A Band Apart: Recognizing the Efforts of the BU Pep Band

8/6/2019 A Band Apart: Recognizing the Efforts of the BU Pep Band

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A Band Apart:

Recognizing the Efforts

of the BU Pep Band

Mogana Jayakumar

MUS 304

Professor Burns15 December 2009


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another two years in order to continue her graduate studies. She received her Master of

Arts in Teaching (MAT) Biology from Binghamton University in 2008. Over the years,

not only has she seen the BU Pep Band grow and transform, Danielle herself has evolved

as a musician - starting off playing the clarinet and moving on to her current instrument:

the tuba. Even experienced musicians would consider this a rough transition but Danielle

has obviously put her heart and soul into making the BU Pep Band successful. She

originally picked up the tuba in order to fill a necessary void something she does not

have to worry about now with the BU Pep Band having had up to six tuba players at its

previous performances! Even after her graduation, Danielle continues to stay involved in

the BU Pep Bands activities as much as possible in between her busy work schedule.

Maurice Mo Reese Taylor is the current director of the BU Pep Band. A

Binghamton native, Reese has been active in the communitys music and entertainment

scene for years. Whether he is on the microphone doing PA announcements at a local

hockey game or playing trombone in the Harpur Jazz Ensemble, Reeses high energy

attitude and spirit shine through in his endeavors. Over his two years with the BU Pep

Band, he has made some major changes to the sound of the band and has helped them

develop their current status as an established and accepted member of the Binghamton

University Athletics Departments Spirit Squads.

The representative of the Binghamton University Music Department who chose toremain anonymous received his Masters degree from BU and has been a faculty member

for over thirty years. He is highly experienced in the field of classical music, having held

previous teaching positions at other colleges and high schools across the United States.

However, despite all of his time at Binghamton and his profound involvement with music

on campus, he has never seen the BU Pep Band perform before.

The three people who were interviewed for this study have varying experiences

with the BU Pep Band. I expect that the founding member of the BU Pep Band, Danielle

Furey, will be helpful in explaining the foundations of the BU Pep Band while the current

director, Mo Reese Taylor, will be able to explain how the band has changed over the

years. I hope that the anonymous Binghamton University Music Department faculty

member will be able to provide an etic view on the BU Pep Band and their


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accomplishments thus far. Although he has never before seen them perform, I believe

that he will be able to perpetuate the more general view of a classically trained musician.

In practice, it is plain to the average music student at Binghamton University to

see the distaste that some members of the Music Department have for the BU Pep Band.

Not only at Binghamton University in specific, but at most other colleges and

universities, directors consider the pep band to be a waste of time because the music

lacks merit, although few would be willing to admit it in writing.2 The studies agree

though, that the popularity of a pep band and their success can be directly correlated to

the leadership of the band.3 For this reason, the changes in the leadership roles of the BU

Pep Band will also be analyzed in relation to the changes in the musicality and the

heightened popularity of the group.

Background

College pep bands usually perform at sporting events which may vary from

outdoor football games to indoor basketball games. On most occasions, the group is not

the center of attention but is intended to enhance the color and spirit of the event. 4 A

good pep band is able to perform the exact piece which is able to transform a key point in

the game and get the audience excited and involved.5

The pep band often collaborates with other pep groups (spirit squads) such as thecheerleading team. They combine routines and perform with one another or establish

guidelines together on when they can and cannot perform during the game. Efforts are

coordinated by sharing time-outs and providing rhythmical accompaniments to their

cheers.6 All of these groups serve to support the sports teams so they must work together

in order to achieve their common goal.

There are numerous reasons for musicians to join a pep band. Many band

members like to play at games because of free admission, the social contacts, the snappy

2 Brad Leeb, Pep Band Prep, The Instrumentalist61, no. 3 (2006): 104.

3 Moffitt, 21.

4 James V. Larkin, Put a Little 'Pep' in Your Band Program, Music Educators Journal:

Individualization in Music Education 59, no. 3 (1972): 66.

5 Robert B. Klevan, Put Some Spirit into Your Pep Band, The Instrumentalist43, no. 6 (1989): 23.

6 Vroman, 78.


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music, or just as a way to get out of the house.7 Whether they had previously been

following the sports teams or they are new to watching the school games, pep band

members are often among the biggest fans in the audience. Due to the fact that they

attend so many games, it is easy for pep band members to become well-acquainted with

the universitys sports teams, players and the cheers that frequent the games. The

members of the pep band, however, need to be careful that they portray a positive attitude

at all times because they are representing the pep band as a whole. Members are carefully

instructed to avoid derogatory or offensive chants and cheers.

