A new sound is filling Pioneer Field at home football games these days and invigorating Pioneer Spirit among fans and the student body – the Pioneer Pep Band.
The more than 40-member band made its debut at the Saturday, August 28, home opener for the football team and will play at each of the home games this season. The band includes about 20 Tusculum students and the remaining members are high school students from the region and individuals from the community.
Dressed in orange and black, the Pioneer Pep Band plays the Alma Mater and the National Anthem prior to the game, flanks the football team as they entered the field and plays during the game and at half-time. The band and the cheerleading squad coordinate cheers and songs during the game. The band has also played at the Pioneer Club tailgates prior to the games.
Watch for the Pep Band during the upcoming Homecoming festivities in the parade and at the football game. Plans are for the band to play at selected home basketball games and other events.
As part of the new music program, a concert band has also been created and will play as part of the Inauguration ceremony for Dr. Nancy B. Moody on Friday, October 8, which is part of Homecoming events as well.
Also in the plans is the formation of a jazz band to give additional opportunities for students with musical interests.
Alumni support has already been important to the band program. A number of alumni responded to the College’s request earlier this year for donations of instruments or monetary support, which are still being accepted for the band program. Support from alumni has also come most recently for the purchase of hats for the band members to help protect them from the elements.
The band program is also providing an opportunity for the College to strengthen its ties to the community. The band program and the Community Band have entered an agreement that will be mutually beneficial to both groups and provide multiple opportunities for the two directors, as well as members of each group, to collaborate.
As part of the agreement, the Community Band is rehearsing in the College’s Band Room and are allowing students to use its music stands and some of its equipment. In addition, the two groups will be encouraged to play together whenever possible.
Donations toward the band program are still being accepted. For more information, please contact David Price at 423-636-7303 or e-mail daprice@tusculum.edu.
