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Division III football (Post Patterns) => General football => Topic started by: AUPepBand on May 07, 2006, 10:38:07 PM

Title: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 07, 2006, 10:38:07 PM
While "canned music" (broadcast over the PA system) is used during pre-game drills at many D3 football stadiums, which I guess is okay because often the players are the only ones in the stadium at that time....I find "canned music" over the PA system during halftime and/or games can be offensive.

This Offenburger column from 2001 advocates bringing back the marching band/pep band rather than broadcast offensive music. Or, if you're gonna play a CD, play some college football fight songs. My son's XBox Final Four game has some great pep band music that I wouldn't mind listening to at a game--but it will never be as good as a live pep band!

http://www.offenburger.com/lspaper.asp?link=20011104

The Alfred University Pep Band was begun (first year as a kazoo band) to bring back the Saxon fight song, generate some school spirit and, quite honestly, to counteract the Ithaca College Pep Band's biennial invasion of Merrill Field.

I say real colleges have football teams, fight songs.....AND PEP BANDS! What do you say?



Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 07, 2006, 10:41:50 PM
Oh boy, here come the Linfield fans.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on May 07, 2006, 10:51:35 PM
I was shocked in the last year or two to hear canned music in Ohio Stadium, home of TBDBITL
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on May 07, 2006, 11:16:17 PM
McMurry is now marching about 60-65, up from 30 a few years ago.

The Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band is marching about 50.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 07, 2006, 11:16:53 PM
CWRU,
You're saying Ohio State has "The Best Darn Band In The Land"? (Acronyms are sometimes fuzzy for me).
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on May 08, 2006, 12:02:25 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on May 07, 2006, 11:16:53 PM
CWRU,
You're saying Ohio State has "The Best Darn Band In The Land"? (Acronyms are sometimes fuzzy for me).

In the 1950's and 1960's, Southern Methodist University Mustang Band called itself "The Best Dressed Band in the Land" with their 31 combinations of uniforms.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on May 08, 2006, 12:52:35 AM
cwru: In the Big Ten at least Michigan, MSU and Purdue could legitimately dispute Ohio State's TBDBITL claim - not to mention FAMU and several colleges in the SEC, Big 12, SWAC and MEAC.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: cawcdad on May 08, 2006, 09:13:11 AM
I thought Grambling had TBDBITL. They came out to play San Jose State one year and it was the biggest crowd SJSU had had in a while. Almost half of whom left after halftime.  ;D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Knightstalker on May 08, 2006, 09:28:58 AM
I don't know about Grambling, I think Southern might have something to say about who is the BDBITL.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: matblake on May 08, 2006, 10:33:04 AM
Considering how coordinated I am, I think any band that can march and play at the same time is considered BDBITL.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Gray Fox on May 08, 2006, 11:55:09 AM
USC has the MABITL, most annoying band in the land. 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: jdean on May 08, 2006, 01:16:34 PM
How about the best band to go on the field of play before the final play is whistled dead?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: reality check on May 08, 2006, 02:31:32 PM
jdean

Ah yes, I believe it was a tuba player that threw the block which gave Cal the win.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: cawcdad on May 08, 2006, 02:35:38 PM
Quote from: jdean on May 08, 2006, 01:16:34 PM
How about the best band to go on the field of play before the final play is whistled dead?
That would the same band that is most likely to get suspended / reprimanded for insulting an entire state and religion. ::)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on May 08, 2006, 03:16:37 PM
Pep bands are far, far superior, but unfortunately not all schools (a) want a pep band, (b) have students who want to be in a pep band, (c) a pep band tradition to uphold, or (d) some combo of all three.  Back in the day at my alma mater the students put together a pep band that played at all the home FB and BB games.  We found the 50-60s era blazers and wore 'em at the games, too.  It was great fun.   The not-so-great BB team didn't lose a game we played at the entire season. 

The next year, the administration directed the septugenarian band director to take over.  They lasted one FB game before expiring due to lack of interest. 

I salute the ASC schools who have actual marching bands and the SCAC schools that have real pep bands (including especially DPU and Rose-Hulman, sadly we're losing RHIT). 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on May 08, 2006, 04:02:31 PM
Picture your stereotypical band geek.... now picture a band geek at a school full of dorks.

RPI Pep Band (http://pepband.union.rpi.edu/index.html)

I had to look this up. They have a pretty extensive web site. They were fun to watch during football games when you werent on the field.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 08, 2006, 04:55:05 PM
You might want to see if they can do something about the URL of that page:

http://pepband.union.rpi.edu/index.html
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on May 08, 2006, 10:04:03 PM
Google TBDBITL and see what you get...ok it's self proclaimed.  But the band is unique in being patterned after a British brass band.  That's all brass and percussion.  And it's all band, no flag squads, etc.  Only one drum major.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on May 09, 2006, 08:34:02 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 08, 2006, 04:55:05 PM
You might want to see if they can do something about the URL of that page:

http://pepband.union.rpi.edu/index.html

yeah, all clubs are run through the student union. the word should be banned from campus.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 09, 2006, 02:18:10 PM
Quote from: enginegro on May 09, 2006, 08:34:02 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 08, 2006, 04:55:05 PM
You might want to see if they can do something about the URL of that page:

http://pepband.union.rpi.edu/index.html

yeah, all clubs are run through the student union. the word should be banned from campus.

Gee, and I thought that link indicated that perhaps there was a merger study underway......Union Rensselaer Polytechnic College (URPC)??
URPC Pep Band....the Sound of the Dutch Engineers!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Josh Bowerman on May 11, 2006, 10:14:50 AM
Quote from: Ron Boerger (BfB) on May 08, 2006, 03:16:37 PM
We found the 50-60s era blazers and wore 'em at the games, too.  It was great fun.   

Wait a minute, Ron.  Weren't you in college in the 50s or 60s?   ;) 8)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 11, 2006, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: enginegro on May 08, 2006, 04:02:31 PM
Picture your stereotypical band geek.... now picture a band geek at a school full of dorks.

RPI Pep Band (http://pepband.union.rpi.edu/index.html)

I had to look this up. They have a pretty extensive web site. They were fun to watch during football games when you werent on the field.

Looks like the RPI Pep Band is legit. Heard good things about their play at the ECACs Fisher game. Actually, someone from Fisher posted that the RPI pep band was the best they'd seen/heard, which, considering the fact that AU's Pep Band was at Growney only a week earlier, well, I guess the RPI band is better than ours. (Perhaps Fisher fans were still hurting from their 13-7 defeat at the hands of the Saxons....and seeing their QB powerbombed by Brenton Brady).

AU Pep Band is not known for its orchestral qualities. We do take pride, however, in our knack for keeping in sync with the action on the field. We've been told that our lame attempt at the "Hawaii Five-O" theme song (Coach Murray's favorite) sounded more like Hawaii Three-O.

But the music from our band is far better than the canned....


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: gordonmann on May 12, 2006, 11:38:42 AM
I haven't seen too many pep bands at football games, but the most entertaining was either Williams' or Amherst's during the late 90s which was comprised of no more than 5 people including a triangle player.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Knightstalker on May 13, 2006, 08:55:58 AM
There was always NJCU's reluctent pep band.  Every year they were coerced into playing at homecoming, barring monsoon.  The grades of the symphony of winds and percussion were held hostage by Mr. C.  He did the same thing to us for graduation.  Many of us had to give up good paying gigs for these events.  We were given the stock pep band music folders with all the fight songs and Sousa marches, we would play some but then would somehow wander off into a blues or jazz jam, or sometimes improvisation on fight songs, nothing like turning On Wisconsin or the Notre Dame fight song into swing numbers.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 14, 2006, 09:20:59 PM
While in NYC, AUPepBand attended a Brown football game at Columbia. Both Ivy League schools had pep bands, so it was an opportunity to observe what others do. The Columbia "band" was literally a joke, as I remember.  Less than a dozen absurdly dressed comedians.

The Brown band, however, was something else. My father-in-law had attended Brown. He used to boast that he'd dropped out of one of the nation's finest institutions of higher learning! When Brown scored a TD, the band played through its fight song, then turned around and sang it with the fans, then played it again, then followed with some antics where a few members did pushups while the band counted them out to the total points scored. The celebration continued through the kickoff and three or four plays into the next series of plays!

I later learned that my trombone player was good friends with the Brown band director and had attended his band camp. Which reminds me of this one time at band camp....


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Knightstalker on May 15, 2006, 09:20:18 AM
We don't want to know where your flute has been.  But this one time in a third floor practice room...
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on May 15, 2006, 10:03:50 AM
A few years ago at the DIII Final Four in Salem I encountered John Carroll's pep band. It had a large number of instruments (I estimate about 30-35) and was extremely proficient (in today's argot "hot"). Additionally its theme song seemed to be "Because", made popular many years ago by Clevelander Frankie Yankovic as a polka - and that struck a responsive chord in me.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 17, 2006, 07:47:53 AM
Quote from: knightstalker on May 15, 2006, 09:20:18 AM
We don't want to know where your flute has been.  But this one time in a third floor practice room...
Can't imagine there are too many "band camp" stories out there....most posters were probably in the locker room during the halftime show.

AUPepBand may get a boost this fall with a couple of drummers who performed a drum duet during the "Alfies" program (I supervise both of them as student library assistants--we never let them drum in the library) and who were planning to start a new campus club called "Percussive." AUPepBand, I believe, has persuaded said drummers to function as a part of AUPepBand and, perhaps, perform halftime beatings.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: matblake on May 17, 2006, 10:38:23 AM
Quote from: frank uible on May 15, 2006, 10:03:50 AM
A few years ago at the DIII Final Four in Salem I encountered John Carroll's pep band. It had a large number of instruments (I estimate about 30-35) and was extremely proficient (in today's argot "hot"). Additionally its theme song seemed to be "Because", made popular many years ago by Clevelander Frankie Yankovic as a polka - and that struck a responsive chord in me.

Contrary to popular belief, "Polka King" Frankie Yankovic is not "Weird" Al Yankovic's father.  Info is about 3/4 of the way down the page. http://www.weirdal.com/faq.htm
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on May 17, 2006, 02:05:06 PM
We current or once-upon-a-time Clevelanders are not confused about the Yankovics nor, I suspect, were or are members of the pep band at John Carroll, located in University Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on May 17, 2006, 08:44:00 PM
Don't forget Gene Carroll.  When I was in school you had to stake out a seat in the TV room during "Gene Carroll's Polka Varieties" to get a seat to watch the Brown's game.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: D O.C. on May 25, 2006, 12:17:15 PM
You see?
QuoteA kinder,gentler, more subdued WILDCAT NATION.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 26, 2006, 09:19:23 AM
So back to the topic....AUPepBand to date has been having a very good recruiting season...adding two or three drummers on which to build a legitimate percussion section. Of course, on the D3 level, nothing's for sure 'til opening day...although deposits are a good indicator. And I've heard that our outstanding 4'8" 13-year-old cornet player, who doubles on drums and guitar (the only thing his mother says he can't play is the clothes hamper--can't seem to pick that up...and put it in), could bring a bandmate or two to join the fun.

The Performing Arts Division Chair reports that she has a very talented, ambitious trombone player that was awarded a talent scholarship...perhaps we have someone to fill the shoes of our beloved AU grad and PepBandGeekExtraordinaire Andrew Schwartz. Quite honestly, I don't think there's another person on earth that could fit into those shoes.

In good times and in adversity, AUPepBand will be there rooting for the Saxon Warriors and attempting to give the Saxons the homefield advantage at Merrill Field. Four of five home games are against 2005 post-season playoff contenders, three of them NCAA qualifiers (Thiel, Hobart, Ithaca). Yikes...

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on June 21, 2006, 09:50:06 PM
Is a "talent scholarship" contrary to d3 values?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Pat Coleman on June 22, 2006, 12:09:05 AM
Quote from: cwru70 on June 21, 2006, 09:50:06 PM
Is a "talent scholarship" contrary to d3 values?

For sports, I would say so.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Flea on June 22, 2006, 12:40:19 AM
Quote from: cwru70 on June 21, 2006, 09:50:06 PM
Is a "talent scholarship" contrary to d3 values?

It's (cash) fine for anything non-athletic, like golf.  You've got to have the live musicians.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on June 22, 2006, 01:45:29 AM
It's my understanding that auditions are held by the Performing Arts Division so that prospective students actually compete for a "scholarship" or "financial aid award." Since we don't have a music major, per se, it's one way of boosting our musical groups. I guess it would be considered an academic scholarship as there are music classes for which students attain credits.
Keeping my fingers crossed that we get the trombone we need!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on June 22, 2006, 08:01:48 PM
I should have added a winky smiley to that post.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on June 27, 2006, 10:32:14 AM
No worries, cwru70...

Back to the topic...I only wish CWRU had its marching band at the Alfred game in 2005. I'd have enjoyed seeing them, but they can't be as crazy as AU Pep Band, that drives four hours in the rain only to sit in the rain for three hours and then throw themselves into the "dry cycle" of my 1992 Grand Caravan that serves as a dryer blasting heat throughout the four-hour drizzly ride home.

AU Pep Band
"the soggy sound of the Saxons"

Grove City has one of the best marching bands I've seen....but they don't utilize the talent through game-time. Guess there's a big difference between a "pep band" and a "marching band," although I think the DI college bands do both.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 19, 2006, 05:28:02 PM
I'm wondering how many D3 football schools have pep bands? Perhaps an informal survey of the conferences would get a ballpark figure. I've heard about RPI's band. Would love to see them in action.

In the E8, there are bands at Ithaca and AU. Hartwick at one time had a band, if I remember correctly. I didn't travel to Norwich in '05 but saw a silent game tape and it looked like a good size Cadet band....in the visitors' stands(?)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Bushop on July 19, 2006, 06:06:29 PM
Quote from: cwru70 on June 21, 2006, 09:50:06 PM
Is a "talent scholarship" contrary to d3 values?

I would love to see a band full of scholarship musicians pounding out the tunes at all D3 sportng events.  Let's get the band directors recruiting like coaches.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 19, 2006, 09:51:13 PM
While offering talent scholarships to boost the band might be nice, I guess I'm content with our "walk-on" policy. We have a 13-year-old trumpet player, an adventurous octogenarian widow who played kazoo with the band one Saturday (who has already asked if she can play at a game again this season) and a 50-year-old leader who plays nothing but kazoo and bass drum and can't direct his way out of a paper bag.

Heard just prior to a late season home game:
Coach Murray: "Hey, the pep band's here!"
AUPepBand: "Yes, we're here with our 12-year-old trumpet player and a 15-year-old bass clarinet..."
Coach Murray: "And you probably picked up some homeless people."
AUPepBand: "Sure, they're playing for their next meal."

There's plenty of "uniforms" (i.e. tee-shirts) just waiting to be worn by polished musicians...and homeless folks.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on July 19, 2006, 10:46:49 PM
Now THAT'S a pep band!  For a marching band, I'll take music majors (and talented others), thank you.  But for a pep band, give me enthusiasm over 'talent' any day! ;D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: joepieters on July 25, 2006, 09:12:19 PM
At Wabash through the eighties the President of the school, the late great  Lew Salter, played the snare drum in the pep band.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on July 26, 2006, 11:06:56 AM
Quote from: Joe Wally on July 25, 2006, 09:12:19 PM
At Wabash through the eighties the President of the school, the late great Lew Salter, played the snare drum in the pep band.