Students involved in pep band usually dress in a uniform that helps to bolster

school spirit.8 The uniform for most pep bands is casual attire which is in the school

colors. In this aspect too, the pep band members must adhere to the rules because one

member can reflect upon the pep band as a whole. A pep band is easily identifiable to the

game attendees by having a set uniform which serves to create a group identity.

Attendance in a pep band can be totally voluntary, or mandatory as when given

class credit for participation. Even with an ensemble that has voluntary attendance, it is

common for attendance rules to be strictly kept so that instrumentation will be balanced

for performances. It is generally best for the members to be volunteers who have the

time and interest.9 Like most other ensembles, a pep band schedules a regular practice

time that is convenient for the musicians and the director to come together. Since mostpep bands have such a large repertoire, it is important for the ensemble to come together

on a number of occasions before they are ready to perform for actual school events in

front of large crowds.

A typical university pep band allows the students to get directly involved in the

music more than just by playing their instruments but also by taking an active role.10

The members of a pep band can be involved in a number of different ways, depending on

the wishes of whoever is in charge. Students often help in music selection and record-

keeping. In addition, they are usually given the voluntary opportunity to try conducting

7 Robert J. Dynan, A Way out of the Pep Band Predicament, Music Educators Journal 66, no. 9

(1980): 44.

8 Vroman, 78.

9 Larkin, 67.

10 Klevan, 23.


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the ensemble although there is usually a selected adult faculty member who regularly

leads the group.11 The adult faculty member is not only selected based on years of

experience and qualifications, but also by their amount of spirit and enthusiasm. The

director should be able to get the pep band members excited and involved in the music.

The demeanor of the director of the pep band is often representative of the pep band as a

whole. He or she is expected to be quirky in a way that will project a special identity.12

The director is often a crowd-pleaser and an asset to the band.

According to Dynan, in a pep band, the core of the sound should be made by

brass and percussion instruments and additional instrumentation will provide depth to

the bright sound.13 This is agreed upon by Vroman who similarly states that the brass

section offers power while the woodwinds add color.14The size of a typical college pep

band has a wide range and depends on several other factors. Some directors insist that a

pep band does not need more than one player per part (or the minimum instrumentation) 15

but this is often impractical for a vastly large venue such as a university gymnasium. 16 As

long as there are capable players and proper instrumentation17 a pep band can be

successful when those few players are committed. In fact, a smaller instrumentation may

even be preferred in some cases where larger performing groups cannot easily be

accommodated18 such as traveling to an off-campus game or a community event.

The typical repertoire of a college pep band consists of marches, pop tunes, andschool songs.19 Widely popular songs provide the audience with a connection to the

music. Popular music should be short and peppy with easily recognizable melodies.20

The selected music is often upbeat and taken at a fast tempo that serves to motivate a

11 Dynan, 45.

12 Moffitt, 21.

13 Dynan, 45.

14 Vroman, 78.

15

Larkin, 66.16 David C. Vroman, Pep Bands Spirit and Enthusiasm for Your Program, The Instrumentalist40,

no. 7 (1986): 78.

17 Dynan, 45.

18 Larkin, 66.

19 Larkin, 66.

20 Vroman, 78.


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crowd.21 Music that has well-known lyrics can promote audience participation in the

form of sing-a-longs. School songs provide a way to boost enthusiasm in the sports team,

in the mascot and in the school in general. They can help employ a sense of group

identity and support for the sports team with an easily recognizable and simple melody.

The musicality of pep bands often comes into question due to the fact that most

marching music or pep music is easier than the usual concert repertoire. However,

providing the band with simpler arrangements can aid in encouraging those students who

have less experience musically, rather than deterring them from joining because of their

lack of experience. Also, pep bands usually need to have a much larger selection of songs

to choose from due to the diversity of the situations they are required to perform for. It is

typical for pep bands to select easier arrangements of pieces that may otherwise be

difficult, so that a larger number of songs can be learned by pep band members. Any pep

band has its few signature songs that may show off the skills of the group with

complicated dynamics or tempo changes.

