The SHU Pep Band which includes a 30-member traveling band, is a part of the Band & Orchestra Program, performs at both home basketball and hockey games.
The Sacred Heart Band includes the Marching Band, Pep Band and Concert Band. The Marching Band performs at home football games, high school competitions and parades. The Concert Band presents several performances throughout the year.
When the hockey and basketball teams progress to playoff tournaments or games, the Pep Band joins them. However, only a select 30-member group, chosen by the directors, participates in these trips.
“The energy that the Pep Band has is my favorite part of being a part of it. The loud and fun energy we emit while playing for the sports teams is highly infectious and always makes the environment of the games great,” said junior Derek Coady.
“I was selected for the travel band the last two years. My favorite memory is traveling to California with the women’s basketball team my freshman year for the March Madness tournament,” said Coady. “The feeling of excitement we all shared when they won the championship at FDU and when we got to see them compete at the big dance was unmatched.”
The Pep Band performed a high-energy concert called Pioneer Blast on Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m. in the SHU Community Theatre. Pioneer Blast is a concert held at the end of the season that reflects on the memories made, including a setlist of their commonly played songs.
“My favorite part about being in Pep Band is being able to bring another level of energy to our sports on campus. The opportunities I can have, such as traveling with the teams for playoffs or certain games. The environment at the games is very high energy. There is always something going on,” said senior Ryan Buchan.
According to Coady and Buchan, the Pep Band schedule is very busy. There are several weeks in the spring when there is a game Thursday and Friday night, with occasionally two games on a Saturday.
Another popular event for the Pep Band is an on-ice performance in the Martire Family Arena that began last year. In between periods during a hockey game, the Pep Band will put on a performance reminiscent of the Marching Band that coincides with a big light show.
“Both basketball and hockey games have their advantages. With basketball games, we can see the direct impact we have on the opposing teams or our own because of our proximity to the court,” said Buchan.
Playing at games allows connections to grow between the band and the players.
“I have made connections on the hockey team which brings the games up another level. Last year, I traveled to the University of South Carolina for the women’s March Madness tournament, to Atlantic City for the MAAC basketball tournament for the men’s team and Cornell University for the NCAA women’s ice hockey tournament,” said Buchan.
“Big shoutout to the band. We love the band. Pushed us through some tough times, made them simpler, and made them more fun. We loved coming over and celebrating a win with the Pep Band,” said senior Savannah Popick, who is a SHU Ice Hockey Player.
Source: Jayden Hunter, Staff Photographer and Writer
