The Sea Gull Marching Band is back!

SALISBURY, Md. — The Sea Gull Marching Band is back after more than 40 years of absence, helping mark the university’s 100th birthday.

More than 50 Salisbury University students have banded together to launch the school’s first marching band since 1982. The group includes a dance team, color guard and director Dennis Senkbeil, who said students of all experience levels are welcome to join.

“Their experience level varies really from one student to the next. We’ve created a safe space for all where no one is feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. As long as they’re working hard, that’s all that I can ask,” Senkbeil said.

Members Brodie Diamond, a sound technician, and Monica Stevens, a dancer, are excited to be part of SU history and make their debut at their first home game against The College of New Jersey on Oct. 4.

“I’m excited for the new dancers to get to feel the energy from the crowd and then the crowd to feel our energy too,” Stevens said.

“I am excited that the university will have a marching band on the field again for the first time in about 50 years,” Diamond said.

The band is kicking things off in style with pop hits from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears. They hope that next year they can show off their hard work at other schools and events on the Eastern Shore.

“We’re hopeful to travel to some away games as early as next year, and to local parades such as the Salisbury parade and some additional events that we’ve already been invited to be a part of,” Senkbeil said.

Director Dennis Senkbeil is a native of Hebron, MD, and served as the choral director and a music teacher at Salisbury Middle School from 2018-2022.