When run under direction of a music department, a pep band can provide great

opportunity for the music to reach a larger audience and it has the ability to provide

widespread support for the universitys music program. 22Sometimes a music department

will use this fact to their own advantage. By providing a university pep band with

leadership from a faculty member, the pep band can further its skills musically andprovide a good representation of the department to the rest of the college campus. A

highly visible organization, the pep band reflects the spirit and pride of the music

department as it increases school support from members of the community.23

BU Pep Band Over the Years

The BU Pep Band as we know it today was created in 2004 by a dedicated group

of students and alumni after several previously failed attempts to create a similar

organization had fallen through.24 In addition to being completely student run and

conducted, the band had no funding at all so uniforms consisted of BU Zoo shirts (See

21 Moffitt, 21.

22 Leeb, 104.

23 Vroman, 78.

24 Danielle Furey, interview with a founding member of the BU Pep Band, November 2009. See

Appendix B for a transcription of this interview.


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Figure 1). The group did not project a very professional image and consequently they had

little support, even from their fellow students. Since the previous attempts at creating a

pep band had not worked out, very few people believed that this band would be any

different from the rest.

The repertoire of the BU Pep Band was admittedly old music with poor

arrangements. The sound definitely needed work and the group dynamics were anything

but tight. It was difficult to get members at first because the group had little support. The

music itself was not well-liked by the fans of the Binghamton Bearcats. With no strong

leadership, the band was disorganized and needed help.

The BU Pep Band started from scratch with little or nothing to work off. Even

friends of members did not fully appreciate the goals of the group, so the band really had

to build its credibility from the ground up. With a lot of dedication and hard work from

the few students involved, the BU Pep Band eventually spread its horizons and gained the

respect and attention of Binghamton Bearcats fans, the Binghamton University Athletics

Department, the other Spirit Squads and even local community members.

Maurice Mo Reese Taylor has been involved with the BU Pep Band for the pastfour seasons and in his time at BU, he has become somewhat of an icon. 25 Awarded the

2009 Directors Award for outstanding contributions to the athletics department, Taylor

25 Maurice Mo Reese Taylor, interview with the current director of the BU Pep Band, November

2009. See Appendix A for a transcription of this interview.

Figure 1 Humble Beginnings of the BU Pep Band


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has transformed the Pep Band into a showcase group 26 in the eyes of many. Under

Taylors direction, the BU Pep Band has seen several milestones and collected accolades

such as an Excel award for outstanding achievement of a Binghamton University Student

Association chartered group and first place in the Binghamtons Got Talent contest.

According to Taylor, the numbers have grown immensely, from the meager

beginnings of a band with 16 members to the current huge size of a 60+ member group

that continues to increase.27(See Figure 2). The band now includes graduate students from

Binghamton University and older members of the local Binghamton community who

have more experience and can help the group with musicality.

Figure 2 Recent Growth of the BU Pep Band

Long time members have learned the music so well over the years that they are

able to take the music further in terms of sound and dynamics. Taylor says that as the

band gets to know the music better, his job becomes easier as a director and he can take

the band different places with the music in order to really express and bring out the

personality of the group through the music. As a director, Reese has helped the BU

Pep Band transform their music by honing their skills and making the group into a force

to be reckoned with.

In addition to being very successful in conducting and leading the group, Taylor

has also written and arranged several pieces for the BU Pep Band to perform, creating the

26 John Hartrick, BU Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at 62nd Annual Awards Ceremony," Sports

News Binghamton University, May 2009, www.bubearcats.com/09banquet.html (November 2009).

27 Taylor interview.


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bands new distinct sound.28 The official Binghamton fight song, Fight for the Green

and White was composed by Reese just last year and it has already become a widely

recognized and well-respected staple of the basketball games. Any fans of Binghamton

Bearcats know that he has a knack for choosing crowd favorites. Reese also recently

arranged a version of Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes in response to a popular

BU Zoo chant to the same melody. He allows the students of the BU Pep Band to get

involved with the song selection process by having the executive board of undergraduate

students choose available music that will be added to the bands already wide repertoire

of more than 50 songs.

Not only has Reese written and arranged music for the BU Pep Band to perform,

he has also created moves and steps to go along with a few popular songs. During the half

time show, the BU Pep Band plays Sing, Sing, Sing, a big band type swing piece that is

easily recognizable by its popular melody which has been used in a number of television

commercials and movies. Reese has created moves to the song that include the band

building up tension as the dynamics of the piece grow from pianissimo to a wild

fortissimo section in which the horns sway back and forth. Members of the BU Pep Band

even run out onto the court during this section when the drums provide a break. The piece

has easily become a fan favorite over the few seasons which the band has been

performing. During a womens basketball game in the latest Fall 2009 season, membersof the BU Zoo even imitated the BU Pep Bands coordinated movements to Apache

and a number of other songs, but as they say, imitation really is the greatest form of

flattery!

