There’s a familiar soundtrack that plays in Clarion every autumn.

The woodwind, brass and percussion instruments create the familiar sound, by virtue of the prominent music of the Golden Eagles Marching Band. 

This fall, the band will be under new direction by Lisa Hummel, who is no stranger to the blue and gold. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Clarion University, where she studied under the renowned and beloved Dr. Stanley F. Michalski. She earned a Master of Music Education degree from the Pennsylvania State University. She is a past Pennsylvania Music Education Association Citation of Excellence award winner.  

Hummel is active as a trombonist and performs regularly with the Corner Brass Quintet, Clarion County Community Band, and the Mercer Community Band. She comes to Clarion after 33 years as director of bands for Union School District, Rimersburg, having retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. At Union, she conducted the Elementary Band, 7th and 8th Grade Band, Senior High Concert Band, Marching Band and various small ensembles, and she provided instrumental lessons for fourth through 12th grades.  

She was enjoying being retired when some friends told her about the opportunity to direct the Golden Eagles Marching Band.

"Although I had intended to remain retired, the Clarion University bands are near and dear to my heart, and I just could not say no to this new opportunity,” she said. “I had worked in the band office for four years as a student, and I was very involved in the music program. Accepting the band director position just felt right."

One of her goals is to use the band experience to promote lifelong learning among the members, as well as to foster the bonding that leads to lasting friendships.

"Many of the band friendships that I forged over 35 years ago continue still to this day,” Hummel said. “Involvement in Marching Band enhances the college experience by exposing members to a group setting that is working toward a common goal,” she said.

Marching Band practices are held from 4 to 5:50 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the fall semester. Students are eligible to receive a $300 scholarship at the end of the season, and the class will count as a required physical education credit. The Marching Band will perform at all home football games as well as during ALF festivities.

Students who would like to join the band can reach Hummel at hummel_l@pennwest.edu.