Your school president goes to the football games? RPI's only shows up if we make the playoffs... frontrunner.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rpi.edu%2Fdept%2FNewsComm%2Fsub%2Ffootball03%2Fimage%2Fithaca-rpi-13.jpg&hash=19c5c1d8af57169f3265f88fbcd495c6e10d2011) (http://www.rpi.edu/dept/NewsComm/sub/football03/image/ithaca-rpi-13.jpg)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: joepieters on July 26, 2006, 12:05:33 PM
Our school president would likely be looking for a job if he didn't show up for every home game.

Do any of the Wallies on the board know whether Sheldon W. ever cast a shadow at Little Giant Stadium?  I suspect not.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 26, 2006, 02:30:00 PM
Quote from: Joe Wally on July 25, 2006, 09:12:19 PM
At Wabash through the eighties the President of the school, the late great  Lew Salter, played the snare drum in the pep band.

I should ask Charley if he'd like to bang on the bass drum or hum along on a kazoo this year.

At Merrill Field, one side of the press box's second tier is the presidential suite. AU president invites guests of honor to watch the game with him there. I was torn one Saterday early in Charley's administration as he invited me to his home for lunch (along with several others), then to watch the game from the President's Box. As it turned out, I was pulled downstairs from the glass-enclosed presidential suite to do color commentary for the radio broadcast with WLEA's Bob Codispoti (AU '67), the radio voice of the Saxons, an AU football star and my 7th grade social studies teacher! I've also substituted for longtime public address announcer Bill LaCourse, who inherited that particular job from my grandfather, Fred "Well Hello There!" Palmer.

Having said all that, my preference is to watch the Saxons with the band. Nothing else compares.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 09, 2006, 12:00:20 AM
Will AUPepBand pull off "Bang on the Drum All Day" in their season debut at Merrill Field tomorrow? Only time will tell....sure hope the band is in bed at a decent hour.

Watch for AUPepBand to "release the secret weapon" Homecoming Weekend...Sept. 30 at Merrill Field. Everyone must have it. Could be a campus craze.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on September 09, 2006, 12:09:21 PM
AUPB, if you go to the CWRU site, the Oberlin broadcasat is achived and you can hear the band during the pre-game.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 10, 2006, 01:00:58 AM
CWRU70:
Thanks....always enjoy a good band. Another good win for Case...congrats!
AUPepBand had a decent effort today with about 15 tooting their horns/banging on their drums. Had numerous positive comments from parents/fans...have a great bunch of kids this year. AU does not have a music major but has multi-talented students that comprise the band. And if we can muster at least a five-piece ensemble, we take our show on the road.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on September 10, 2006, 09:47:37 PM
'gro was at the tennessee/air force game this weekend and the pride of the southland band played 'rocky top' at least 15 times over the course of the game. its a great college fight song... in moderation.  Of course, nothing beats a little 'hail, dear old rensselaer" on saturday afternoons.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 10, 2006, 10:13:14 PM
Partial to "On Saxon Warriors" here on Saturday afternoons.
Building on tradition, AUPepBand plays fight song upon a Saxon score, then sings it through during PAT attempt, then plays it again. As much as AUPepBand loves it, must admit it grows old during a Saxon Stomp (i.e. AU 63, Maine Maritime 20).
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on September 11, 2006, 04:10:52 PM
they play rocky top after big plays, some 1st downs, turnovers, scores... any chance they get. IMO it waters down the crowd energy.

as a player, hearing our fight song meant three things
1. we just scored (duh)
2. kickoff team huddle up aka "sickoff in the box"
3. starting defense (those not on KO) button up
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: roaminump on September 11, 2006, 07:33:29 PM
Quote from: enginegro on July 26, 2006, 11:06:56 AM
Your school president goes to the football games? RPI's only shows up if we make the playoffs... frontrunner.

Actually, she's usually in the press box for home games - not necessarily for the whole game, but definitely at most of the games.

And the RPI Pep Band is, in fact, awesome. Not always the most muscially talented, but they play the Looney Tunes theme when the opponents take the field, they randomly launch into the Zelda theme, and I still get tingly when they strike up "Hail" (otherwise known by it's first lyric, "blah blah blah Rensselaer").
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 24, 2006, 07:06:32 PM
Paul Quinn had their pep band out for the Howard Payne Game.

They had 7 drums, 2 bass horns, and 7 other brass pieces.  They made a big sound in the Dallas Independent School District bowl-style stadium where they play.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 24, 2006, 07:55:09 PM
Apropos of nothing, I noticed this weekend that Huntingdon offered half-tuition grants to students who wanted to be in their new marching band ... but only to new students.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 24, 2006, 08:58:12 PM
AU Pep Band made the six-hour trip from Alfred to Springfield to support the Saxons; left Alfred at 5:30 a.m., returning at 10 p.m. A trumpet, euphonium, trombone, bass drum and kazoo comprised the modest ensemble. AU's sousaphone player was there but didn't pack the mouthpiece so he filled in on kazoo. Pep Band thanks AU fans for supporting the band by purchasing the purple "AU Pep Bandanas"....more coming for Homecoming!

Springfield fans following the game: "You definitely had the best band here today!"
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 12, 2006, 10:11:14 AM
A four-piece AU Pep Band made the trip to Oneonta for AU's 41-21 win over Hartwick at the wick's Homecoming. Canned music at newly dedicated "Wright Stadium".

Two trumpets, a trombone and a bass drum...played the fight song many times, but sometimes were interrupted by the canned music. But if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! AUPepBand, playing the bass drum, was ecstatic when the Wright Stadium DJ spun "Bang the Drum All Day"....AUPepBand seen banging the bass drum and singing along. AUPepBand....sans dignity. Surely an embarassment to his children. No wonder they stayed home.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 12, 2006, 10:41:01 AM
Abilene Reporter-News feature article on the Howard Payne University Band Centennial 1906-2006 (http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_ed_coll_univ/article/0,1874,ABIL_7950_5041064,00.html)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on October 12, 2006, 07:25:11 PM
AUPB, while I understand that song's infectiousness (and its appeal to the tympanist), it is decidedly not PC.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 13, 2006, 09:46:57 AM
I've been known to change lyrics to my liking. Are these lyrics PC?

"I don't want to work,
I just want to post on PP all day."

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickerdad on October 25, 2006, 03:56:57 PM
I think all schools should use either pep bands or get a local high school band to come in and play. Some of this pre game crap they play is terrible.
You can't understand it, it gives you a headache and it is just lousy football
music.

They should be playing more sport music, fight songs, etc. Averett
got a band to do half time this year from Bluestone High School out
of Skipwith, Virginia and they were great. Not a sour note and great music.

Averett still does the crappy music pre-game. I think I will make them
a new CD to play.  But being I am old fashion they will probably put it
in the trash.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 06:12:32 PM
What are NCAA regulations pertaining to playing of an instrument (drum) while leading cheers during a QB cadence? DEFENSE! beat beat, DEFENSE! beat beat, etc.

If prohibited, does said NCAA regulation also pertain to use of cowbells to make noise during opposing QB's cadence?

During a recent game, AUPepBand was instructed by an AU grad assistant to stop beating the drum during QB cadence or AU would be assessed a 5-yard penalty. Don't recall it being an issue before then.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: theoriginalupstate on November 06, 2006, 07:07:52 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 06:12:32 PM
What are NCAA regulations pertaining to playing of an instrument (drum) while leading cheers during a QB cadence? DEFENSE! beat beat, DEFENSE! beat beat, etc.

If prohibited, does said NCAA regulation also pertain to use of cowbells to make noise during opposing QB's cadence?

During a recent game, AUPepBand was instructed by an AU grad assistant to stop beating the drum during QB cadence or AU would be assessed a 5-yard penalty. Don't recall it being an issue before then.



I dont know Pep, i just quickly skimmed 253 pages of NCAA rules and didnt see anything of the sort....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on November 06, 2006, 07:15:52 PM
IMHO bands should stop playing when the O comes to the line.  (I've notice the Ohio Wesleyan pep band playing even when their team's O was at the line).  If there is a rule that applies,  it's probably the same one for crowd noise.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: cwru70 on November 06, 2006, 07:15:52 PM
IMHO bands should stop playing when the O comes to the line.  (I've notice the Ohio Wesleyan pep band playing even when their team's O was at the line).  If there is a rule that applies,  it's probably the same one for crowd noise.

AU Pep Band NEVER plays MUSIC once an offensive unit comes to the line. Even if in the middle of a song (i.e. started late during time out), the band stops. However, all season, AUPepBand has used drum to accompany "Defense!" chants without any complaints; then in recent game, officials told AU sideline that we couldn't use drum during opposing team's cadence. Seems petty.

A few years ago, AU Pep Band was addressed BEFORE the game by an official who stated that the band was NOT to play once the opponent (same opponent as this year's incident) has gone to the line of scrimmage. AU would be given one warning....a second occurrence would result in a 5-yard penalty.

Just wondering whether that's an NCAA regulation. Guess I'll do a little research.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: pg04 on November 06, 2006, 08:25:16 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: cwru70 on November 06, 2006, 07:15:52 PM
IMHO bands should stop playing when the O comes to the line.  (I've notice the Ohio Wesleyan pep band playing even when their team's O was at the line).  If there is a rule that applies,  it's probably the same one for crowd noise.

AU Pep Band NEVER plays MUSIC once an offensive unit comes to the line. Even if in the middle of a song (i.e. started late during time out), the band stops. However, all season, AUPepBand has used drum to accompany "Defense!" chants without any complaints; then in recent game, officials told AU sideline that we couldn't use drum during opposing team's cadence. Seems petty.

A few years ago, AU Pep Band was addressed BEFORE the game by an official who stated that the band was NOT to play once the opponent (same opponent as this year's incident) has gone to the line of scrimmage. AU would be given one warning....a second occurrence would result in a 5-yard penalty.

Just wondering whether that's an NCAA regulation. Guess I'll do a little research.


Hmmm... I wonder which opponent it is, I wonder.....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 08:55:18 PM
It wasn't Ithaca.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 06, 2006, 11:17:16 PM
Alright, after some research, AUPepBand has discovered that the NCAA Football Rules Committee in February 2006 voted to eliminate Rule 3-3-3-f-4 regarding crowd noise.

Rule 3-3-3-f-4, Referee's Discretionary Timeout
Change: To delete the rule relating to excessive crowd noise.

Rationale: This rule is rarely used in the game currently, as most teams use hand signals to communicate. Additionally, this rule is largely unenforceable.


The NCAA Division III Football Playoff Handbook, however, states that:

Appendix H...15. Proper crowd control must be in place at all times. Security for the visiting team is a priority. Artificial noisemakers are not allowed....17.Band shall not be allowed to play after the ball has been declared ready for play by the referee.

Likewise, the ECAC D3 Bowl Games prohibit artificial noisemakers:

Artificial noisemakers, air horns and electronic amplifiers shall not be permitted, and such instruments shall be removed from the playing field and spectator areas. Bands or any component thereof, shall not play while the game is in progress. The tournament manager shall be responsible for enforcing these provisions.

These refer, respectively, to NCAA and ECAC post-season contests. However, during NCAA regular season contests, it's my understanding from the elimination of Rule 3-3-3-f-4, artificial noisemakers, drums, etc. are not prohibited.

AUPepBand asks that he be corrected if he is in error here.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: TigerDad on November 07, 2006, 07:11:53 AM
Last Saturday at the Sewanee @ Trinity (TX) game, the Alamo City Marching Band was in attendance.  The 50-or-so-piece marching band is made up of San Antonio community members of all adult ages ("18 to 75") who enjoy playing in the marching band. Instead of "canned music", the Trinity PA announcer invited the band to play before & during the game ... and also at halftime.

Out of respect for the players and coaches on the field, the band director always stopped the band in mid-song when either team came to the line of scrimmage.

IT WAS TERRIFIC!  Many parents and fans commented how great it was to have a "real band" and how much it contributed to the atmosphere of the game.

Thanks to The Alamo City Marching Band (http://www.alamocityband.org/ (http://www.alamocityband.org/)) for their high-spirited performance on behalf of the Trinity Tigers.

TWO BIG THUMBS UP.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on November 07, 2006, 10:22:48 AM
The custom in much of DIA is to have the home team band play after the game with (if the home team won) their headgear on backwards.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: 'gro on November 07, 2006, 04:07:19 PM
canned music for pregame, pep band for in-game... that is unless the band knows some wu-tang.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on November 07, 2006, 04:37:14 PM
Quote from: TigerDad on November 07, 2006, 07:11:53 AM
Last Saturday at the Sewanee @ Trinity (TX) game, the Alamo City Marching Band was in attendance. 

As a community band/orchestra (http://boerger.org/c-m) musician and Trinity alumnus, I wonder why TU can't have its own marching band.  Many smaller ASC schools do, after all.   Anyone there who would say money or numbers is a concern should get their head examined.  A school of 3000 kids should be able to support a decent band!!

Kudos to the ACMB for filling in, but geez. 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 07, 2006, 11:02:50 PM
Quote from: Ron Boerger (BfB) on November 07, 2006, 04:37:14 PM
Quote from: TigerDad on November 07, 2006, 07:11:53 AM
Last Saturday at the Sewanee @ Trinity (TX) game, the Alamo City Marching Band was in attendance. 

As a community band/orchestra (http://boerger.org/c-m) musician and Trinity alumnus, I wonder why TU can't have its own marching band.  Many smaller ASC schools do, after all.   Anyone there who would say money or numbers is a concern should get their head examined.  A school of 3000 kids should be able to support a decent band!!

Kudos to the ACMB for filling in, but geez. 

AU brought in high school marching bands to the tune of $200-$250 a game for halftime performances. Once AU Pep Band was officially started in 2001, playing DURING the games but not performing at halftime, AU discontinued paying high school bands.

Grove City College has an outstanding marching band that plays both prior to and during halftime of their home games. Must cost the college big money to outfit the band that probably numbers 150. But the band did not have any impact on the game as it did not raise an instrument during the game.

AU Pep Band functions on a shoe string budget. Actually is a student-operated club but with the endorsement and some suport of the Performing Arts Division (which purchases some music, loans instruments, etc.) Band uniform is nothing more than kids wearing jeans with a $5 t-shirt with band's logo on front stating "AU Pep Band...Sound of the Saxons" and "Got Spirit?" on the back. It can be done cheaply. But someone needs to make connections with prospective members. Helps to find an instrumentalist with a football fetish.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Tuxguy on November 20, 2006, 04:43:55 PM

Linfield pep band update......
The revival of the Linfield pep band was a huge success this year. They won over many hearts with nice crisp clean tunes. The young Lady behind it all was Abby, a student conductor. Great job Abby.  ;D

The last game of the year was at Lewis and Clark in Portland. They have just brought back football after only playing 4 games last year. No pep band, but they did bring in a High School from the area to play. Great idea, and was fun for the kids I'm sure.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 20, 2006, 08:13:23 PM
Glad to hear of Linfield's pep band revival...and that it was well received. It really takes a student leader to make it happen. Sounds like you found her.

While AUPepBand serves as a facilitator (sending weekly e-mail about coming game, ordering shirts, etc.), it really takes student leaders to make it fly. AU Pep Band has been blessed with some outstanding student leadership over the past five years....kids that are sold on AU football and sold on having fun at games.

Without a music major at AU, it seems engineering majors have kept the band going. Engineering students who play instruments are good candidates for pep band because they like to play but may not want the time commitment required by other instrumental groups. AU Pep Band builds a repertoire of easy, fun, upbeat tunes with which folks can groove. If the band can't make it sound good, it's not used.

AUPepBand had a great year, playing at 9 of 11 Saxon games, with participation ranging from 3 (believe it or not) to 15 band members. But AU's 40-34 OT win over the University of Rochester in the ECAC Northwest Championship was a memorable finish to a fine season.