The BU Pep Band has developed a wide fan base and support group, not only in

students at the University, but also in family members and members of the local

community. Thousands of people are in attendance at each basketball game and many of

them loyally follow the BU Pep Band by learning and even singing along to some of their

standard works such as Hey Baby, the traditional closing song played by the BU Pep

Band for each game. Reese has expanded the traditional closing by adding in New York,

New York and the other Spirit Squads have created a routine based on both songs.

28 Furey interview.


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The BU Pep Band has expanded their style such that they now perform not only

for their loyal fans at these basketball games, but they have also played at a number of

community events both on the Binghamton University campus and in the local

community. These events include sports games like hockey featuring the local team the

Binghamton Senators and charitable events such as the CHOW Walk and Relay for

Life.29 Thanks to Taylor and his local connections, the BU Pep Band has received these

opportunities to get their name out to the public and receive a greater amount of

widespread support throughout the region.

The BU Pep Band is now acknowledged by the Binghamton University Athletics

Department as one of four Spirit Squads that perform at both Mens and Womens

home basketball games in the Events Center including the BU Cheer team, Dance Team

and Kickline.30 Over the years, the band has gained a wider acceptance and has earned the

respect of the other Spirit Squads. Whereas the BU Pep Band might have been seen as

competition for time slots by the other spirit squads when it first began, they now have a

mutually amicable relationship such that the other groups have coordinated routines

based on the already established repertoire of the band and fan favorites. Effectively, the

pep band exists solely for the benefit of the athletic department and without the games the

band would not be performing.31 In this manner, the games that the band performs for

act as concerts would for an orchestra. They serve as the main performance center for theBU Pep Band.

The performance that most of the members of the BU Pep Band and Mo Reese

Taylor himself would consider the most significant recent achievement of the group is the

NCAA Championship. The band was able to follow the hugely successful America East

Championship Binghamton University Mens Basketball team to Greensboro, North

Carolina in their game against Duke University. With the financial support of the school

finally backing them, the BU Pep Band was able to take 29 members of the group to

29 Dave Cunningham, "The BU Pep Band: Rocking the Events Center since 2004," Binghamton

University Pipe Dream, March 7, 2008.

30 Binghamton University Athletics Spirit Binghamton University, 2006,

www.binghamton.edu/athletics/spirit-pepband.html (November 2009).

31 Anonymous, interview with anonymous Binghamton University Music Department member,

November 2009. See Appendix C for a transcription of this interview.


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perform along with the Cheer Team at the game. Due to the building excitement of the

Spring 2009 season, many of the band members were interested and enthusiastic to take

advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. As an example of how much the group

has grown, a points system based on prior attendances at games and practices had to be

implemented in order to figure out which members of the BU Pep Band would be eligible

to go on the trip.

The BU Pep Band has often been labeled as a more casual and fun group than

the other major ensembles which are part of the Binghamton University Music

Department. The students who are involved in the pep band share a deep sense of pride

and unity within the group. This could be due to the fact that participation in the BU Pep

Band is completely voluntary. The BU Pep Band is considered to be more similar to a

club, in contrast to the major ensembles of the Binghamton University Music Department

which are considered to be classes with assigned meeting times, credits for mandatory

participation and grades. Taylor states that Ultimately, I like the aspect that the people

that are in the band are there because they want to be there and not there just to get a

credit. This effectively keeps participation in the BU Pep Band completely voluntary.

Although the BU Pep Band is very different musically from the other major ensembles at

Binghamton University, many students decide to participate in both types of ensembles

simply due to an interest in the music styles being performed by the groups.Any successful pep band shows how music and entertainment can be combined

successfully32 and it is clear that the BU Pep Band has worked hard to achieve this status

over the years. The BU Pep Band has created a niche for itself as a unique, fun-loving

group in the music community at Binghamton University even without being directly

affiliated with the Music Department. Although some naysayers may still show an

obvious distaste for the group as a whole, it is clear that the musicality of the BU Pep

Band has improved immensely since it was first started in 2004. With the current

leadership and direction of Maurice Taylor, the BU Pep Band continues to improve and

get better.

