Pumping Up the Pep
Because of the sheer number of students in the band program, band members are split into two groups: “Orange Band” and “Black Band”. On Friday, December 4, the Orange band played the first pep performance of the year at the home game against Mattoon. The Black band will be playing until halftime at this Friday’s game against Central.
Pep band members come to the school at 6:00, clad in “Urbana Bands” polos, a uniform requirement. They warm up and go through stand tunes, then head to the gym and play while the varsity team enters, during time outs, and half time.
So what’s the point?
“The general purpose of pep band is to add to the competitive atmosphere of a sporting event, while providing school music and popular tunes,” says Wind Symphony director and music department head, Darren Hicks.
Something a little different is happening for pep band this year. This year band members and Seniors Marcia Morrison and Kelsey Choquette proposed the idea of playing at a girls’ home game, not just the boys’.
“I think we should add a girls’ game to our required games, I know there are girls on the team who feel the same way”, said Choquette.
Currently a date is trying to be set. Hopefully, “On Urbana!” will be heard one more time.
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