Any other pep bands out there in D3 football land?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: cawcdad on November 20, 2006, 09:15:02 PM
Quote from: Tuxguy on November 20, 2006, 04:43:55 PMThe last game of the year was at Lewis and Clark in Portland. They have just brought back football after only playing 4 games last year. No pep band, but they did bring in a High School from the area to play. Great idea, and was fun for the kids I'm sure.
And that high school band sounded really good. But their bus driver, well. . . .  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 20, 2006, 10:00:44 PM
What was the deal with the bus driver? ...did he have gas? ...tooting out of tune?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on November 20, 2006, 11:26:00 PM
UMHB had about 40 members marching on Saturday!

They had a good drum line!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Toby Taff on November 21, 2006, 12:48:59 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 20, 2006, 11:26:00 PM
UMHB had about 40 members marching on Saturday!

They had a good drum line!

They need more low brass, but thats the opinion of an old fat tuba player. 8)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: gordonmann on November 21, 2006, 01:16:11 AM
I was very impressed by Widener's pep band this year.

They played good versions of songs by the Commodores (Disco), Ozzy Osbourne (heavy metal) and the Basement Jaxx (techno) which is no easy feat.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 21, 2006, 01:28:06 PM
Wow! Impressive. Would love to hear the Widener band. Large group? AU Pep Band plays the easy stuff. We did attempt "Bang the Drum All Day" and "25 or 6 to 4" during Band Camp, but kids never felt confident enough to play it at games.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: HoosierQBScout on December 01, 2006, 08:41:22 PM
AU-PEP BAND----
Good post---real bands (even pep) are much better. Without question.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: WLCALUM83 on December 01, 2006, 10:32:40 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on November 20, 2006, 08:13:23 PM

Any other pep bands out there in D3 football land?

Wisconsin Lutheran College has a pep band that plays for home football games, the "Band of Warriors."  ;)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ScheckDiesel on December 03, 2006, 06:48:11 PM
UW-Whitewater has a 85? member marching band, plus a color guard.  The whole band plays during timeouts and will throw out the occasional "Charge!"
Overall, I prefer canned music during timeouts and breaks in play. 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: MusicHawk on December 11, 2006, 07:53:33 PM
Spent my time at UW-Whitewater in the marching band, who's membership averages around 100+. The marching band performs at all regular season home games and the occasional Packers half-time show. During the playoffs, the marching band turns into a volunteer pep band. Here's some examples of the Warhawk Marching Band in action:

http://academics.uww.edu/cac/music/marchingband/Videos/ThrillerDance.mpg

http://academics.uww.edu/cac/music/marchingband/Videos/MidVoyage.mpg

http://academics.uww.edu/cac/music/marchingband/Videos/tb-lambeau.mpg
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on December 11, 2006, 11:23:05 PM
Wow. UW-Whitewater Marching Band rocks! Outstanding performances! AUPepBand assumes Whitewater offers music major, right?

The AU Pep Band, in stark contrast to UWW's outstanding marching band, is a small group of students/alums who provide in-game cheers and time-out entertainment, numbering from as few as 4 to as many as 15. AUPepBand is told the band makes AU football games a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on January 02, 2007, 12:23:42 AM
Quote from: cawcdad on May 08, 2006, 02:35:38 PM
Quote from: jdean on May 08, 2006, 01:16:34 PM
How about the best band to go on the field of play before the final play is whistled dead?
That would the same band that is most likely to get suspended / reprimanded for insulting an entire state and religion. ::)

UVa.'s pep band did a not-so-nice sendup of West Virginia that drew the attention of the WV governor. He was not pleased.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on January 08, 2007, 08:18:54 PM
I am watching the pre-game festivals of the Ohio State-Florida game.

As a former Double B-Flat Bass player in Prof Bynum's McMurry Indian Band, it was gratifying that the on-field microphone picked up the bass part of the Ohio State fight song.

It was truly an example of "musical excellence", the Ohio part notwithstanding.  ;)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on January 08, 2007, 11:18:03 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 08, 2007, 08:18:54 PM
I am watching the pre-game festivals of the Ohio State-Florida game.

I was watching it and wondering if AUPepBand is watching and enjoying or thinking "D3 can do better!"
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: tmerton on January 10, 2007, 09:49:01 PM
Speaking of tOSU band, after the BCS Championship Bowl they created a new script Ohio which I understand they will use next season.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi133.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq80%2Firishinsf%2Fosubandcrapcz62.jpg&hash=25b054ad0b8937b540ea91b70b0d299b67a131c8)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 10, 2007, 11:07:37 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on January 08, 2007, 11:18:03 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 08, 2007, 08:18:54 PM
I am watching the pre-game festivals of the Ohio State-Florida game.

I was watching it and wondering if AUPepBand is watching and enjoying or thinking "D3 can do better!"

AUPepBand missed said pre-game festivities.  :(

Pep remembers the days when TV coverage of football games included the band's halftime shows.

AU Pep Band's pre-game show is performed in Miller Performing Arts Center's Bandroom, from which one can look down onto Merrill Field. There, the handful of instrumentalists try to determine whether the band can play the National Anthem or opt for a trumpet (or even trombone) solo. Band runs through fight song, cheers, and a few time-out tunes. Then, the band makes its grand entrance down the 98-step "Green Monster" to "The Pit," that is Merrill Field.

In conclusion, perhaps there are some D3 bands (Whitewater, Wooster, Mt. Union, Grove City) that could compete with the big boys, but AU Pep Band is NOT one of them.  ;)

+K for thinking of the Pep!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 10, 2007, 11:17:12 PM
Quote from: tmerton on January 10, 2007, 09:49:01 PM
Speaking of tOSU band, after the BCS Championship Bowl they created a new script Ohio which I understand they will use next season.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi133.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq80%2Firishinsf%2Fosubandcrapcz62.jpg&hash=25b054ad0b8937b540ea91b70b0d299b67a131c8)

Outstanding!

Pep recalls a Reader's Digest quip of a college marching band whose team was hosting Colgate during the halftime show spelling out "Pepsodent." Must have been a big band!

+K for the OSh*t photo
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 21, 2007, 04:01:48 PM
Quote from: Sir Spiedie on January 21, 2007, 09:41:20 AM
For those interested in selecting a school, a great tool I discovered is www.collegeresults.org. You can identify any number of schools and it will generate a data rich comparison chart. Nothing about the quality of pep bands, I'm sorry to say, but maybe next year.
Note to Pat Coleman--- This thing is so good I wish you would consider linking to it.

;) +K for reference to quality of pep bands...perhaps Pep should do some research and formulate a "Top Ten D3 Pepbands" list. First task at hand is to list criteria. Can Pep get some assistance with this?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on January 30, 2007, 12:29:44 AM
You mean like, start paying attention to if there's a pep band and if they're any good when I go to games?

Hey, I love what a band adds to an atmosphere of a football game ... but I can't exactly tell you who all has one.

Bridgewater's is pretty good.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Bill McCabe on January 30, 2007, 08:18:57 AM
Hardin Simmons has a very good band.  They put on a lively performance and are fun to watch.  I wish they would make the trip to Belton when the game is played there.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 30, 2007, 10:34:47 AM
Perhaps you guys, as you solicit information from the SIDs such as schedules, previews, etc., you can also inquire whether their institution has a pep band and/or marching band.

Fact is, there are marching bands and there are pep bands. AUPepBand would classify "marching bands" as "D-I" while the "pep bands" would definitely be "D3". The two are, in most cases, like apples and oranges.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on January 30, 2007, 11:23:12 AM
I know that the pep bands have fun and all that, but it is really that important to have a main thread about this?  Shouldn't it be on www.pepband.com message board?

:)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 30, 2007, 06:06:25 PM
Thanks for trying, but it appears that "Pepband.com" is not a legitimate website, yet. But, you could purchase the domain name for $1,000!

AUPepBand thinks this thread fits very nicely into the D3football.com scheme of things.  ;D


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on January 31, 2007, 01:42:16 AM
I don't have a problem with it being here.

And yes, Whitewater (I think) had a marching band. Bridgewater's is most certainly a pep band.

I think. I know the difference and I bop to the music, but I can't say I watch the bands closely.

Just love a fight song when a TD is scored, etc.

I like night games too, and lots of places in D3 don't have those either.  :'(
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 31, 2007, 01:53:03 AM
+K to K-Mack...

There's nothing that matches striking up a fight song when a football team scores. Celebrate! AUPepBand, while in NYC, attended a Brown-Columbia football game, scouting out the Ivies' bands. Columbia's band was more of a joke, while Brown's band was terrific. There, Pep learned from Brown's band that it's okay to extend one's celebration of your team's score. Thus, AU Pep Band incorporated a play it, sing it, play it again celebration that's becoming tradition at AU. Timing is near perfect for band to be "singing" during the PAT attempt thus not distracting the snap cadence, with the band playing once the kick has gone thru the uprights.

There he goes again....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on January 31, 2007, 07:51:23 AM
Just trying to stir the pot.  Boring in the offseason.  After Sunday, no more meaningful football on TV for a LONG TIME...
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 31, 2007, 09:40:49 AM
Keep stirring, keep it simmering...perhaps Pep can add some pepper to the pot:

AUPepBand paid an unannounced, uninvited visit to Coach Kehres back in August 2006 when Pep was returning to Alfred from a couple days at Cedar Point. Given Coach Kehres' candid comments with Pep, it's Pep's understanding that Mount Union has an outstanding marching band but he'd like to see a bit more pep. Pep concluded that Kehres would prefer a small lively pep band over a large but lackluster marching band.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: janesvilleflash on January 31, 2007, 10:31:00 AM
Whitewater's is a marching band, but once they get in the stands, they become a big and really great pep band. Best of both worlds.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 31, 2007, 11:20:24 AM
It wasn't until just now, looking at the Wisconsin map, that AUPepBand realized how close Whitewater is to Milton, like Alfred, NY, a town with Seventh Day Baptist roots and home of the former Milton College.

Pep spent a week on the Milton College campus on a couple of different occasions back in the early 70s and still has good friends there. In fact, Janesvilleflash, national headquarters for the tiny Seventh Day Baptist denomination is right there in Janesville, WI!!

Unfortunately Milton College closed its doors despite its notoriety as the D3 home of NFL QB Dave Krieg. The SDBs founded three institutions of higher learning...Alfred University in NY, Milton College in WI and Salem College in WV.

As for Whitewater's marching band/pep band....Pep assumes Whitewater has a music major with a ton of talented students?

+k for adding to the simmering pot of pep....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on February 12, 2007, 09:04:37 PM
Quote from: kirasdad on January 31, 2007, 07:51:23 AM
Just trying to stir the pot.  Boring in the offseason.  After Sunday, no more meaningful football on TV for a LONG TIME ...

Good time to do all those home improvement projects, etc.

(hates this time of year)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 12, 2007, 11:28:16 PM
...or read a good book!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on February 13, 2007, 07:11:51 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on February 12, 2007, 11:28:16 PM
...or read a good book!

I tried to pick up "A Sweet Season" at a Borders in OH, but they didn't have a copy.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 13, 2007, 09:26:23 AM
I got a copy using our library's Inter Library Loan service...actually came from the Eklhart, IN Public Library. After reading it and deciding "this one's a keeper," I just recently ordered it online and am getting a used copy for less than a dollar....plus the shipping. Less than $5! And, I'll return the loaned copy today.

Inter Library Loan....bringing a world full of books to your local library!

[size=06pt]This message brought to you by the Herrick Memorial Library at Alfred University.[/size]
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on February 13, 2007, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on February 13, 2007, 09:26:23 AM
I got a copy using our library's Inter Library Loan service...actually came from the Eklhart, IN Public Library. After reading it and deciding "this one's a keeper," I just recently ordered it online and am getting a used copy for less than a dollar....plus the shipping. Less than $5! And, I'll return the loaned copy today.

Inter Library Loan....bringing a world full of books to your local library!

[size=06pt]This message brought to you by the Herrick Memorial Library at Alfred University.[/size]

Did you order it from Amazon?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 13, 2007, 06:25:12 PM
Actually, I googled The Sweet Season and compared online prices...found it online from a NH Bookseller for 98 cents. At present, Half.com has a copy for 75 cents (paperback, I believe). I received an e-mail from the seller indicating it has been shipped.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on February 13, 2007, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on February 13, 2007, 06:25:12 PM
Actually, I googled The Sweet Season and compared online prices...found it online from a NH Bookseller for 98 cents. At present, Half.com has a copy for 75 cents (paperback, I believe). I received an e-mail from the seller indicating it has been shipped.

Thanks, I ended up just ordering it from Amazon.  Got a New Paperback for $6, including shipping.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on February 13, 2007, 09:29:54 PM
You guys are supposed to order it through D3football.com.  >:(

I guess we don't have that link on the front page anymore though, do we?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on February 14, 2007, 07:11:31 AM
K-mack,

I forgot it used to be up there.  Sorry!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: uwwcontra2007 on February 18, 2007, 03:52:55 PM
For those of you who have posted kind words regarding the Whitewater Marching Band, I thank you.  I'm a current member entering my last year as a member of the tuba section.  We also have a Basketball Pep Band that is completely student run (and I'm the director of said band), but that's another board.

As for the topic at hand, I'm a little biased.  Obviously, I'm taking time out of my day to come and see the sports (ok, I'd be there anyway, but this is what most people in these bands think here) and as a band, we want to play.  However, for football especially, there's something to be said for canned music that is played at the right time.  I think that if those guys at Perkins Stadium try to play "Charge" over the PA, it isn't received as well as Mike or Nick (our two outstanding trumpet players) when they do it.  Yes, we play some really good stuff in the stands as a "pep band", and I wish we had more music to play in the stands, but we still have to learn, clean, and perfect the drill and music that we play out on the field because that's what our name says, Warhawk Marching Band.

Sorry to go on a tangent like that, but that's the mind of a music student at athletic games.  We wanna play.  However I still feel that the canned stuff like AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, and music like that is acceptable at a football game.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 18, 2007, 05:58:44 PM
That's alright -- I don't think it's a tangent, very on-topic. :)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 18, 2007, 07:26:45 PM
Quote from: uwwcontra2007 on February 18, 2007, 03:52:55 PM
For those of you who have posted kind words regarding the Whitewater Marching Band, I thank you.  I'm a current member entering my last year as a member of the tuba section.  We also have a Basketball Pep Band that is completely student run (and I'm the director of said band), but that's another board.

As for the topic at hand, I'm a little biased.  Obviously, I'm taking time out of my day to come and see the sports (ok, I'd be there anyway, but this is what most people in these bands think here) and as a band, we want to play.  However, for football especially, there's something to be said for canned music that is played at the right time.  I think that if those guys at Perkins Stadium try to play "Charge" over the PA, it isn't received as well as Mike or Nick (our two outstanding trumpet players) when they do it.  Yes, we play some really good stuff in the stands as a "pep band", and I wish we had more music to play in the stands, but we still have to learn, clean, and perfect the drill and music that we play out on the field because that's what our name says, Warhawk Marching Band.

Sorry to go on a tangent like that, but that's the mind of a music student at athletic games.  We wanna play.  However I still feel that the canned stuff like AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, and music like that is acceptable at a football game.

As originator of this thread, I suggest your post is "right on the money" with the topic and am happy you posted. At Alfred University, we have no music majors. Those involved in the University's bands/choruses participate for their own enjoyment and, while credit is given for participation in the orchestra, concert band and jazz band, AU Pep Band is a student group. We do it for the love of the game.