Problems Faced by Non-Classical Music Groups

32 Moffitt, 21.


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The major problem faced by non-classical music groups on the Binghamton

University campus is that they may not receive the same amount of appreciation or

respect from cultural outsiders. The emic listener (who is within the music culture) may

find the music being played more appealing than an etic listener (or cultural outsider)

would. Especially within any university music department, the line between emic and etic

perspectives could be very thin. For example, a member of the department himself could

be considered within the culture to an extent because he has been exposed to different

types of music at that particular college. On the other hand, this faculty member may not

be included within the specific music culture because he has no experience with the style

of music from that one particular region.

Another problem that non-classical music groups may face on a college campus is

lack of interest. Due to the fact that these groups may be very specific to a particular area,

there may be less interest than if they fused multiple styles from one country or region.

The Western classical music ensembles have the advantage that most Americans are

exposed to classical music in some respect, almost on a daily basis. Classical music

serves as the background music for television shows, radio commercials and even cell

phone ringtones everywhere, surrounding American listeners with the western classical

style, whether they like it or not. The average college student or local concert-goer is not

so likely to have had any prior experience with a specific music culture unless they arefrom the same region.

One problem leads to another for these types of non-classical music groups in a

college setting. Due to the fact that they may not have as much interest as the major

classical music ensembles, they are not supported by the Music Department itself and

they receive less funding than any regular music ensemble would. Often it may be

difficult for world music instruments to be found in the United States. Whether they have

to be imported or found at a specialty shop, the instruments are usually relatively

expensive and without proper funding, world music groups cannot further their efforts.

The BU Pep Band faces many similar difficulties to the world music groups at

Binghamton University. Both the BU Pep Band and world music groups (such as the

Korean Percussion Ensemble, for one) have had to work hard to gain acceptance and

respect of the music community at Binghamton University. Both of these types of student


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run groups have grown without the support of the Music Department, despite their lack of

faculty involvement and professional help.

Conclusion: From the Musicians Perspective

Since I first started playing in the school band about ten years ago, I have been

classically trained in the wind symphony type style that is typical to most public schools.

Although I have a deep appreciation and love for classical music, I always preferred

when the band would change up its style to include covers of popular songs. I definitely

found it more enjoyable to play songs which I had heard on the radio or television that

the audience too would be able to recognize and take a more active role in, whether by

singing along, cheering or just visibly getting more into the music. When I came to

Binghamton University, I was immediately drawn to the BU Pep Band because of the

groups overall lighthearted demeanor and its unique repertoire which includes some of

my favorite popular songs.

When I first began this study, I had a certain amount of discontent with the status

of the BU Pep Band. As part of my requirements to fulfill a music degree at Binghamton

University, I am required to participate in the major ensembles. I quickly got frustrated

that my hard work and hours put into practicing and performing with the BU Pep Band

went unnoticed by the department. However, my interview with Reese changed my mindon the subject. His opinion that the BU Pep Band should not be a credit course so that

involvement can stay voluntary really impacted me.33 It made me realize that it is reasons

such as this that keep the BU Pep Band fun for its members. If some students were forced

to be there because of their major requirements or to receive class credits, things would

be very different. Instead, the members of the BU Pep Band are there because they want

to be there, creating a more casual atmosphere than the major ensembles have.

In my opinion, the BU Pep Band is not taken as seriously as the other

instrumental ensembles on campus are, especially in the eyes of the Music Department. It

may be true that the BU Pep Band is not as developed musically as the Wind Ensemble

or the University Orchestra, but I believe that if the faculty would get involved, that could

change for the better. Having been involved in both major instrumental ensembles at

33 Taylor interview.


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Binghamton University and the BU Pep Band, I have been able to witness firsthand the

differences and the similarities between the two types of groups. It has been my

experience that my time with the BU Pep Band has expectedly been much more

enjoyable than my time with the other ensembles at Binghamton for a number of reasons.

Due to the fact that my participation in the BU Pep Band is completely voluntary, I feel

less pressure when I play with them. I find the experience to be more relaxed and social

than the uptight environment of playing with the major ensembles during class.

I find it unfortunate that although the BU Pep Band performs for thousands of

people multiple times a week during the basketball season (while the major ensembles

are lucky to have a crowd of fifty at their semester concert), the band is still not

considered a serious activity by many faculty members. I found a prime example of this

when I interviewed the anonymous Binghamton University Music Department member.

Over his more than thirty years spent at Binghamton, he has not bothered to go see the

BU Pep Band perform even though he is very involved in music activities on campus. I

believe that many classically-trained musicians like him may not find the band to be

worthwhile. For one reason or another, these people have not yet given the band a

chance. In my own personal experience with the same Music Department member, he has

made references to bad playing technique having the pep band sound on more than one

occasion. I believe it is unfounded stereotypes as these which continuously perpetuateand give pep bands in general a bad image.

