Clarion Area Bobcat Marching Band Member Gary Matus To Continue Music And Academic Career At IUP
Above photo by CAHS Principal Natalie Miller-Martini – (Seated) Gary and his mother Rachel Matus; (Standing: L-R) IUP Band Director, Dr. Zach Cheever, Gary’s sister A.J., Clarion Area Band Director, Miss Sarah Dawson and Gary’s father, Joe Matus.
In a ceremony at Clarion Area High School, Bobcat Marching Band Member Gary Matus recently signed to continue his music and academic career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Gary, the son of Joe and Rachel Matus, will be playing the tuba for Band Director Dr. Zach Cheever, in IUP’s Marching Band, “The Legend.”
According to the IUP website, “Known as ‘The Legend,’ the IUP Marching Band (MUSC 125) performs at local, regional, and national venues.
“A combination of exuberance, excellence, and extraordinary imagination has produced magic that has made the IUP Marching Band the pride of the university and the Indiana community and keeps it in demand for special appearances around Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Innovative, state-of-the-art drills, original choreographies, and a rich variety of musical styles, all executed with great precision, equal an entertainment event of awesome emotional power. But, all of this begins in the heart of the individual band member whose talent, hard work, enthusiasm, and spirit has gone into making the IUP Marching Band a legend in its own time.”
Dr. Cheever read Gary’s Official Welcome to “The Legend,” which both signed, making Gary an official member of the band’s Class of 2027.
The Welcome reads, On behalf of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Marching Band, The Legend, I would like to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to you as a new member of our esteemed ensemble.
We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to the many exciting performances and experiences
that we will share together. As a member of The Legend, you will have the opportunity to showcase your
performing talents, develop your skills, and create lasting memories with your fellow band members.
Our marching band has a proud tradition of pride, precision, and perseverance as one family. We are
confident that you will make a valuable contribution to this program. Your dedication and commitment
to music and performance are truly admirable, and we are excited to see the passion and energy that
you will bring to our rehearsals and performances.
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive community for all our members, and we hope
that you will find The Legend to be a place where you can grow, learn, and thrive. We encourage you to
take advantage of all the opportunities that our marching band has to offer, including the strong sense of
community. These students that you walk this journey with will be your lifelong musical family.
By signing this document together, you are accepting the tradition as a performing member in the Pride
of Pennsylvania and The Beast of The East. With this commitment comes the responsibility of dedication
and pride in both this organization and the alma mater.
Congratulations on your acceptance to The Legend, and welcome to the Indiana University of
Pennsylvania Marching Band family. We are excited to have you with us and look forward to the
incredible memories that we will create together.
Gary, who switched from trombone a few years ago, began playing in the Band in fourth grade and became a member of the Bobcat Marching Band as a freshman. The band plays at Central Clarion Wildcats football games and other events throughout the year.
Gary played under current Band Director, Miss Sarah Dawson, as well as former Band Director, Mr. Chris Curry.
They both shared their thoughts.
Miss Dawson said, “It is rare to have a young student who understands and appreciates the art of music-making the way that Gary does. He is a talented musician and gifted leader. I am so happy that he has the opportunity to continue using his talents at IUP. His leadership in the Clarion Area band program will be missed, but I have no doubt that he will contribute greatly to the musical community at IUP! We are all proud of him and excited to see how he grows during his time in the Legend Marching Band.”
Mr. Curry mentioned, “It’s always exciting when students make a commitment to continue playing at the collegiate level. Not only is this a wonderful music outlet and opportunity, it is a fantastic way to encourage new social relationships around a common purpose.”
Gary is very enthusiastic about this new stage in his life. “I am very excited to be a member of the Legend Marching Band. Being able to keep doing something I am truly passionate about and to have new experiences is very exciting. I have wanted to attend IUP since my sister started there in 2020.
I have been in band since the 4th grade when I started with the trombone. I love the excitement of marching band as well as performing in Concert Band. I have been a member of the Marching Band since 9th grade. I also went to Honors Band this year.
“I was Bill Austin in this year’s production of Mamma Mia!! I am President of Band, VP of the Theater Club and the Captain of the Varsity Baseball team.”
The baseball team, the 2023 District Nine Class-1A Champion, is currently competing in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (PIAA) State Championship Tournament.
Gary’s mother, Rachel Matus said, “I am so proud of Gary, he is very excited to have this opportunity to keep doing something that he is passionate about. He has really worked hard for this.”
His father, Joe Matus shared, “I am so proud, I have enjoyed going to football games over the years to watch him perform. I get to keep watching! I am so excited for him.”
Congratulations to Gary, his family, Clarion Area School District and IUP!!!! Gary, all the best at IUP!!!! You make us all Clarion Proud!!!! Thank you to all the photographers!!
Some additional photos
Photo by Rachel Matus