Education and Camp Guide 2.1 - Flipbook - Page 11
The Baltimore Sun | Sunday, February 1, 2026
The Sound of a New
Century at Salisbury
University: A Marching
Band Returns
A
fter more than 40 years, the
sound of a marching band has
returned to Salisbury University.
Once active from 1972-1982,
the Sea Gull Marching Band was
relaunched as part of Centennial celebrations marking SU’s 100th Year. The
new band celebrated its first full season
in Fall 2025, renewing a tradition of
music, community and Sea Gull spirit.
The revival has already created
meaningful experiences for students.
Last fall, members traveled to District
Heights, Maryland, to rehearse with the
Washington Commanders Marching
Band. Sea Gull musicians observed and
participated, learning the Commanders’
fight song, “Hail to the Commanders,”
directly from the ensemble that performs
it at every home game.
“We are grateful to Maestro Jeffrey
Sean Dokken and the Commanders
Marching Band for hosting our students,” said Dennis Senkbeil, SU
Marching Band director. “We look forward to the possibility of similar activities
in the future.”
The combined practice was the latest opportunity for SU students with
the Commanders. Head coach and SU
alumnus Dan Quinn ’94 spoke at SU’s
Spring 2025 Commencement, and last
fall, SU Perdue School of Business students toured the team’s business operations.
The marching band’s return is guided
by Senkbeil, selected from a national search. He came to SU from the
University of Arizona, where he was a
graduate assistant who helped instruct
ensembles, including the Pride of
Arizona marching and pep bands, and
conduct various concert bands.
At SU, he directs the Marching Band,
Pep Band, and Salisbury Pops. He is
excited to introduce new elements to the
stage and field.
Senkbeil’s connection to the Eastern
Shore runs deep. A native of Hebron,
MD, he began playing trumpet at age
nine with the Salvation Army band. He
earned a B.S. and M.Ed. in music education, and was twice nominated as
Teacher of the Year. He is pursuing a
D.M.A. in wind band conducting.
“I always had an interest in education,” he said. “My career has allowed
me to combine that with my interest in
music and pass that along to others.”
For Senkbeil, the marching band
brings students together through shared
musical experiences. While marching
band is not a major, it complements students’ academic paths and offers a way
to stay involved with music.
Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of SU’s
Fulton School of Liberal Arts, said the
band contributes to the celebratory
atmosphere of athletics.
“Musicians playing together experience a special sense of belonging themselves, while enhancing the community
around them,” he said.
Students are already feeling that connection. Trent Whittington, a trumpet
player and history major from Annapolis,
said he chose SU for its location, atmosphere, and smalltown vibe. He joined
the marching band because he had
not been able to participate in high
11
school and wanted to be part of its first
year back. His favorite parts have been
making new friends and performing at
halftime.
As a firstgeneration college student,
he encourages future SU students who
love music or performing to “stick with
it” and take the opportunity to continue.
Natalie Heer, a dance line member
and art major from Baltimore, chose SU
for the possibilities to try new things.
She joined the marching band to get
involved, meet new people, and continue dancing after high school.
“It’s such a proud feeling when we
perform and see how far we’ve come,”
she said. She describes the marching
band in one word—community.
The marching band welcomes new
members for upcoming seasons, including instrumentalists, color guard, twirlers, and dancers. Students will perform
at every home football game, participate
in public performances, and travel to
events. Members can take on leadership roles, earn academic credit, and
form lasting friendships. Marching Band
Special Interest Housing also offers dedicated residence hall space with soundproof practice rooms, shared schedules,
and a supportive community.
As SU enters its next century, the
return of the marching band symbolizes a celebration of the past and an
investment in the future. Learn more at
salisbury.edu.