In conducting this study I found that the BU Pep Band is actually pretty well off

in terms of student and fan support compared to other college pep bands. In five short

years, the band has made strides that others have not made in decades with the help of its

highly dedicated student members and the strong leadership of Mo Reese Taylor. Even

though some band members may become disillusioned by what seems to be a lack of

respect from Binghamtons music community, it is well made up for by the apparent

appreciation the BU Pep band receives at their performances. As the band keeps growing

and changing, the amount of praise from both community members and students alike

continues to grow also.


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Bibliography

Binghamton University Athletics Spirit Binghamton University, 2006,

www.binghamton.edu/athletics/spirit-pepband.html (November 2009).

Cunningham, Dave, "The BU Pep Band: Rocking the Events Center since 2004,"

Binghamton University Pipe Dream, March 7, 2008.

Dynan, Robert J. A Way out of the Pep Band Predicament.Music Educators Journal

66, no. 9 (1980): 44-5.

Hartrick, John. BU Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at 62nd Annual Awards

Ceremony." Sports News Binghamton University, May 2009,

www.bubearcats.com/09banquet.html (November 2009).

Klevan, Robert B. Put Some Spirit into Your Pep Band. The Instrumentalist43, no. 6

(1989): 23.

Larkin, James V. Put a Little 'Pep' in Your Band Program. Music Educators Journal:

Individualization in Music Education 59, no. 3 (1972): 66-7.

Leeb, Brad. Pep Band Prep. The Instrumentalist61, no. 3 (2006): 104.

Moffitt, Bill. The Ingredients of a Successful Pep Band. The Instrumentalist35, no. 4

(1980): 21.

Vroman, David C. Pep Bands Spirit and Enthusiasm for Your Program. TheInstrumentalist40, no. 7 (1986): 78-9.


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Table of Figures

Figure 1 Humble Beginnings of the BU Pep Band.............................................8

Figure 2 Recent Growth of the BU Pep Band....................................................9


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APPENDIX A

Interview with Maurice Mo Reese Taylor

Interview with Mo Reese Taylor, Director of the Binghamton University Pep Band,compilations of e-mails from November 2009, transcribed in full, below:

Mogana (M): How long have you been involved with the BU Pep Band?

Reese (R): This is my 4th Season!

M: In what ways has the Pep Band grown over time?

R: First and most obvious the numbers have grown. If you look at the pictures from our

first conference tournament that we went to when I was the director, there were 16

people. The second season there were 20. Last season there were over 60 people for

the conference tournament and we had to implement a points system to determine the

29 people that we were allowed to take to the NCAA tournament. (NCAA has a limitof 29 players with a conductor.) And our numbers now are in the high 40s to low

60s at any given game.

M: What types of events does the Pep Band usually perform for?

R: We play primarily for BU Basketball and Soccer. However, our band can play for

pretty much anything that needs music and entertainment.

M: What purpose does the Pep Band serve in the college community?

R: Well.Pep Band is what club sports or intramural are to athletesMost of themusicians that are in a Pep Band played in Marching Band in high school andbecause BU doesnt have a marching band this is the way to continue playing.

M: What role does the Pep Band play in the local (Binghamton and surrounding areas)community?

R: We serve as a buffer between the university and the community. Like other musicalgroups on campus, we play for many different events, on and off campus. We have

played for parades, The Binghamton Senators and The B-Mets. One of my goals is to

play for my alma maters high school basketball team. I hope it would be an

inspiration for the students that are there now.

M: How would you describe the group dynamics of pep band?

R: It seems that we dont have any personality clashes. We have a bunch of students who

(most importantly) seem to be friends. And it just so happens that we want to play

good music and entertain a few thousand people every night.


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M: How do the students who participate affect the group and its music?

R: HmmWell the band is like any team or music group the more you practice and learnyour music, the better you become. As a group when we all know the music it makes

my job that much easier as a director. Then we can truly make music. I can take the

band different places with the music. I can play more with dynamics on thefly.Slow the band downSpeed them up...Make it louder or softer.Really

express and bring out the personality of the group through the music.

M: How do the community members who participate affect the group and its music?

R: The community members in the band are older. Also, due to the fact that they havebeen playing music longer then most of the students, they can be my buffer, in the

sense that they understand what I want from the students musically and can convey

my directions to the younger members while they are sitting next to them in their

sections.