I am a library assistant at the University but a lifelong fan of Alfred football. As such, I saw a void at games without a pep band, and for many years before my University employment suggested that a band be formed. When I began to work at AU, I got it started with a five-man kazoo band that has evolved into a fun little ensemble of sousaphone, trumpets, trombones, piccolo, drums, occasionally a horn, sax, clarinet....whatever we can muster.

While the AU Pep Band is not a large highly-organized group, it plays what it can and, most importantly, is in tune with the play on the field, responding appropriately (in this poster's humble opinion) to AU's first downs, sacks, TDs, outstanding hits, etc. Parents of players, coaches, fans and the players themselves have expressed their appreciation for the band and what it adds to the atmosphere at Saxon football games. I'm sure the same is true with your Whitewater Marching Band. Thanks for posting! +K to you....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: NCC_alum62 on February 19, 2007, 12:41:32 PM
I played in the band in highschool, but my playing career in the trombone section got overshadowed by my playing career on the offensive line.  I love a good pep band. I think it makes the game better.

There is nothing better than stepping onto a football field (college or H.S.) with your pep band playing...it just brings the whole atmosphere of football together in a special way.

North Central College has recently added a pep band called the "Red Noise" and the home crowd has really embraced it.  It makes home games that much more special IMO.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 19, 2007, 05:32:21 PM
Right on! I recently read an article in the Olean Times-Herald about a family that had three sons, each of whom both played in the marching band and played on the football team. In fact, there was a picture of one time when one of the boys played in the marching band at halftime while wearing his football uniform!

At one time, Alfred University had a marching band that wore uniforms supplied by the ROTC program (ROTC was at one time mandatory for all male students). With the demise of the marching band and said ROTC and nothing to replace it, I sometimes say in dismay as Ithaca College brought their pep band to Merrill Field and we at Alfred had nothing with which to answer them.

It started with a dozen kazoos. Now, AU Pep Band plays not only at home games but takes road trips....with Butterfield Stadium at Ithaca a must! In 2005 at Ithaca, the Saxons had a good following and fans joined right in with the band making some noise. Good times!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: NCC_alum62 on February 21, 2007, 11:13:54 AM
The "red noise" no has its own website attached to the college with regular updates...they even have a drumline called the "red thunder" I LOVE IT

http://www.noctrl.edu/x7542.xml
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on March 02, 2007, 12:59:15 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 18, 2007, 05:58:44 PM
That's alright -- I don't think it's a tangent, very on-topic. :)

Agreed
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on March 02, 2007, 01:00:13 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on February 18, 2007, 07:26:45 PM
Those involved in the University's bands/choruses participate for their own enjoyment and, while credit is given for participation in the orchestra, concert band and jazz band, AU Pep Band is a student group. We do it for the love of the game.

Also very fitting, given our overall theme.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on March 20, 2007, 08:31:45 AM
AUPepBand going to College(ville)

After reading Austin Murphy's "The Sweet Season" and hooking up with some Johnnies fans, including JohnnieRed via Post Patterns, Pep plans to make a trek to Collegeville, MN for St. Johns' opener with Marietta on Sept. 1, 2007.

AUPepBand is interested in participating in the Stiftungfestivities and, in general, observing the atmosphere at the D3 program that has led the nation in attendance for many years. Of course, Pep will return to Saxonville with the goal of applying at Merrill Field some of those things he has learned in College(ville).

The band, for starters, in an effort to make connections with Saxon fans, already has plans to run its "warm-up" rehearsals among the tailgaters rather than in Miller Performing Arts Center. Likewise, the band may host its own AU Pep Bandwagon Tailgate.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on April 04, 2007, 07:45:35 PM
AUPepBand attended an activities fair during Purple and Gold Accepted Students Day recently. Pep is happy to report he has recruited an alto sax, another sousaphone, a euphonium and another trumpet. Some good prospects for the band. Pep would like to load up this year in hopes of taking the band to the tailgaters for pre-game jams.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on April 05, 2007, 10:41:31 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on April 04, 2007, 07:45:35 PM
AUPepBand attended an activities fair during Purple and Gold Accepted Students Day recently. Pep is happy to report he has recruited an alto sax, another sousaphone, a euphonium and another trumpet. Some good prospects for the band. Pep would like to load up this year in hopes of taking the band to the tailgaters for pre-game jams.
Pep, does the AUPep Band have a drumline?

Also, a general +1 and "thank-you" for engaging D3fans on this message board concerning a vital part of the D3 college atmosphere! :)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on April 08, 2007, 01:10:30 AM
AUPepBand came close to having a drumline in 2006, but it did not materialize. A couple of seniors who wanted to start a "Percussive" group on campus were coerced into joining AU Pep Band instead with the thought they could play for a much larger audience at Merrill Field at halftime of a football game than they could muster for an individual performance.

While the band enjoyed their drumming for several games, the halftime drum performance never happened as it was difficult for the group to gather sufficient numbers for their rehearsals.

When the drummers were present, it added much to the band. When they were absent, Pep played the bass drum and we usually had someone on snare. One of my Habitatters has vowed he will join the pep band for '07 and will likely take on bass drum or another percussion instrument.

All in all, Pep is hopeful that the 2007 unit will be more of a force than ever before, with all key personnel returning and some good freshman prospects coming in. Go Saxons!

+K right back at you, Ralph Turner! Pep certainly is mindful of the difference even a small pep band can make in creating a memorable D3 football game day experience. AU fans, many parents of players, are supportive of the band and express their appreciation both by word and deed including purchasing our fashionable purple AU Pep Bandanas and adding them to their canines' wardrobes.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on April 15, 2007, 08:50:27 AM
NEWS FLASH....
The AU Pep Band, as a result of yesterday's Purple and Gold Day for Accepted Students at Alfred University, had at least two flutes and a trombone "sign on" to the band. Pep had to leave the activities fair early to try to catch an AU Baseball Club game at Houghton, which was, unfortunately, cancelled due to poor field conditions.

A previous fair generated interest from incoming students who play trumpet, euphonium, tuba and alto sax.

This could be a break-out year for AU Pep Band.....stay tuned!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 30, 2007, 04:42:56 PM
Pep has completed a most successful band recruiting season and is very much looking forward to another promising AU football season. Mind you, the band is still very green but has been working hard in the off-season and has actually worked up a very nice halftime routine that was videotaped during its final spring session. I offer that video for your viewing and listening enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWu-e6B2AJs

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: roocru on June 01, 2007, 01:41:59 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on May 30, 2007, 04:42:56 PM
Pep has completed a most successful band recruiting season and is very much looking forward to another promising AU football season. Mind you, the band is still very green but has been working hard in the off-season and has actually worked up a very nice halftime routine that was videotaped during its final spring session. I offer that video for your viewing and listening enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWu-e6B2AJs



LMAO !!  +1 to AUPepBand  :D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on June 19, 2007, 12:40:05 AM
Quote from: roocru on June 01, 2007, 01:41:59 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on May 30, 2007, 04:42:56 PM
Pep has completed a most successful band recruiting season and is very much looking forward to another promising AU football season. Mind you, the band is still very green but has been working hard in the off-season and has actually worked up a very nice halftime routine that was videotaped during its final spring session. I offer that video for your viewing and listening enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWu-e6B2AJs



LMAO !!  +1 to AUPepBand  :D

I'm dumb.

(clicked on that at work)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Carthage Fan on June 21, 2007, 08:57:45 AM
I am new here and getting in on this one.  For one who graduated as a music major from a now DI school and marched 200+ there is nothing like live music at football games both in the stands and at halftime. 

BTW our upperclassmen were paid to stay in the marching band and we travelled to at least 1 away game each year and any playoff (back then) game if we made it. 

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 12, 2007, 12:36:14 AM
AU's work-study program makes it possible for those eligible for Work-Study to be paid to play in the band at the football games but to date AU Pep Band has not taken advantage of the opportunity. However, it will certainly be mentioned among the band recruits as new students arrive on campus Aug. 23.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: runyr on August 12, 2007, 06:47:19 PM
Mount Union has 110-member marching band.  The band has been part of home game half-time activities for a very long, long time.  Partial scholarships are available for band members.
http://raider.muc.edu/Organizations/Band/
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: BoBo on August 12, 2007, 09:21:09 PM
Any mention of great bands has to include the UW-La Crosse Screamng Eagles.  Going back to their days as the Marching Chiefs, they always seem to put 200+ on the field marching, than serving as the pep band while in the stands.  They were always pretty hot.  Made an annual trip to a Green Bay Packer game and an occasional Viking game I think.  They also seemed to get invited to one of the major bowl game parades every couple years, too.  They have their own university website here www.uwlax.edu/semb (http://www.uwlax.edu/semb)

Even the old Marching Chiefs have their own website, too www.marchingchiefs.org (http://www.marchingchiefs.org)  They are still pretty awesome as an alumni band.  Whenever I get back to La Crosse for Oktoberfest, they bring the house down.

But, when talking of TBDBITL, it could very well begin and end with the University of Wisconsin Marching and Pep bands.  I may be a little bias being originally from Wisconsin, but hard not to consider them in the top 3 in the nation.  See them on their webpage here www.badgerband.com (http://www.badgerband.com).  They are awesome when marching, but they excell as a pep band, especially at basketball or hockey games or for jacking up the fans during pep rallies.  Totally unmatched, in my view.  One of the interesting things I noticed when scanning over the website is that with over 300 members in this band, only 2 are music majors.  Kinda amazing, I think.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Carthage Fan on August 12, 2007, 10:15:38 PM
Quote from: BoBo on August 12, 2007, 09:21:09 PM
But, when talking of TBDBITL, it could very well begin and end with the University of Wisconsin Marching and Pep bands.  I may be a little bias being originally from Wisconsin, but hard not to consider them in the top 3 in the nation.  See them on their webpage here www.badgerband.com (http://www.badgerband.com).  They are awesome when marching, but they excell as a pep band, especially at basketball or hockey games or for jacking up the fans during pep rallies.  Totally unmatched, in my view.  One of the interesting things I noticed when scanning over the website is that with over 300 members in this band, only 2 are music majors.  Kinda amazing, I think.

Normally I would agree with you about the BadgerBand but last time I heard them as they turned company front to the stands I was waiting to get my hair pasted back by the sound.....it was disappointing to say the least.  Maybe it was an off year.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 21, 2007, 10:57:22 PM
Time to strike up the band.....AU Pep Band will be recruiting from among the 600+ freshmen and transfer students at Alfred this weekend, hoping some instrumentalists in the mix.

Are there are any new pep bands being formed anywhere in the D3 Football Family? If so, Pep would like to offer his encouragement.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on August 22, 2007, 04:24:32 AM
Love pep bands - the less formal, the better! The long defunct Dodgers Symphoney is the ideal.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: PA_wesleyfan on August 22, 2007, 04:48:57 PM
The Philadelphia Eagles have a pep band that originated as a group of 4 fans that now plays mid field when the team is about to enter the stadium.... and is recognized as the PEP band and is on tv and radio shows as such..   
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 22, 2007, 07:52:34 PM
Quote from: PA_wesleyfan on August 22, 2007, 04:48:57 PM
The Philadelphia Eagles have a pep band that originated as a group of 4 fans that now plays mid field when the team is about to enter the stadium.... and is recognized as the PEP band and is on tv and radio shows as such..   

Never heard of such a thing in the NFL. Now you've piqued my curiosity...I'll be taking notice when the Eagles are on TV.

While at the Indians-Yankees game recently at Jacobs Field, I was taken in by a three-man band of trumpet, accordian and clarinet that played (mostly oldtimer stuff) prior to the game. They said they were invited to the stadium dedication for a three-day stint and have been playing ever since!

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: PA_wesleyfan on August 22, 2007, 08:33:37 PM
AUPepBand


They play the Eagles fight song as the intro for the post game live show on phily's csn network..
One guy has the ZZ top thing going on.


found their site
http://www.eaglespepband.com/
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on August 22, 2007, 09:23:23 PM
Quote from: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?

How big is "full-sized"?  Five per cent of the student body?

The University of Texas marches about 440, about 1% of the student body.

A partial list bands with a "history" in the ASC includes Hardin-Simmons,  Mary Hardin-Baylor, Mississippi College and McMurry.

Louisiana College is starting a Marching Band (http://www.lacollege.edu/band/index.php).  This site (http://www.tlu.edu/athletics/?newsid=412) suggests that Texas Lutheran inaugurated a band last season.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on August 23, 2007, 01:05:22 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on August 22, 2007, 09:23:23 PMThis site (http://www.tlu.edu/athletics/?newsid=412) suggests that Texas Lutheran inaugurated a band last season.

It's a concert band, not a pep/marching band, and is the second performing group at TLU.   They've had a wind ensemble for some time.  Generally speaking the wind ensemble is the more 'elite' ensemble, typically made up primarily of music majors (but not always).   
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on August 23, 2007, 02:11:48 AM
Quote from: PA_wesleyfan on August 22, 2007, 08:33:37 PM
AUPepBand


They play the Eagles fight song as the intro for the post game live show on phily's csn network..
One guy has the ZZ top thing going on.


found their site
http://www.eaglespepband.com/

Not that I like to further NFL talk here, especially about the Redskins, but they have a funk quartet that dresses up and plays horns & such during timeouts. You might not notice them on TV, but at the games they get a lot of love.

I felt icky just saying nice things about ... that team. Eiww.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 23, 2007, 02:31:31 AM
Quote from: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?


Pep really does not know the answer to that question. Perhaps this site could survey reps of the various conferences to formulate an answer. Pep knows that Grove City College has an outstanding marching band and has heard of Mount Union's marching band. In the Empire 8, Pep believes Norwich fields a band, while Ithaca and Alfred have in-the-stands pep bands. In his visits to Springfield, Hartwick, Utica and Fisher, he has not seen a band of late.

Alfred University for many years in the 1950s and 1960s fielded a full marching band outfitted with ROTC uniforms. Having grown up during that era and n'er missing a game, Pep appreciated the AU fight song and halftime shows which led Pep to start in 1999 a five-man kazoo band that developed into a 20-person pep band in 2000. Numbers vary from game to game since. No one would ever want to see the AU Pep Band march...unless it's Hot Dog Day marching down the street in the parade.


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickerdad on August 23, 2007, 01:45:44 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on August 22, 2007, 09:23:23 PM
Quote from: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?

How big is "full-sized"?  Five per cent of the student body?

The University of Texas marches about 440, about 1% of the student body.

A partial list bands with a "history" in the ASC includes Hardin-Simmons,  Mary Hardin-Baylor, Mississippi College and McMurry.

Louisiana College is starting a Marching Band (http://www.lacollege.edu/band/index.php).  This site (http://www.tlu.edu/athletics/?newsid=412) suggests that Texas Lutheran inaugurated a band last season.

I was thinking of 75 to 100 band members. I used the word "Marching" thinking maybe they would go on the field at half time and do a performance. I don't think there would be but just a handfull it any at all, DIII schools that could muster as many band members as a Texas or Ohio State.

I was just curious and trying to drum up some conversation to help pass these final 8 or 10 days away quicker than they seem to be going. Sept 1 can't get here fast enough..

Mount Union has a band......interested, we will be there Sept 1.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 23, 2007, 02:47:18 PM
Grove City has the full-fledged marching band. Excellent pre-game and halftime shows. But during the game, they sit quietly in the stands. All that potential noise and encouragement for the Wolverines....just sitting there in silence.

