders, guard, pit and drum line captains. The Marching Colonels are directed by Philip G. Simon, who is in his 10th year as director of instrumental studies at Wilkes.

Speaking about the band's debut, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy said, "The Wilkes University Marching Band allows students to continue to play a musical instrument while launching a new tradition, building a legacy and being a part of Wilkes history. It will greatly enhance school spirit during football season and beyond."