Talks begin to disband the SBU pep band
Nicole Heitmann
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Gallery
Football and basketball games might sound a little bleak next fall without the music of Southwest Baptist's pep band.
According to Brent Good, SBU athletic director, music faculty members have discussed the possibility of not having a pep band perform during home games. Dr. Jeffery Waters, chair of the music department cited a "lack of interest" among students.
Dr. Brian Hopwood is the director of instrumental studies and advisor for the pep band. A sign outside of his office describes the pep band's purpose as "to serve as a 'spirit' group and to provide entertainment at SBU football and basketball games; to attain the highest possible performance standard through performance of different styles of music and to strive for a professional and polished product."
The pep band began in 1987 as a four-person ensemble that played during the home basketball games. The next year it turned into the standard pep band that it is today.
After the marching band was terminated in the 1990's, the pep band took over playing during the football games.
The pep band typically consists of student performers who play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, electric piano, drums and bass. Many students who play in the pep band rely on the small amount of cash they get for playing. Junior Kathleen Midgett has been a member of the band for the last three years.
"I will be disappointed if it's gone," said Midgett. "I always hope we add something special to the games."
Hopwood did not confirm whether or not the pep band would return.
"I can tell you that there has been some discussion, and this discussion will continue," said Hopwood. "Once these discussions have concluded, I would be happy to talk."
Earlier this semester, the pep band has sparked some controversy over not playing the SBU fight song.
In a Feb. 18 letter to the editor, Chris Keller, housing coordinator and former band member expressed his frustration with the pep band's performance.
"In addition to the blatant shunning of the school fight song, the pep band leaders are apparently oblivious to the fact that they are supposed to be directing a "PEP" band," Keller said in his letter.
Some band members and students thought Hopwood showed favoritism in selecting his son to be band leader, who showed disregard for the fight song.
If the pep band does not return there will be many saddened students and players that enjoy hearing the band.
"They definitely bring excitement and a fun atmosphere to the game," said junior and basketball guard Jeremy Logan.
According to Brent Good, SBU athletic director, music faculty members have discussed the possibility of not having a pep band perform during home games. Dr. Jeffery Waters, chair of the music department cited a "lack of interest" among students.
Dr. Brian Hopwood is the director of instrumental studies and advisor for the pep band. A sign outside of his office describes the pep band's purpose as "to serve as a 'spirit' group and to provide entertainment at SBU football and basketball games; to attain the highest possible performance standard through performance of different styles of music and to strive for a professional and polished product."
The pep band began in 1987 as a four-person ensemble that played during the home basketball games. The next year it turned into the standard pep band that it is today.
After the marching band was terminated in the 1990's, the pep band took over playing during the football games.
The pep band typically consists of student performers who play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, electric piano, drums and bass. Many students who play in the pep band rely on the small amount of cash they get for playing. Junior Kathleen Midgett has been a member of the band for the last three years.
"I will be disappointed if it's gone," said Midgett. "I always hope we add something special to the games."
Hopwood did not confirm whether or not the pep band would return.
"I can tell you that there has been some discussion, and this discussion will continue," said Hopwood. "Once these discussions have concluded, I would be happy to talk."
Earlier this semester, the pep band has sparked some controversy over not playing the SBU fight song.
In a Feb. 18 letter to the editor, Chris Keller, housing coordinator and former band member expressed his frustration with the pep band's performance.
"In addition to the blatant shunning of the school fight song, the pep band leaders are apparently oblivious to the fact that they are supposed to be directing a "PEP" band," Keller said in his letter.
Some band members and students thought Hopwood showed favoritism in selecting his son to be band leader, who showed disregard for the fight song.
If the pep band does not return there will be many saddened students and players that enjoy hearing the band.
"They definitely bring excitement and a fun atmosphere to the game," said junior and basketball guard Jeremy Logan.
Be the first to comment on this story