Au contraire, AU Pep Band plays throughout the game, taking a break to eat hot dogs at halftime. Pep will try to hold the pre-game rehearsal jam among the tailgaters to get the fans pumped up and familiar with the band members.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on August 23, 2007, 02:59:59 PM
CWRU Marching Band

http://marching.case.edu/index.php?aboutus

Wooster  http://www.wooster.edu/music/band/
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: PA_wesleyfan on August 23, 2007, 04:31:36 PM
K-mack

Go  wash you fingers out with soap . Hey at least it wasn't the you know who's you mentioned.. I can't bring my self to even type D!@@%$
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 23, 2007, 04:48:26 PM
Quote from: cwru70 on August 23, 2007, 02:59:59 PM
CWRU Marching Band

http://marching.case.edu/index.php?aboutus

Wooster  http://www.wooster.edu/music/band/

Pep was disappointed that the Case Western band didn't come out and play in the rain with our five-piece AU Pep Band in 2005 when the Saxons visited Cleveland. New stadium policy prohibited us from sitting under our Ez-Up despite there being NO ONE seated in the visitors section.

And yes, Pep has heard about the fanfare of the bagpipers of the Wooster Scot Band during a visit to Wooster last summer. Pep was told it's a sight to behold. The stands were labeled for all of the various instruments. Huge band.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: DanPadavona on August 25, 2007, 01:08:58 AM
I love pep bands, and really there is room for both the band and canned music.  The IC band adds a lot to the atmosphere at Bombers games.  Not surprising...it is after all a renowned music school.  Cortland put together a pep band about a decade ago which was quite good.  Unfortunately it did not stick together long.

Whether a band exists or not, Hells Bells will never get old at a football game!   ;)

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 25, 2007, 01:21:22 AM
Back in I believe 1969, Pep was listening to an Alfred-Cortland game on the radio at his home in Mayberry. Cortland had pretty much dominated the game but led only by 17-13 with but a minute to go. At that time, Pep remembers hearing Cortland's pep band throughout the game and was impressed with their spirit. Pep remembers their one cheer...."Harass them, harass them, make them relinquish the ball!" (repeated).

Current AU Athletic Director Jimmy Moretti was QB for the Saxons, who got one last chance in that particular game from their own 20. He threw the long ball to his favorite target Charlie Young (former Hornell HS basketball coach) who was shoved out of bounds at the Cortland 17 with but seconds on the clock. Next play, Moretti hit Young on a crossing pattern in the end zone and the Saxons stole a game, winning 20-17. Stuff like that deflates even a very good pep band.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: rscl70 on August 28, 2007, 11:46:38 AM
Quote from: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?


In the OAC Mount Union, Ohio Northern, and Otterbein have marching bands, all 100+ members.  I heard a rumor that Capital may be starting one, but I'm not sure about that.  UW Whitewater has a marching band. And Wooster in the NCAC.  Beyond that I'm not familiar with any.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: BoBo on August 28, 2007, 08:03:24 PM
Quote from: rscl70 on August 28, 2007, 11:46:38 AM
Quote from: kickerdad on August 22, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
AUPEP - You would know this better than anyone.......How many DIII schools have full size marching bands and do you know the list off the top of your head?


In the OAC Mount Union, Ohio Northern, and Otterbein have marching bands, all 100+ members.  I heard a rumor that Capital may be starting one, but I'm not sure about that.  UW Whitewater has a marching band. And Wooster in the NCAC.  Beyond that I'm not familiar with any.

UW-Eau Claire also has a marching band.  Read more here:  http://www.blugoldmarchingband.com/ (http://www.blugoldmarchingband.com/)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 02, 2007, 11:45:42 PM
Pep is happy with the results of Saturday's Band Camp, the band's annual music blitz during which the repertoire is established for the season. Pep is also encouraged that a band of eight or more plan to take the road trip to Greenville, PA as the Saxons face Thiel College's Tomcats in their opener.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 07, 2007, 01:01:53 PM
Pep is informed that Thiel College hires a DJ to play music at their football games and, in fact, will be playing pre-game tailgating music as well as throughout the game. Pep plans to take said DJ hostage following tailgating, tie him to the bleachers with bungie cords and assign him to cowbell with the pep band. 

Stay tuned....    GO SAXONS!!!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Knightstalker on September 07, 2007, 01:31:35 PM
Just for  Pep  (http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/12491/detail/)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 07, 2007, 03:25:10 PM
You gotta love it....I gotta fever, and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL!

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: roocru on September 09, 2007, 01:19:51 AM
Pep,

I took notes for you at halftime of UMHB and CNU.  UMHB marching band has 30 members and conductor, 8 flag girls and drill team had 10 girls doing high kick routine.  Band played medley of funk from "Tower of Power".  Who says you can not give a scouting report on bands?  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 09, 2007, 03:43:00 AM
McMurry is marching about 54 this year plus another 12 flag and drill members, 11 of whom are also musicians.  65 total in 2007.

The McMurry band has been invited to perform at the big band festival at Fresno State next winter.  Really great honor for them.

Band Director Chris Neal really improved the band this year with more percussion and more brass.  They had a very full sound.

As an old McMurry band member, I was really proud of their performance tonight!  They made a huge difference in the McMurry win!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: matblake on September 09, 2007, 02:25:12 PM
Albion College has a band.  Since the mascot is the Briton's, their uniforms are similar to the ones those guards wear outside of Buckingham Palace in London.  At the Wheaton/Albion game they played a medley from "West Side Story" at halftime. 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 09, 2007, 09:09:10 PM
Thiel College plays at Albion this Saturday. AU Pep Band was at Thiel's Alumni Stadium this past Saturday as their Saxons won, 34-7. There were 12 in the band, all wearing their white tee-shirts with the pep band logo in front and the "Got Spirit?" on the back. The band got good reviews following the game. Halftime show was "Box Lunch on the Lawn Overlooking the Cemetery."


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on September 17, 2007, 12:21:29 AM
Pepband,
I fired off a few frames of the Linfield Pep Band in action, so you could compare set-ups and give shouts out to your trumpet-lovin' homies.

If they're not in the official Linfield-HSU gallery, I'll see if I can get them from Pat for you.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 17, 2007, 09:11:04 AM
K-Mack:

Thanks for thinking of Pep. Pep was interested to see some folks pointing a digital camera (perhaps with digital video?) in the band's direction while AU Pep Band played the Saxon fight song Saterday. A Saxon mom has started a website, AlfredFootball.com in hopes of other parents and fans downloading photos, etc.

Pep is delighted with the improvement of this year's band over last year's. Word is that the band sounds great. Louder, more confident. We've boosted our lower brass, which makes a big difference. Got an outstanding freshman trombone, a super home-schooled trombone, and another good freshman on trumpet. Pep will definitely check out your Linfield Pep Band frames. Glad to see they're back together.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: NCC_alum62 on September 17, 2007, 04:28:24 PM
North Central College's "Red Noise" is really fun at games.

The drumline marches the players onto the field before kickoff which is really cool and they have all the little cheers and song snippets after penalties and timeouts and stuff that really bring a big time college atmostphere.  They lead the cheers in the student section.

My buddy is thier conductor this year.  I think they have about 50 kids in the whole thing, they don't do much marching and no halftime show, but they realy added another notch to the atmoshere at NCC.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 17, 2007, 05:53:14 PM
That sounds like Pep's definition of a pep band...a band that interacts with the game, responding to the events on the field with appropriate responses. AU Pep Band has been accused of making AU football games a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: PA_wesleyfan on September 18, 2007, 04:56:09 PM
Widener's pep band did a nice job the other nite. But I like pep band better at Basketball games, Reverberates better in a gym
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 18, 2007, 08:44:25 PM
AU Pep Band once played at basketball games. Timing can be tough... can only play during timeouts, with some 30 secs, some 60 secs...and the band, albeit entertaining, can't be so involved in the game as in football. With football, the band can potentially play something after every single play...but not always appropriate. AU's band plays in celebration of first downs, positive turnovers or big defensive plays, as well as drive starts.

As for reverberation, AU Pep Band rocked McLane Center...but it seemed too loud, too many echoes.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: K-Mack on September 20, 2007, 01:04:35 AM
Quote from: PA_wesleyfan on September 18, 2007, 04:56:09 PM
Widener's pep band did a nice job the other nite. But I like pep band better at Basketball games, Reverberates better in a gym

That reminds me. Pretty sure Hampden-Sydney has a pep band.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickhoe on September 28, 2007, 02:26:04 PM
I was a member of the "World Famous" Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band.....a very unique show band started back in 1923.  Ralph Turner's former band director, Prof Bynum was one of the original members of the Cowboy Band. 

Back when I was a member, it was an all male band.  That is no longer the case.  To me, it's just not the same!!!   ;D

HSU brought football back in 1990, but the band did not want to do your normal marching band program at halftime.  We marched out in our normal parade formation, but performed with singers or rope/whip artists, or whoever.  It was a lot of fun.

The Cowboy Band performs in parades all over the world, rodeos, and other events. 

Being a member of that band is one of the most cherished memories that I have!!!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickhoe on September 28, 2007, 02:31:05 PM
Oh yeah, I found this on YouTube......it is a performance at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo Parade in 2006.  At least you can see what they look like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG2x1ES6zdk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tYJSfSlxVA
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 28, 2007, 03:56:31 PM
AU Pep, you will appreciate this chronology of the Cowboy Band  (http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/cowboyband/History.htm)including performances at the Democratic National Convention in 1928 and 1940 and the Eisenhower inauguration in 1953 and Nixon's in 1973 and Carter in 1977.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: kickhoe on September 28, 2007, 04:10:28 PM
They also did the inauguration of GWB....the first time, I believe.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 30, 2007, 10:01:20 AM
While this is the Cowboy Band performing, this is the same song performed yesterday by the Norwich University Cadet Marching Band during a timeout. Excellent! Pep extends his kudos to the Cadet Corps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG2x1ES6zdk


Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 14, 2007, 12:58:47 PM
AU Pep Band's webpage, thanks to Cindy, administrator of www.alfredfootball.com, is now up!

http://www.alfredfootball.com/pep.html

Here's kudos to Pep Jr. II, who did not allow a speck on his camera lens deter him from so nicely recording the Sound of the Saxons!

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 16, 2007, 02:58:59 PM
What bands will be playing in the playoffs? How cold must it get before a band says it won't play?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: GRussinko on December 02, 2007, 11:00:33 PM
Hi Pep,

Reviving this one from the lands of the dead but I just found this thread while browsing through the depths of the internet and figured I'd drop a line - I'm one of the current managers of the previously-mentioned RPI Pep Band.  While we primarily focus on hockey (as we're D1 in both men's and women's hockey) we do perform at our home football games, the annual Duchmen's Shoes game between RPI and Union (be it in Troy or Schenectady) and try to travel for playoffs when schedules and funding allow it.

Over the past few years we average about 30 performers at football games - this year it was closer to 50 with a large incoming class.  We'll play regardless of weather for the most part as we're situated under an overhang on our engineering building (which overlooks the field).  If it's particularly cold we do sometimes curtail how much we play and stick mostly to drums and yelling (nobody wants a trumpet frozen to their lips).

We usually play a few full-length tunes during the pregame and halftime, as well as our alma mater during halftime.  During the game we play short cheers and spend a lot of time yelling, plus the fight song whenever we score (and at the start/end of each half as well, along with Loony Tunes when the opposing team hits the field).

We've been completely student-managed and directed since the '70s, and have been performing on campus since the '20s.  If you have any specific questions you want to ask, I'd be happy to chat by email (the one in my profile here works to get in touch with me)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: crufootball on December 03, 2007, 10:59:21 PM
The UMHB played at our 2nd round playoff game against NCW. Probably wouldnt be considered too cold for most, but it was in the upper 30's and raining the entire game. Even though we won, it was by far the most miserbale game I have been through. I was shocked to see the band stay the entire game and perform at halftime.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on December 21, 2007, 10:58:34 PM
Pep would like to put to rest right here and right now any rumors that the Alfred University Pep Band was named "D3 Pep Band of the Year" for the 2007 season. To Pep's knowledge, no such recognition exists.

Pep has been approached by several persons in recent weeks who have congratulated Pep on the AU Pep Band's winning a "national award."

Pep would also like to state as a matter of fact that the band never was named "ECAC Pep Band of the Week," contrary to what one may have heard announced at an AU football game at Merrill Field. Once again, Pep is unaware of any means whereby pep bands earn honors during the football season.

It was all a hoax!

There, now Pep feels much better. Confession, indeed, is good for the soul.

Merry Christmas....and stay tuned!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on January 28, 2008, 09:17:31 AM
Pep- As I recall the origins of your group, are you aware that this is National Kazoo Day?  According to MSN, it's "Promoting the use of kazoos as therapy for certain illness sufferers."  And as I'm sure you're aware the manufacture of kazoos began in Western NY.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 28, 2008, 01:46:28 PM
An astute observation on your part, CWRU....+K

Pep unknowingly awakened Pep Jr. with a kazoo Friday morning. Radio guys then reported it as "National Kazoo Day." Pep took kazoo with him to work and en route in, mentioned "National Kazoo Day" at Uni-Mart, where the manager promptly corrected Pep and showed a promotional cigarette calendar indicating the day was actually Jan. 28.

AUKaZ00 has appropriately posted today and, in fact, Pep is rather surprised KaZ00 didn't take the day off from work.

AUKaZ00 posted, as follows:

I know that Pep jumped the gun on Friday, but happy National Kaz00 Day to all!  Remember that "the kazoo is categorised among the type of instruments known as the 'mirlitons'.  This group of instruments are characterised by having a vibrating membrane."

http://homeschooling.about.com/library/bljan28c.htm

+Kaz00 all around and may all in the E8PP have a chance to practice vibrating their membranes with a loved one today!





Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on January 28, 2008, 01:51:35 PM
Incidentally, as has become the custom, The AU Pep Band was invited to be guests at the AU Football Banquet Saturday night, Jan. 26. Upon being invited, Pep inquired whether Coach Murray would like the band to play some "pre-banquet music" during the time that folks were arriving. He thought that would be grand.

Pep was happy to muster a 10-piece band that made Pep proud and listeners pleased that the band was there....and resulted in the band getting occasional shout-outs. There is no truth to the rumor that the AU Pep Band has been invited to perform the halftime show at the Super Bowl.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Gray Fox on April 07, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
I went to a game at Howard Payne University in maybe each of three years, a few years ago.

They had a marching band that played before the game and during halftime. What I really remember is that they had the world's  fattest marching band.  :-[

I hope they have gotten a lot more marching in since my last visit.  That way they can play peppier tunes. :P
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on June 20, 2008, 02:48:21 PM
The AU Pep Band has always worn white tee-shirts with the purple and gold "AU Pep Band" in an oval on the front with a "Got Spirit?" in purple on the back.

Late last season, during one of our "colder" games, the sousaphone player showed up with a warm purple and gold wide-striped rugby shirt with a white collar. Pep was drooling. It would make the perfect pep band shirt, boldly displaying Alfred's purple and gold. Pep asked where he got it......Salvation Army!

So when Pep hosted said sousaphone player last weekend for AU Alumni Reunion (his first as an alum as he graduated in May), Pep was pleased and surprised that he presented said rugby shirt to Pep, noting that he will have more reason to wear it than he. Now Pep is hoping he can locate a manufacturer to reproduce the rugby shirt in order to outfit the entire band.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on June 20, 2008, 04:46:58 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on June 20, 2008, 02:48:21 PMNow Pep is hoping he can locate a manufacturer to reproduce the rugby shirt in order to outfit the entire band.


These guys say "all school colors":

http://www.americanrugby.com/catalog_c7788.html
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ralph Turner on June 20, 2008, 07:09:58 PM
Quote from: Ron Boerger on June 20, 2008, 04:46:58 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on June 20, 2008, 02:48:21 PMNow Pep is hoping he can locate a manufacturer to reproduce the rugby shirt in order to outfit the entire band.