M: How do you choose/write songs for the Pep Band to perform?

R: Usually at the end of the year the members of the eboard (the governing body of the

band) along with some of the other students that have been in the band for at least a

couple of years, get together and listens to some of the pep band music that isavailable. They come of with a list of 5 to 10 tunes and I will come with a list of 5 to

10 tunes. We will talk over if the music will fit the band (Instrumentation, difficulty

and range). Also, we will see if there is a song or 2 on the list that I can arrange,

rather then paying for it.

M: What are some of the milestones the Pep Band has seen?

R: The steady growth of band members is one. Another milestone is the growth of the

music level of the group. In the beginning, we started playing very basic

arrangements. Now we play pretty much whatever we want to. We have won anExcel award (award that is for outstanding achievements for SA chartered groups).

Last year the band also won the Binghamtons Got Talent contest. The band is

constantly being asked to play for different functions all over the area. I would haveto say highlight for the band (at the very least for me) was playing for the NCAA

Basketball tournament last year in North Carolina.

M: What are some of the setbacks the Pep Band has encountered?


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R: In the first couple of seasons numbers and attendance were issues. Also in that time

period we were having issues with instruments. For instance, in the 3rd season we had

3 tuba players but just one tuba. I had spoken to a friend of mine that was a musicdirector in one of the local school districts. He had 4 usable tubas and donated them

to the band.

M: What is the Pep Bands involvement with the Music Department at Binghamton?

R: Very little.Some of the students that are in the band play with other groups from theMusic Department is the only association. For instance, I assist with the Harpur Jazz

Ensemble. There are a couple of members of the pep band that are in the Harpur Jazz

Ensemble. Because the Jazz Ensemble is a class the members are required to be at theJazz Ensemble rehearsals.

M: How does the Pep Band compare to the other music organizations on campus?

R: Well, it is really hard to compare groups from different organizations because it is liketrying to compare Jazz to Classical music. It is all objective to the taste of music you

like. I can say however, we are one of the most entertaining groups on campus.

M: Why do you think Pep Band members are not eligible to receive class credit for

participation?

R: The main factor is that the band is an SA Chartered group. If it was a group that was

under the Athletics umbrella, then I could see an argument to receive credit. I have

done some research and it looks like most programs have done away with eithergrading or giving class credit for Pep Band. Ultimately, I like the aspect that the

people that are in the band are there because they want to be there and not there justto get a credit.

M: Do you think that the Pep Band is not taken as seriously as other groups? Why or why

not? Are these generalizations about Pep Band justified?

R: I disagree with that! I think we are taken very seriously by people that have seen the

band perform. We are playing songs that people are hearing on the radio from Oldiesto Classic Rock to Hip Hop to Swing. We are covering a wide range of music styles

and playing them well. But as the saying goes, We can always get better!

Generalizations, prejudices and things of that nature, only work if you believe and

sell into them!! Just keep doing what you are doing and be true to yourself as amusician, a performer and most importantly as a person!


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Appendix B

Interview with Danielle Furey

Interview with Danielle Furey, Founding Member of the Binghamton University PepBand, compilation of e-mails from November 2009, transcribed in full, below:

Mogana (M): What were your reasons for first joining/starting the pep band?

Danielle (D): My friends and I were in marching band in high school and wanted to havesomething similar and since there is no football team at Binghamton we decided to

start a pep band.

M: What are your reasons for continuing to participate?

D: I enjoy having an informal place to continue playing my instrument, besides the fact I

get to attend the basketball games and other events for free. It's also exciting to

support the basketball teams, through good and bad.

M: How has the pep band changed since it first began?

D: How hasn't it!! When pep band first started we were completely student run and

conducted and it was so much more disorganized than it is now (if you'd believe it).We also didn't have the support from the students and student association that we

have now. Several people had tried to start pep bands in the past so everyone thought

we would just fail like the others. We also didn't have any money so our uniforms

consisted of BU Zoo shirts. We also sat on the opposite side of the events center untilthe tournament and the student section was not happy that we imposed on their

space. Now the students for the most part love the pep band and we are wellrespected through the university and the community. And we actually have money tobuy things!

M: In what ways has the Pep Band grown over time?

D: Obviously in size, but in talent as well. When pep band started we only had old music

with poor arrangements but now pep band has a distinct sound thanks to the ideas ofmembers and the direction of Reese.

M: How would you describe the group dynamics of pep band? How have they changed?

D: Not much has changed in this respect. Except for the addition of Reese.

