Gallery • 5 Photos

After a vigorous practice session Caroline Alessi takes a stretch break to renew her tired muscles and get ready to play again.
Photo By Lily Marchan

The Pony Pep band is having an exemplary year with many dedicated students and an abundance of school spirit. The group began late August, spending about two hours daily to learn more than 40 songs, building their library to offer a wide variety of songs to play. As the school year started and performance season began, these practices lessen to one day a week for two hours.

“It’s so fun to go play at the games. Even if our faces freeze off it’s worth it to be able to cheer our team and be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” junior Julia Kobilka said, a trumpet player in the band. The majority of their performances include home football and hockey games. Sometimes they also attend sectional games to cheer the team on.

The average October football game performance consists of a tailgating party and then the students gear up to prepare themselves to play their instruments for nearly two hours, often in rather cold temperatures. To combat the chilly fall weather the pep band must take extra measures. They opt for plastic mouthpieces as opposed to metal and all the members carry a spare pair of gloves. The time and energy these students put into their performances really shows their dedication to the school and their peers on the field. Their dedication brings a fun atmosphere and generates a feeling of pride towards the school team.

Trombonist and senior Max Ylitalo said, “The songs we play are really cool. They’re tunes everyone knows and can sing along to.”

The repertoire used by the Pep band is completely chosen by the students with secondary approval by director and band teacher Dennis Lindsay. Using a brainstorming process, students name their favorite pop songs to be added to a list. After receiving their music, the students then spend no longer than a half an hour learning the piece to keep up with the rigorous rehearsal schedule. Student selection of music allows for a more authentic feel.

“We really try to go for catchy songs that were or are extremely popular,” Ylitalo said, regarding the types of music they like to select. The popular songs are more likely to be recognized by their audience, allowing the band to become interactive with the spectators and players on the field.

Percussionist and junior Maggie O’Reilly said, “I’m so glad I joined. I was a little afraid at first but agreed to join after my friend kept bugging me to join. After the first practice I knew I had to come back. They made me feel at home and were really patient and encouraging as I learned the songs with them. I can honestly say some of my very best friends I have I met during pep band.” This ‘family-like’ feel within the group has welcomed pep band veterans and new faces to the group.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join pep band. The light and comfortable ambiance within the group it makes it easy for everyone to join regardless of musical experience. The band is always looking for more students to get involved and members are encouraged to invite other friends who may be interested.

Pep band has become an essential part to the sports programs. It adds a nostalgic element that students, players, and families will remember for the rest of their lives.