These guys say "all school colors":

http://www.americanrugby.com/catalog_c7788.html
Some great and traditional color combinations there, but Black and Taupe or Salmon and Navy...  :P

but what ruggers wear Taupe or Salmon?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 21, 2008, 09:18:51 AM
Band Camp at Alfred University will be Saturday, Aug. 30. AU Pep Band takes the Saturday before the start of the season and spends 4 or 5 hours building the band's repertoire for the season as well as building "band chemistry." This will be the third annual "Band Camp," which has proved fruitful in getting all of the musicians on the same page....learning the traditions and expectations of band members. STAY TUNED!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on July 21, 2008, 10:26:43 AM
Hope you can get all the musicians on the same measure.   ;D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ethelred the Unready on July 22, 2008, 10:19:30 AM
Favorite band related football story. 

Several years ago I attended my first Cornell/Colgate football game.  Apparently there is a bit of bad blood between the schools, most likely related to hockey.  But I believe this particular game was right around the time Colgate was challenging for the 1-AA championship and so they were pretty good.  Anyway, the game is in Hamilton and Cornell decides it would be nice to bring their entire marching band, 150-200 strong and put on a halftime show for the mountain folk of the Chenango Valley.  They put on a teriffic show, somewhat more elaborate than the 12-15 members of the rag-tag Colgate pep band could muster up.  But as they went second, their show was running a little long, much to the displeasure of the Colgate punter.  Consequently, he started bombing punts into the COrnell band formation, bouncing balls off tubas, taking out trumpets, etc.  For about 10 minutes it was the funniest thing I had ever seen on a football field.  Perhaps not textbook sportsmanship, but probably in line with behavior of a true rivalry.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Superfoot Wallace on July 22, 2008, 02:36:06 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on June 20, 2008, 07:09:58 PM
Some great and traditional color combinations there, but Black and Taupe or Salmon and Navy...  :P

Black and Salmon, maybe.

signed,
Rip Engle

PS - Ethelred, please desist...  I might need sutures I'm laughing so hard.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 22, 2008, 04:28:16 PM
Quote from: Ethelred the Unready on July 22, 2008, 10:19:30 AM
Favorite band related football story. 

Several years ago I attended my first Cornell/Colgate football game.  Apparently there is a bit of bad blood between the schools, most likely related to hockey.  But I believe this particular game was right around the time Colgate was challenging for the 1-AA championship and so they were pretty good.  Anyway, the game is in Hamilton and Cornell decides it would be nice to bring their entire marching band, 150-200 strong and put on a halftime show for the mountain folk of the Chenango Valley.  They put on a teriffic show, somewhat more elaborate than the 12-15 members of the rag-tag Colgate pep band could muster up.  But as they went second, their show was running a little long, much to the displeasure of the Colgate punter.  Consequently, he started bombing punts into the COrnell band formation, bouncing balls off tubas, taking out trumpets, etc.  For about 10 minutes it was the funniest thing I had ever seen on a football field.  Perhaps not textbook sportsmanship, but probably in line with behavior of a true rivalry.

Pep believes the punting into the band was well justified as the Cornell band, with its big numbers, had likely spelled out "Crest."

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ethelred the Unready on July 23, 2008, 09:40:34 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on July 22, 2008, 04:28:16 PM
Quote from: Ethelred the Unready on July 22, 2008, 10:19:30 AM
Favorite band related football story. 

Several years ago I attended my first Cornell/Colgate football game.  Apparently there is a bit of bad blood between the schools, most likely related to hockey.  But I believe this particular game was right around the time Colgate was challenging for the 1-AA championship and so they were pretty good.  Anyway, the game is in Hamilton and Cornell decides it would be nice to bring their entire marching band, 150-200 strong and put on a halftime show for the mountain folk of the Chenango Valley.  They put on a teriffic show, somewhat more elaborate than the 12-15 members of the rag-tag Colgate pep band could muster up.  But as they went second, their show was running a little long, much to the displeasure of the Colgate punter.  Consequently, he started bombing punts into the COrnell band formation, bouncing balls off tubas, taking out trumpets, etc.  For about 10 minutes it was the funniest thing I had ever seen on a football field.  Perhaps not textbook sportsmanship, but probably in line with behavior of a true rivalry.

Pep believes the punting into the band was well justified as the Cornell band, with its big numbers, had likely spelled out "Crest."



Yeah....that's what it was.....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 09, 2008, 09:38:16 AM
Pep received a phone call from the band prexy yesterday. Making plans to contact prospective members and get them to Band Camp '08 on Aug. 30. Pep also met with the AU concert band director and he's on board to work with the band for Band Camp...to polish the standard songs and work up some new tunes.

You see, Pep couldn't direct himself out of a paper bag. But put him in the stands with some musicians that are as crazy as him about Saxon football, and the band geek within emerges in full force. Those sitting around the band (the brave and the few), in observing Pep in action, are usually found snickering and speaking among themselves, "What's gotten into that old fellow?" or "What's with him?"

To which Pep, if asked, would heartily answer, "It's the spirit....Pep's got spirit!"

On Saxon Warriors!



Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 03, 2008, 04:54:15 PM
Strike up the band! Hop on the Bandwagon....the Saxons are in action Saturday at Merrill Field with the Ursinus Bears, oh my!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 28, 2008, 06:46:48 PM
Pep needs a fix. Two weeks without AU Pep Band makes Pep a dull boy.

On Saxon Warriors....Norwich will be at Merrill Field Saterday for Homecoming!!

Strike up the band and get the fight song ready!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 27, 2009, 05:51:56 AM
Presentation College's real motivation for adding football to its athletic offerings is in bold:

On a beautiful spring morning, Presentation College announced that the school would begin playing football in fall 2011.
"As soon as you've got between 60 and 90 extra young people, there's a lot this college can do," said Hale. "We can get a decent pep band. We can be involved in more community things. We just don't have the numbers here at the moment for that."


;)

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on June 15, 2009, 11:35:48 AM
Pep has a fever and the only prescription is the start of football season....and a little more cowbell!

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi86.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk85%2FAUPepBand%2F180px-Cowbell2.jpg&hash=68b1cf5c3144b90b1ea9a7bca38f4775c914ede3)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 18, 2009, 09:22:27 PM
Pep is pumped...Band Camp '09 will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 29 at Miller Performing Arts Center on the beautiful Alfred University campus. There, the band will work on developing its repertoire for the 2009 season.

AU Pep Band does not have the luxury of rehearsals through the season. The band arrives at a game, grabs instruments, and "warms up" with the tailgaters, then plays through the game, taking a break at halftime for a hot dog. Thus, the Band Camp is critical for members to learn the music. It appears there are enough to warrant a ROAD TRIP to UMass-Dartmouth Sept. 5 with one of our trumpets the night before hosting us at her home about an hour from the UMass-Dartmouth campus.

Pep can't wait to hear Blitzkrieg Bop, Bang the Drum All Day, Gonna Fly Now, Land of 1,000 Dances, Crunch Time!, Louie-Louie and, of course, the Saxon Fight Song!!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: HSCTiger74 on August 19, 2009, 12:01:40 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on August 18, 2009, 09:22:27 PM

Pep can't wait to hear Blitzkrieg Bop, Bang the Drum All Day, Gonna Fly Now, Land of 1,000 Dances, Crunch Time!, Louie-Louie and, of course, the Saxon Fight Song!!


Heck Pep, I wouldn't mind hearing a pep band version of Blitzkrieg Bop myself.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Knightstalker on August 19, 2009, 12:33:20 PM
Hey Pep, need a bass player for your game at FDU Florham Park this year?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: TrickyTroy on August 20, 2009, 01:38:02 PM
How is the best band in d-III my vote is HSU Cowboy band ???
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on August 22, 2009, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: TrickyTroy on August 20, 2009, 01:38:02 PM
How is the best band in d-III my vote is HSU Cowboy band ???

I don't understand your question.

"How"?

Is that one sentence or two?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 24, 2009, 09:10:22 PM
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 19, 2009, 12:33:20 PM
Hey Pep, need a bass player for your game at FDU Florham Park this year?

Bring it, KS! We welcome anyone who will join us in support of our Saxons!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 24, 2009, 09:11:17 PM
Quote from: TrickyTroy on August 20, 2009, 01:38:02 PM
How is the best band in d-III my vote is HSU Cowboy band ???

So you're saying that the Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band is the Best D3 Band in the Land?

Does that make AU Pep Band #2?  ;)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 14, 2009, 11:44:19 AM
Some reflections on a wet Saturday in Madison, NJ...seems there were some FDU-Florham fans who weren't too pleased that the AU Pep Band made the trip and played at the game. Pep understands. Pep had ill feelings when the Ithaca College Pep Band appeared at Merrill Field and supported the Bombers before AU mustered its own band. Just didn't seem right that the Bombers seemingly had more support (noise) than the home crowd in those days. That certainly contributed to the re-establishment of an AU Pep Band.

Back to FDU, though, according to some members of the band, there were others who were complimentary of the band, its play, and its dedication to the Alfred University football team. Pep is hoping that the band's appearance at Shields Field Saturday would inspire FDU to start a band of its own--rather than have some of its fans direct chants toward the visiting band, "You suck!" Truth be told, it's tough for a musician to get any sound out of an instrument by sucking.  ;)

Pep has been pleased with the cooperation of its hosts to date, allowing the band to play during second half timeouts. It's too chaotic for fans being blasted simultaneously by canned music and a pep band.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 14, 2009, 01:04:08 PM
Reason #187 to have a live band at a football game:  the chance to bonk a cameraman who should have known better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwGxDBaNSik).
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 14, 2009, 05:33:27 PM
Quote from: Ron Boerger on September 14, 2009, 01:04:08 PM
Reason #187 to have a live band at a football game:  the chance to bonk a cameraman who should have known better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwGxDBaNSik).

Nice find....AU Pep Band has a freshman sousaphone player who hails from Ohio! Seems she has a twin playing in the Mount Union Marching Band.

Pep knows the AU Pep Band is on the rise when it can successfully recruit a tuba player from Larry Kehres' backyard!!

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 16, 2009, 11:51:59 AM
Story in last week's Trinity [TX] student paper (http://media.www.trinitonian.com/media/storage/paper819/news/2009/10/09/Scene/Stand.Band.Supports.Football-3799521.shtml) about getting a band together to support the football team.  What's interesting is the part about the athletic program funding the purchase of instruments.

With ~3000 students and a decent music program, there is certainly potential to support such a group.  There have been bands off and on throughout the years (mostly off) but there's never been sufficient tradition to keep it going.  

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: cave2bens on October 16, 2009, 04:28:32 PM
After last Saturday's live performance via Internet, Wooster's bagpipers and marching band should enter the fray for DIII accolades.  The team, marching downhill enmass, behind the pipes and drums at pregame really stirs the emotions - and their kilted, band "uniforms" make Notre Dame's vaunted, regalia appear comparable to cast offs from Big Lot's.  ;D

Game coverage included the band's halftime show in entirety - a refreshing break from the magpies and dottering ex-coaches monopolizing the air between Billy Mays' retrospectives for Sham-Wow, Oxyclean, and the latest freeway exit, trade school ads.   :D

Live Music Rules - piped Gary Glitter and Queen should be relegated to neighborhood, garage sales.  ;D
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 23, 2009, 06:46:29 AM
Quote from: cave2bens on October 16, 2009, 04:28:32 PM
After last Saturday's live performance via Internet, Wooster's bagpipers and marching band should enter the fray for DIII accolades.  The team, marching downhill enmass, behind the pipes and drums at pregame really stirs the emotions - and their kilted, band "uniforms" make Notre Dame's vaunted, regalia appear comparable to cast offs from Big Lot's.  ;D

Game coverage included the band's halftime show in entirety - a refreshing break from the magpies and dottering ex-coaches monopolizing the air between Billy Mays' retrospectives for Sham-Wow, Oxyclean, and the latest freeway exit, trade school ads.   :D

Live Music Rules - piped Gary Glitter and Queen should be relegated to neighborhood, garage sales.  ;D

And, in its travels, AU Pep Band, competing against the home team's press box DJ, noticed that there are some press box DJs who end their random interjectory pumped-up musical hype with a jolting cut, while others, more refined, bring it in for a landing with a nicely fingered fade.

Pep paid a visit to Wooster pre-season a couple years back and noted the vast seating marked in the stands for the bagpipers and band and imagined they instill a real festive atmosphere to John P. Papp. While there, a physical plant employee told Pep of the bagpipers and band's pre-game rituals. Woo-hoo to Wooster.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: cave2bens on October 23, 2009, 12:18:46 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on October 23, 2009, 06:46:29 AM

Pep paid a visit to Wooster pre-season a couple years back and noted the vast seating marked in the stands for the bagpipers and band and imagined they instill a real festive atmosphere to John P. Papp. While there, a physical plant employee told Pep of the bagpipers and band's pre-game rituals. Woo-hoo to Wooster.


Limited "Woo-Hoo" though, Pep.  FAMU-type gyrations in those kilts may land some participants in the Wayne County pokey - Amish/Mennonite sensibilities and all - unless COW masquerades as a Rumspringen sanctuary.  ;D

Safe travels to Rochester - please provide a signature shout out for the video camera!  ;)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 29, 2009, 12:13:51 PM
Quote from: cave2bens on October 23, 2009, 12:18:46 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on October 23, 2009, 06:46:29 AM

Pep paid a visit to Wooster pre-season a couple years back and noted the vast seating marked in the stands for the bagpipers and band and imagined they instill a real festive atmosphere to John P. Papp. While there, a physical plant employee told Pep of the bagpipers and band's pre-game rituals. Woo-hoo to Wooster.


Limited "Woo-Hoo" though, Pep.  FAMU-type gyrations in those kilts may land some participants in the Wayne County pokey - Amish/Mennonite sensibilities and all - unless COW masquerades as a Rumspringen sanctuary.  ;D

Safe travels to Rochester - please provide a signature shout out for the video camera!  ;)

Pep neglected to give a shout out to the video camera....so sorry. But Pep was told the radio announcers mentioned the Pep Band! While only an eight-piece band with 3 trombones, 2 trumpets, a baritone sax, 2 on drums....and two on kazoos, the band made some sweet sweet music.

The nicest thing about taking the pep band on the road is that AU fans being in unfamiliar surroundings results in their connecting with the band and actually joining in with cheers, clapping with the fight song, etc.

Pep was told it seemed that Alfred fans were making a lot more noise than Fisher's. AU Pep Band gives AU fans a familiar outlet for expressing their support for the Saxons, whereas, Fisher's 20 cheerleaders and the faculty rock band that was set up there really didn't.



Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on May 23, 2010, 10:08:45 PM
Pep was never so proud as when the band received an "Alfie" Award last month for "Most Campus Spirit by a Student Organization." Pep is pumped for the coming season as Pep has landed some low brass recruits that will add some depth to the Sound of the Saxons!!

Stay tuned!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 04, 2010, 07:38:45 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on May 23, 2010, 10:08:45 PM
Pep was never so proud as when the band received an "Alfie" Award last month for "Most Campus Spirit by a Student Organization." Pep is pumped for the coming season as Pep has landed some low brass recruits that will add some depth to the Sound of the Saxons!!

Stay tuned!

On Saxon Warriors!


A tuba and a sousaphone make a nice foundation for a pep band. For the first time in Pep's ten years with the band, AU Pep Band has TWO of those big intruments in the band, kicking off the season at 12 noon.