M: Are there any certain types of people who typically join the pep band each year?

D: I don't think so...we have a wide array of talents and personalities in pep band

M: What are your favorite types of pep band events to perform for? Why?


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D: the men's basketball tournaments. Everyone is so amped up at these games, plus it's

fun to "compete" with the pep bands from the other teams and to interact with them. Ithink this is when the pep band generally sounds the best as well.

M: What is your general opinion of the BU Pep Band? How would you describe it tosomebody who has never heard of it?

D: I'm asked all the time what the pep band is. Generally I say that we're a group ofstudents and some community members that play music at the basketball games and

other events and we play more well known music.

M: What are some negative aspects of being a Pep Band member, if any?

D: It's a huge time commitment, which in the past has made it hard to keep a conisistant

number of members involved. Now with the band being more established this isn't as

much of a problem. It's also hard for myself since I have been in the position ofleadership in the past it's hard for me to sit back and not say anything about the way

it's being run now. Not that it's being run poorly, the current e-board is fantastic, butthere are always things that I see that I would do differently.

M: How would you describe an outsiders perspective of the Pep Band and its members?Have you heard any generalizations/stereotypes about Pep Band?

D: I have heard some things. I had a friend tell me that when the band first started he

thought we were terrible (which we basically were) and that we have gotten so muchbetter that he wished he had joined when he was a freshman. Most of what I've heard

recently is that Reese is such a good conductor and that we sound so good. Thestudents and community seem to really enjoy the pep band's presence at thebasketball games and other events.


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Appendix C

Interview with Anonymous

Interview with an anonymous member of the Binghamton University Music Department,emailed November 2009, transcribed in full, below:

Anonymous (A): My comments will be anonymous, but I do not know how much help I

can be because I have never heard the pep band in the 30 some years that I have been

here. I must also check on some details because I do not know if things havechanged. My comments are based on how the band was handled quite a few years

ago. I am more familiar with the Syracuse pep band because I was given and open

invitation to play with them while I was there on Sabbatical there. However, I amreading into your survey a discontent with the status, or maybe lack of status, of the

pep band and offer this prospective.

Mogana (M): What is the Pep Bands involvement with the Music Department at BU?

A: At most colleges the pep band is a student run organization. It is not directly involved

in the music department for mostly financial reasons. Most music departments areunder staffed for the courses that they need to offer and assigning a faculty member to

the pep band has not been a choice that the department could afford. I believe that the

advisor is actually paid by the athletic department and therefore would not comeunder the supervision of the music department anyway. This may be at the heart of

the problem.

M: In your opinion, why are class credits not given for participation in the Pep Band?

A: The athletic department can not give credit for music courses and the musicdepartment will not give credit to music classed paid for by another department with

no music faculty involved. It has been a concern of many of my students in the past

that they put in all this time and don't get the credit or recognition of the musicdepartment that the other ensembles do. Remember though, that the pep band exists

solely for the benefit of the athletic department and without the games the band would

not be performing. Is not a band that would have a concert on it's own. I do not know

who leads the group now, but I doubt that the athletic department is willing to pay ateacher's salary to run the ensemble, so it probably remains a student run group that

can not be sanctioned by the music department even though many of our students are

involved. I do not believe the musicality of the group has anything to do with why

credits are not given.

Mogana (M): How does the pep band compare to other musical organizations oncampus?

A: Have not heard them play.

M: Has your opinion of the Pep Band changed at all over the years? If it has, how?


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A: I am not qualified to answer this one.

M: What role do you think the Pep Band serves on campus, both in general and

musically?

A: The pep band obviously serves in the capacity of school spirit at the games and events

that is plays at. I hope that the ensemble plays well, because it probably plays for a

larger audience and more often than most of the music ensembles do.

M: Would you ever encourage or discourage a student from joining the Pep Band? Why

or why not?

A: Any time a student is playing their instrument I consider that a plus. The fact thatyou get to go to the games free and travel to the playoffs is another plus, but I only

offer my opinion when asked. Each student has to determine their time commitmentsvery carefully.

M: How would you describe the Pep Bands style of playing?

A: Have not heard it. But it should be very exciting, entertaining and innovative.

M: What is your opinion on the Pep Bands repertoire?

A: Haven't heard it. It should be something that the athletic department is happy

with. The band is accountable to them and of course the fans.

M: What could change to improve your opinion of the Pep Band?

A: I would have to hear them first.

A Band Apart: Recognizing the Efforts of the BU Pep Band

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