“Bernie truly exemplifies the spirit of the Penn Band, and through it, the spirit of the Penn performing arts community. From the first day I was in the band, I noticed his enthusiasm and spiritedness. His presence has made the band a home for me, as his face became one that I knew I would see at every rehearsal and every performance. Even though I was a first-year and he was a junior when I met him, he would still take the time to talk to me and other first-years at events, which helped to welcome us to the organization and the Penn performing arts community. Bernie served as equipment manager and low brass section leader in his time in the band, showing his commitment to the organization through both official leadership and his consistent attendance and enthusiastic presence. His absence will surely be felt next year.”