On Saxon Warriors!

Any new pep bands making their debut today?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on September 06, 2010, 02:39:40 PM
Pep, your enthusiasm is fantastic!! Although it does seem at times that you are talking to yourself.

Chapman University out in California organized a "Chapman Spirit Band" a few years ago. They, along with our cheer squad has really picked up the spirit. It is non-stop music, cheering and fan participation throughout the contest. Sometimes it is more fun watching and listening to them, and I find myself turning around and looking up in to the stands.

Keep that enthusiasm.

Here's a karma for you................my first one given out.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 07, 2010, 12:27:49 AM
Quote from: dahlby on September 06, 2010, 02:39:40 PM
Pep, your enthusiasm is fantastic!! Although it does seem at times that you are talking to yourself.

Chapman University out in California organized a "Chapman Spirit Band" a few years ago. They, along with our cheer squad has really picked up the spirit. It is non-stop music, cheering and fan participation throughout the contest. Sometimes it is more fun watching and listening to them, and I find myself turning around and looking up in to the stands.

Keep that enthusiasm.

Here's a karma for you................my first one given out.

+K back at ya with many thanks!

Pep has failed to mention that Alfred University now has a cheerleading squad and Pep believes there were a dozen at Saturday's game. The group had representatives at our Band Camp and have worked up moves to most of our tunes. One student who sat at the front of the stands just above the cheer squad remarked to Pep that their dances were perfectly in step with the band's songs. She said that it was pretty cool.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on October 03, 2010, 11:37:15 AM
PEP!

Proud to announce that for the last two home games our "Pride of Chapman Band" has performed on the field at halftime!!!!!!!!! (All 21 of them, drum line and all. I hear them practicing at the other end of campus 2-3 hours before game time. When not playing during the game, they are continually cheering our Panthers on, whether the team is leading or trailing.

Our cheerleaders also do routines on the field at halftime.

I bring our cheerleaders treats and water for every game, and next time I will be shopping for the band as well. Our fans, (students, parents and locals) all support both squads by contiinually making noise.

Someday when I learn how, I will film both groups and email you a copy. Maybe in a decade or so, our two teams will play and we can do a "who's the best"
contest. We are probably not at your level yet.

Every school should push for more spirit thru the presence of these type of groups. Even our frats and sorities are face painting, dressing up (or down with painted chests)...we are getting total school iinvolvment now.

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on October 09, 2010, 05:46:18 PM
Pep,
Do both your cheer squad and band go to away games?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 12, 2010, 06:35:07 AM
Quote from: dahlby on October 03, 2010, 11:37:15 AM
PEP!

Proud to announce that for the last two home games our "Pride of Chapman Band" has performed on the field at halftime!!!!!!!!! (All 21 of them, drum line and all. I hear them practicing at the other end of campus 2-3 hours before game time. When not playing during the game, they are continually cheering our Panthers on, whether the team is leading or trailing.

Our cheerleaders also do routines on the field at halftime.

I bring our cheerleaders treats and water for every game, and next time I will be shopping for the band as well. Our fans, (students, parents and locals) all support both squads by contiinually making noise.

Someday when I learn how, I will film both groups and email you a copy. Maybe in a decade or so, our two teams will play and we can do a "who's the best"
contest. We are probably not at your level yet.

Every school should push for more spirit thru the presence of these type of groups. Even our frats and sorities are face painting, dressing up (or down with painted chests)...we are getting total school iinvolvment now.


Glad to see activity on this thread! Pep hasn't been here in awhile because of the inactivity.

"Sounds" like you've got it "rockin' 'n' rollin'" at Chapman. The AU Pep Band has never performed on the field at halftime and, should it ever attempt such a feat, it would likely have comedic results. Nevertheless, the band, Pep believes, has helped to create an atmosphere at games whereby AU fans are more involved...face painting, body painting, groups wearing identical t-shirts, etc. Games are way more fun and festive than pre-band history.

AU Pep Band has been together for 10 years now. AU once had a tiny cheer squad (3-5 girls) for a year or two, then there was none. Last year, a new cheer squad was formed and performed at AU basketball games. About a dozen of them now perform at AU football games, having choreographed some of the AU Pep Band music and also lead their own cheers when the band isn't doing so.

As for travel to away games, Pep owns a couple of old vans. Early in the week of away games, Pep sends an e-mail to the pep band members and inquires whether any want to take a road trip. If Pep gets 3 or 4 members who want to go, Pep drives the "band" to away games....sometimes 1.5 hours, sometimes 5 or 6 hours and, last year, even a two-van 8-hour overnight trip (hosted by the family of one of the band members). Sometimes, Pep is reimbursed for gas. The band has about $200 in its annual budget and operates as a student organization, not part of the performing arts division.

Folks at the games are amazed that Alfred brings a band to its away games. Pep doesn't see it as a big deal but knows the players appreciate the support. Unfortunately, with Mid-Semester Break this past weekend, the band did NOT make the 3-hour trip to Oneonta for the Saxons' 35-14 win over Hartwick in E8 Conference play. But Pep set up the webcast in the library and was pleased to hear the Hartwick Pep Band play during the time-outs.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 12, 2010, 09:39:03 AM
Texas Lutheran had a decent-sized stand band on Saturday (maybe 40-50 kids) and I was surprised they didn't do a halftime show. 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: ADL70 on October 12, 2010, 09:21:35 PM
CWRU halftime last Saturday from The Observer:

the marching band performed a stellar halftime show, featuring a break-out dance session during the jazzy "Hey Pachuco," and a medley of Billy Joel songs. The band also played on the Homecoming theme "Dream Beyond the Possible" with a rendition of "When You Wish upon a Star," wowing the crowd as they morphed into a giant star.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 12, 2010, 11:08:53 PM
Quote from: ADL70 on October 12, 2010, 09:21:35 PM
CWRU halftime last Saturday from The Observer:

the marching band performed a stellar halftime show, featuring a break-out dance session during the jazzy "Hey Pachuco," and a medley of Billy Joel songs. The band also played on the Homecoming theme "Dream Beyond the Possible" with a rendition of "When You Wish upon a Star," wowing the crowd as they morphed into a giant star.

Gosh, the last time Alfred played at Case Western, it rained the entire game and the CWRU marching band was nowhere to be seen. Pep had been looking forward to seeing their performance. Meanwhile, stadium policy dictated that no umbrellas, shelters or big hats could be used in the grandstand, and was strictly enforced. Despite transporting an EZ-Up to the game, the four-member AU Pep Band was obligated to sit alone in the Visitor Section throughout the game in an unyielding steady downpour.  :'(  If it's any consolation, AU won, 14-0.  :)

(Okay, maybe big hats weren't prohibited, but all attempts to clear with authorities use of an EZ-Up in an empty section of the stands were denied.)

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on November 05, 2010, 08:19:07 PM
Pep,

I am sorry to see our home football season end with only 2  away games left. The cheer squad travels, but not our "Pride of Chapman" band. They were all great this year. And after our last game they went down to one of the end zones and played for the team after the game. The team came over and congradulated the members of the band and thanked them for all their support. What a touching show of graditute.

But, never fear, I have it from a very reliable source that for the 2nd year in a row our band will be performing at the home basketball games.

So, as they say....the band will play on, or something like that.

Good luck to your pep band. This is a trend that should be expanded everywhere to increase student spirit. It does work.


3 toots to your AU group.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on November 21, 2010, 09:31:58 AM
HEY PEP:

60-00!
Don't put those instruments away yet.
Congradulations!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: seventiesraider on November 21, 2010, 07:53:01 PM
I am glad that over the last few years the NCAA eased their prohibition on bands at playoff games. Nothing like sitting in the freezing cold for 20 minutes with nothing happening on the field.

Dave Ross voice of the Mogadore High School Marching Band
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 21, 2010, 09:32:35 PM
Quote from: dahlby on November 21, 2010, 09:31:58 AM
HEY PEP:

60-00!
Don't put those instruments away yet.
Congradulations!

Thanks! Pep hopes to assemble an ensemble for the game at Cortland (two-hour trip) Saturday, but with Thanksgiving break, it's slim pickin's. Nevertheless, Pep and AUkaz00 are trying to drum up support for the Saxons.

On Saxon Warriors!



Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 30, 2010, 11:10:26 PM
With most students away for Thanksgiving Break, Pep could only muster a trumpet (played by an alum who planned her trip from Long Island to Rochester around the game at Cortland), two kazoos and a drum set in Cortland where the Saxons captured the Alfland Trophy with a 34-20 win.

Now as miniscule as it was, Pep was delighted to have a Saxon fan approach him in the library and express her appreciation for the "band." She said there was a sense of famliarity, almost a feeling of comfort in hearing the band....she felt like she was at Merrill Field.

Pep has had similar comments from football players after Pep has taken the band to the road games. They say when they hear the familiar AU Pep Band, they feel like they are right at home.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on August 02, 2011, 09:36:04 AM
Pep has been hearing from Mr. Tubaman who is pumped for Pep Band! AU Pep Band will hold its annual Band Camp from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 in the Miller Performing Arts Center Band Room. Lunch is included.

Pep, as always, has been "recruiting" and hopes to get a good turnout.

Any new pep bands forming among the D3 football crowd?



Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: gcfan on August 24, 2011, 06:46:17 PM
Greenville College in Greenville, IL has started a marching band this year......last year was the launch of the band as a pep band. but they will begin marching this year!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on August 25, 2011, 09:50:03 AM
Hats off, oops,  I mean "horns up" to Greenville College fo adding to the game day experience for players, students, fans and family.

Haven't seen the Chapman Pep Band practicing yet (everyone is just back this week) but did talk to some of the cheer squad yesterday while watching football practice and was told that they will be 20 strong this year.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: BoBo on September 18, 2011, 01:32:15 AM
Great marching band story (http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/6969144/rick-reilly-blind-marching-band) from the Ohio School for the Blind.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 23, 2011, 09:32:47 AM
Quote from: BoBo on September 18, 2011, 01:32:15 AM
Great marching band story (http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/6969144/rick-reilly-blind-marching-band) from the Ohio School for the Blind.

Simply amazing. They played at a football game involving two deaf teams. So here are two deaf football teams playing for a band that cannot see them. And the band is playing for football players who cannot hear them. Wow. Nice find. +K

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: BoBo on September 28, 2011, 02:37:10 AM
Grandma can't see here grandson perform at the football game, so the band comes to play for her. WATCH (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/vp/44693654#44693654)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 16, 2011, 10:11:14 AM
Interesting development for Pep in Alfred's ECAC bowl game at Bridgewater State, MA, some 7 to 8 hours away from Mayberry. Graduated four-year lead trumpet resides 20 minutes from Bridgewater. Another alum, a four-year lead trombone, lives 50 minutes away. The trumpet is pumped to play the fight song again and will be there. If Pep can get the trombone on the bandwagon, it could be the AU Alumni Pep Band!!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on November 16, 2011, 10:26:05 AM
Don't know how this story didn't get here, but when McMurry faced Hardin-Simmons a couple of weeks back, the McM administration forbid HSU from bringing their 'World-Famous Cowboy Band.'  They never seem to have problems in the past ...

McM defeated HSU for the first time in basically forever.  Coincidence?  Probably, given how McMurry has defeated a (first year) D1 FCS team and almost pulled one out against UMHB, but interesting nonetheless.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 24, 2011, 08:44:57 AM
Pep toots his own horn. (http://www.eveningtribune.com/sports/x187112783/Pep-Band-has-arrived) Smite away.... ;)

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: HSCTiger74 on November 24, 2011, 10:14:52 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on November 24, 2011, 08:44:57 AM
Pep toots his own horn. (http://www.eveningtribune.com/sports/x187112783/Pep-Band-has-arrived) Smite away.... ;)

On Saxon Warriors!

Nothing smite-worthy here.  :D 
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on November 24, 2011, 10:46:52 PM
Here's to you Pep....plus K
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Gray Fox on December 03, 2011, 04:22:16 PM
Comment from a Wesley fan at the UMHB game today.

 
QuoteYour band is entertaining though.  We don't have one of those....
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on February 13, 2012, 09:54:20 AM
At the conclusion of the Alfred University football banquet, Master of Ceremonies Bill LaCourse, a glass professor who doubles as the voice of Merrill Field, traditionally offers his impression of the season with a "most memorable moment" note. His most memorable moment of the 2011 Saxon season was AUPepBand President Scott DeFranco-Norton's tuba solo rendition of the National Anthem, played at AU's opener during 9/11 tenth anniversary weekend. "I've never heard anything like it and I don't think I'll ever hear a tuba player as talented!" LaCourse said.

Pep walked into Coach Dave Murray's office one day soon after the banquet and told Murray, "You know you've had a tough year when the banquet emcee's 'most memorable moment' was the pep band's performance of the National Anthem!"

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 08, 2012, 09:20:01 AM
"Homecoming" was truly "home coming" for Alfred's football team, who played their first home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 6. Likewise, it was the AU Pep Band's first gig at Merrill Field, aka "The Pit," for 2012. Only two more gigs there this year, barring post-season play.

Last year, the band's drumset was on a purple portable platform that Pep designed and built to fit into Merrill Field's new grandstand, which has since been replaced with an OSHA-approved "caged" platform. Pep likes to think of it as the band's luxury box.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 21, 2012, 01:07:00 PM
Pep is likely speaking to himself here, doubting anyone reads about pep bands on these boards, but Pep just needs to get something off his chest. And it's this: live performance should ALWAYS TRUMP canned music at D3 football games. Pep will explain.

Pep attended the Alfred-Salisbury football game at Sea Gull Stadium in Salisbury, MD. There was a good sized Family Weekend crowd. There was a good little pep band ready to play some tunes. But when it came to the National Anthem, they played a recording from the press box. Yuck. Would rather listen to someone sing it or someone play it LIVE. A live performance gives it LIFE. Then whenever there was a timeout or between quarters, they pumped canned "music" (more like noise) into the stadium. There was more at halftime with a dance team/cheerleading outfit. That little pep band, which was there to play music, wasn't given a chance to even play. So, the only time they figured they could play any music was when the other team had the ball...no matter that the QB was calling signals, etc. (Pep is no way suggesting that it was a distraction to AU's players. Don't know that it was, haven't spoken with any yet.) Fact is, they sounded very good! And Pep wanted to hear them, but not when the Saxons were in the middle of a play.

Now Pep knows that there are strict guidelines regarding bands at NCAA playoff games. AU Pep Band, to the best of its ability, has adhered to those strict guidelines during the regular season as well as post-season play. Bands are NOT allowed to play during a opposing team quarterback's cadence. Early in Pep's involvement with the pep band, a visiting team's coach had words with the game officials about our pep band. One of the officials spoke with Pep before the game and indicated that the officials would penalize AU 5 yards were the band playing during the opposing team's cadence. Pep is unclear whether any sort of penalty exists in the rule book. But the AU Pep Band has operated in accordance to that dictate ever since. It's the right thing to do.

Suggestion to D3 pep bands: If you wish to be a positive influence for your team, learn some "shorties" to play when your team gets a first down, gets a sack, an interception, a fumble. As soon as it's clear your team has earned a first down, CELEBRATE it with a cheer or a short peppy piece. Stop playing when the QB is under center or calling signals. Play in response to what is happening on the field. Focus your attention on the action on the field and as you respond to plays on the field with appropriate tunes, it also helps get the crowd (some who may be there for social reasons) focus on the game.

Pep has always told his band members that our playing music is NOT about US. Behind the scenes, Pep tells the (jealous) AU director of bands that the pep band attracts thousands of listeners to their gigs, whereas a few hundred is a big audience for his groups. We are not performing for us to be acknowledged for our fine musical talents. Heck, some of us don't have musical talents! Our playing should always focus the crowd's attention on our players on the field, celebrate their achievements, and encourage our warriors to press on. It's a battle out there. They need all the support that can be mustered. Yet timing is everything and music should be played in deference to what is happening on "stage" (the field.) For example, Pep has always instructed the AU band to sit in silence in the event of an injury on the field.

Pep wonders, aside from its championships, whether the NCAA has "regulations" governing participation of pep bands at regular season games. Pep is thinking not. Perhaps it's something that individual conferences could/would address.

Another of Pep's pet peeves is "cheerleader announcers" at D3 football games. That could be another Pep tirade....for another day.

On Saxon Warriors!

Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on October 21, 2012, 01:16:05 PM
Plus K...agree 100%
Nothing beats a good pep band and cheerleaders.
Our's is  "The Pride of Chapman".
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: njf1003 on October 21, 2012, 04:32:04 PM
My understanding is that no rule exists or at least the refs never follow it. Our athletics staff has told us to just play through whenever the opposing team has the ball...
We try not to do it very often, but we were 3 for 3 with causing the opposing team to miss their 3rd downs... (It's not like it really matter F&M won 34-2)

Also, I'm very glad we finally got our athletics people to trust us with the national anthem. For a while they played some recording, then they amplified us, and now they just let us play.

They play canned music before the game and then we will play throughout the game.

It's too bad our cheerleaders didn't want to cheer so lost their funding...
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 21, 2012, 10:13:36 PM
Quote from: njf1003 on October 21, 2012, 04:32:04 PM
My understanding is that no rule exists or at least the refs never follow it. Our athletics staff has told us to just play through whenever the opposing team has the ball...
We try not to do it very often, but we were 3 for 3 with causing the opposing team to miss their 3rd downs... (It's not like it really matter F&M won 34-2)

Also, I'm very glad we finally got our athletics people to trust us with the national anthem. For a while they played some recording, then they amplified us, and now they just let us play.

They play canned music before the game and then we will play throughout the game.

It's too bad our cheerleaders didn't want to cheer so lost their funding...

Are you at Moravian? Likewise at Alfred, there is canned music for team warmups. Assuming that music is selected by a coach or someone on the team, that's fine. While that's happening at the field, our little band goes to the parking lot and warms up with the tailgating fans. It sort of gets them pumped up for the game.

There are some weeks that we don't have the numbers to pull off the national anthem. At those times, a solid musician is asked to play it solo. Truth be told, we've had the National Anthem played as a trombone solo and, last year, our tuba player nailed it on his tuba at the 9/11 anniversary weekend game and you could hear a pin drop. The PA announcer, who doubles as MC at the football banquet, said his highlight of the 2011 season was the tuba player's rendition of the National Anthem!

Pep is of the mind that to create an atmosphere of sportsmanship and mutual respect, the band does not play anything during an injury timeout and does not play anything during the opposing team QB's snap count.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on October 21, 2012, 10:34:41 PM
Our "Pride Of Chapman" performs ala Stanford's Pep band  on the field at halftime, also doesn't play during the live play, and comes down to field at the conclusion of the game and performs for the team, and the team goes over and applauds the band. The band and the cheerleaders are definitely a part of the student (and fan) experience.
You gotta' love it. We usually have a student sinf the anthem.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: njf1003 on October 21, 2012, 10:58:29 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on October 21, 2012, 10:13:36 PM
Quote from: njf1003 on October 21, 2012, 04:32:04 PM
My understanding is that no rule exists or at least the refs never follow it. Our athletics staff has told us to just play through whenever the opposing team has the ball...
We try not to do it very often, but we were 3 for 3 with causing the opposing team to miss their 3rd downs... (It's not like it really matter F&M won 34-2)

Also, I'm very glad we finally got our athletics people to trust us with the national anthem. For a while they played some recording, then they amplified us, and now they just let us play.

They play canned music before the game and then we will play throughout the game.

It's too bad our cheerleaders didn't want to cheer so lost their funding...

Are you at Moravian? Likewise at Alfred, there is canned music for team warmups. Assuming that music is selected by a coach or someone on the team, that's fine. While that's happening at the field, our little band goes to the parking lot and warms up with the tailgating fans. It sort of gets them pumped up for the game.

There are some weeks that we don't have the numbers to pull off the national anthem. At those times, a solid musician is asked to play it solo. Truth be told, we've had the National Anthem played as a trombone solo and, last year, our tuba player nailed it on his tuba at the 9/11 anniversary weekend game and you could hear a pin drop. The PA announcer, who doubles as MC at the football banquet, said his highlight of the 2011 season was the tuba player's rendition of the National Anthem!

Pep is of the mind that to create an atmosphere of sportsmanship and mutual respect, the band does not play anything during an injury timeout and does not play anything during the opposing team QB's snap count.

On Saxon Warriors!

Nope, I'm at F&M, but I have heard rumors Moravian has a marching band, but I can't confirm or deny that. Else where in the CC, I know Gettysburg marches and JHU has a pep band that travels. We haven't traveled yet, every year Gettysburg is away it comes up, but we're not so sure we want to go up against their marching band yet.
And injury timeouts are definitely a big no! Our whole play during their possessions things start when we were part of the "game plan" to try and mess up JHU's no-huddle offensive, but that didn't work too well...
Ever since my freshman year, we have been able to pull off the anthem (even if we have to go wake up a trumpet player Sat. morning!)
We were just formed in 2008 with 4 players showing up to one game and have been growing since and now get like 20ish a game, and have only missed one home game since 2009 and that was due to the October snow storm last year that was just a little too much for us to head out into.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Gray Fox on February 14, 2013, 02:51:28 PM
Caltech doesn't play football.  Fox went to their basketball game last night, and the pep band was playing.
They did not lip sync the National Anthem. 8-)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 15, 2013, 08:35:32 AM
Pep is getting pumped for the 2013 season! Using FB chat, Pep believes he has convinced a returning AU sophomore to join the band. Pep sometime ago was told by AU Football Coach Murray that Pep really needs to get out and recruit for the band, after a somewhat disappointing 2012 turnout. Pep is hoping the homer schedule (six games at Merrill Field) and short day trip games will spark new pep into the band.

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 15, 2013, 12:16:01 PM
Uh-oh -- did you get called on the carpet?
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on July 15, 2013, 01:47:10 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on July 15, 2013, 12:16:01 PM
Uh-oh -- did you get called on the carpet?

Band was pretty limited for 2012. "Recruits" were no-shows for Band Camp. Small band traveled to Troy for the season opener and were outmanned by an awesome RPI Pep Band, 24-6....where after the game, our little band was "held in captivity" for 10 minutes or so as the security guard had locked the gate we had entered(!?)

Great turnout for Homecoming game vs. Ithaca and Saxons prevailed, 31-7. After that, it was Mid-Semester Break for the Fisher game and a sparse band played for the Frostburg home game.....the rest were road trips and, without sufficient home games to muster the troops, travel plans fell flat. And, without the home games, little opportunity to recruit new members.

So Pep is excited about the 2013 season with six home games and three of the four travel dates within 2 hours travel time.

Get the fight song ready!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 03, 2013, 08:17:34 AM
Pep was quite pleased with Band Camp 2013. A good number of new musicians with a final head count of a dozen. After working on music with the "real" band director, the instrumentalists hiked down the Green Monster and played for the Saxons during their Purple & White Intrasquad Scrimmage. A couple new shorties sounded pretty good....Rawhide and Final Countdown.

On Saxon Warriors!!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: mattvsmith on September 03, 2013, 09:26:00 AM
Nice, Pep!!!

Live music is really the way to go at games. Nothing can beat the energy and mood of a pep band.
I'm a big fan of Pat Benatar's "Hit me with your best shot". And sticking with Pat B, "A little too late" is a great song for a pep band to play when the opposition scores toward the end of a game they are going to lose anyway.

If you want to get esoteric during halftime, putting on a hell of a halftime show, Frank Zappa had sme albums that were all big band sounds. Lots of sax and horns. I'd pay money to hear and see a college pep band perform Inca Roads or Pound for Brown.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on September 03, 2013, 06:08:52 PM
Thanks, Rev.....+K

The band has been playing in Mayberry since Fall 2000 (well, Fall 1999 if you count the all-kazoo band) and now AU is adding a mascot and a horse and rider to the gametime fun:

     ALFRED, NY – Alfred University's newest Saxon personality makes its debut Wednesday night when the AU men's soccer team plays its home opener vs. Pitt-Bradford.
     Li'l Alf, the University's new mascot, will escort students on a mini-parade from Ade Dining Hall to Merrill Field beginning at 6:30 p.m., proceeding to the field prior to the game's 7 p.m. start. The mascot will be present at various AU athletic events throughout the year.
     Li'l Alf will soon be joined by Alfred the Great and his trusty steed Alden (an Anglo-Saxon name meaning defender). The Saxon warrior makes an inaugural appearance at the football home opener, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. against RPI.


(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi86.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk85%2FAUPepBand%2Fe525dee5-7a76-4de9-a989-e41ba453d9c1.jpg&hash=d1e7d6ecd79ecb792b8c922a7c2e85fcd265bbcb) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/AUPepBand/media/e525dee5-7a76-4de9-a989-e41ba453d9c1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: swede on September 08, 2013, 05:05:24 PM
I Love the good ole pep band :D. Some say it has nothing to do with football so why have it, well either do the cheerleaders so why not get rid of them.
Some people just don't get it. The bands and cheerleaders are part of the game atmosphere.

Long Live the Marching, pep bands, and cheerleaders.  :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: frank uible on September 08, 2013, 10:56:00 PM
Pep bands are always good - even the bad ones. Maybe especially the bad ones.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 04, 2013, 06:20:35 AM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on October 04, 2013, 04:43:31 AM
Quote from: sjfcards on October 03, 2013, 04:37:59 PM

Sometimes I really wish I went to Mount Union

Honestly, I never have. Call BS if you want, but I think at some point, it's got to take a lot of fun out of the season. Last year, they won 6 straight games by at least 50 points. They've had other seasons where they've won 11 games by 40+. I've seen the Bombers win games similarly (though not recently) and while it's nice as an every once in awhile thing, I really wouldn't want a season full of them.

I don't know. I think there's a lot of fun in exceeding expectations, pulling an upset, the drama of a back and forth game etc. I look at Mount's 2007 regular season, where I think they outscored teams 542-10. On some level that was fun to watch, I'm sure, but on another, I just think it would be really boring. That season was 13 games of blowouts, one semi interesting half against Ithaca, and then a upset loss.

Great season? Of course. Enjoyable? Eh. I'd take IC's 2001, where the regular season, in addition to a few blowouts, featured several really dramatic games, great comebacks, a end of season rivalry game with postseason implications and a pair of stunning road playoff upsets. Sure, Rowan kicked the ever-loving crap out of them, but a lot more interesting things happened than "Oh look, we won in dominating fashion again"

Pep agrees. It ain't fun. It (blowing everyone out) lacks the emotions so prevalent in life itself...as ABC Sports reminded Pep as a youngster, week after week after week, "The thrill of victory" (insert video of Pep hitting a long-range game-winning trey at the buzzer...oops, video not found) and the "agony of defeat" (insert video of rollerskating Pep taking an agonizing spill).

Heck, if Alfred's games were all like those at UMU, the AU fight song would hit the top of the pop charts. After every TD, the band plays the fight song (On Saxon Warriors!) once, sings it once, then plays it again. Every TD. It's become tradition. Following the 60-0 defeat at the hands of the Saxons at Merrill Field in a much-anticipated NCAA playoff game, a young fan of the SUNY Maritime Privateers was heard to say, "That band isn't very good. They only know one song and I've never heard it before."


Pep: "Get the fight song ready!"
Band: "It's always ready!"
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: dahlby on October 06, 2013, 06:19:12 PM
Hey Pep, if your opponents don't like your fight song, tell them to not let you score so much. :-)
Our "Pride of Chapman" pep band does the same thing.
Good luck to you guys!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on October 06, 2013, 06:34:42 PM
Quote from: dahlby on October 06, 2013, 06:19:12 PM
Hey Pep, if your opponents don't like your fight song, tell them to not let you score so much. :-)
Our "Pride of Chapman" pep band does the same thing.
Good luck to you guys!

Pep's tuba player had a "blow-out" at yesterday's 2 OT 39-33 thriller.....seriously. With the sun beating down all afternoon (the band arrived in the stands well before the 1 p.m. kick-off), the temperature rising to what must have been low 80s, plus the pace of the game and the band's attempt to keep up, at game's end, Pep's All-Star tuba player was white as a ghost. Seems he got light-headed and actually fell backwards, but was supported by the drumset platform. After some water to drink, he made his way back to his residence hall, drank some Gatorade and took a nap. He's better today.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: njf1003 on October 06, 2013, 08:03:24 PM
The second half of the game yesterday, we literately kept saying have you had water yet?
Our fight song seems to lack words, so yeah... that makes singing it challenging!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 06, 2013, 11:32:44 PM
UMHB not only has a full-blown marching band, the guys that built their new $50 million football/student union complex even built them their own section in the end zone.   They sound pretty good too.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: jcu_fan on November 12, 2013, 09:54:59 PM
Hi all,

I'm the director of the John Carroll University Pep Band.  Just found this thread, (although I notice we've been mentioned on it already.  Cool.)

The JCU Pep Band is celebrating it's 20th year.   We've played at all JCU Homegames, playoff games, and all BW and Mt. Union away games for that time.  (We also play all mens and womens home basketball games and playoff games in the spring.  We've also played at the DIII basketball finals in Salem for nine years in a row now.)

We'll be at the huge Mt. Union/JCU game this weekend, on the other side of the field from the Mt. Union marching band.  Can't wait.
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUKaz00 on November 13, 2013, 02:31:00 PM
Quote from: jcu_fan on November 12, 2013, 09:54:59 PM
Hi all,

I'm the director of the John Carroll University Pep Band.  Just found this thread, (although I notice we've been mentioned on it already.  Cool.)

The JCU Pep Band is celebrating it's 20th year.   We've played at all JCU Homegames, playoff games, and all BW and Mt. Union away games for that time.  (We also play all mens and womens home basketball games and playoff games in the spring.  We've also played at the DIII basketball finals in Salem for nine years in a row now.)

We'll be at the huge Mt. Union/JCU game this weekend, on the other side of the field from the Mt. Union marching band.  Can't wait.

Playing in Alliance was a great experience for the AU Pep Band back in 2010.  We established ourselves a little section of the visitor's stands near the top before realizing there were bleachers set up on the field for us!  Nevermind, we preferred our view from higher up, surrounded by UMU season ticket holders!
Title: Re: Pep Bands vs. Canned Music at Football Games
Post by: AUPepBand on November 14, 2013, 12:25:37 AM
Quote from: jcu_fan on November 12, 2013, 09:54:59 PM
Hi all,

I'm the director of the John Carroll University Pep Band.  Just found this thread, (although I notice we've been mentioned on it already.  Cool.)

The JCU Pep Band is celebrating it's 20th year.   We've played at all JCU Homegames, playoff games, and all BW and Mt. Union away games for that time.  (We also play all mens and womens home basketball games and playoff games in the spring.  We've also played at the DIII basketball finals in Salem for nine years in a row now.)

We'll be at the huge Mt. Union/JCU game this weekend, on the other side of the field from the Mt. Union marching band.  Can't wait.

Good luck in Alliance Saturday! This may be the week (or decade) that an OAC team says, "Mount, be thou removed!" and it is! +K for your dedication to the band!