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

Mogana Jayakumar

MUS 304 Professor Burns 15 December 2009

Jayakumar 2

Introduction In the past few decades, the university pep band has become a staple of music departments and athletics programs all over the United States. Numerous accounts refer to the need of a pep band in order to add enthusiasm to the event, to support the home team, and to entertain the audience.1 The pep band has always served in these respects at a variety of sports events at colleges and universities. It attracts a wide range of performers and spectators alike. A pep band is able to influence a large amount of fans and an effective pep band is able to get the amount of school spirit to a fever pitch in order to move a sports game forward, never leaving a dull moment. Most university pep bands are either directly related to the music department at their respective university or are the result of collaboration between the music and athletics departments. The usual pep band has faculty members who help further the sound and musicality of the group by involving their own typically classically trained techniques with a wide repertoire that often includes popular songs. However, the Binghamton University Pep Band (from here on referred to as the BU Pep Band) is entirely run by the Student Association. This means that the group was begun and run by students until it recently acquired a paid director courtesy of the Athletics department. This study aims to examine the role of the BU Pep Band in the music community at Binghamton University and in the local area. It will focus on the tension created as a result of the BU Pep Band having no affiliation with the Binghamton University Music Department, especially on the emic vs. etic views on the musicality of the BU Pep Band. Interviews will be conducted with a founding member of the BU Pep Band, the current director of the BU Pep Band and a representative from the Binghamton University Music Department in order to compare and contrast a number of different perspectives on the group. Danielle Furey is a recent graduate of Binghamton University. A long time marching band member and music enthusiast, Danielle decided to start up the pep band with a small group of interested students in 2004. Although she received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Binghamton in 2006, Danielle decided to stay
1

Bill Moffitt, The Ingredients of a Successful Pep Band, The Instrumentalist 35, no. 4 (1980): 21.

Jayakumar 3 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 to remain 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

Jayakumar 4 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 the cheerleading 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 3 4

Brad Leeb, Pep Band Prep, The Instrumentalist 61, no. 3 (2006): 104. Moffitt, 21. James V. Larkin, Put a Little 'Pep' in Your Band Program, Music Educators Journal: Individualization in Music Education 59, no. 3 (1972): 66. Robert B. Klevan, Put Some Spirit into Your Pep Band, The Instrumentalist 43, no. 6 (1989): 23. Vroman, 78.

5 6

Jayakumar 5 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 most pep 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 recordkeeping. 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. Vroman, 78. Larkin, 67. Klevan, 23.

8 9 10

Jayakumar 6 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.14 The 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 instrumentation 17 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, and school 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 12 13 14

Dynan, 45. Moffitt, 21. Dynan, 45. Vroman, 78. Larkin, 66. David C. Vroman, Pep Bands Spirit and Enthusiasm for Your Program, The Instrumentalist 40, no. 7 (1986): 78. Dynan, 45. Larkin, 66. Larkin, 66. Vroman, 78.

15 16

17 18 19 20

Jayakumar 7 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. 22 Sometimes 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 and provide 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 22 23 24

Moffitt, 21. Leeb, 104. Vroman, 78. Danielle Furey, interview with a founding member of the BU Pep Band, November 2009. See Appendix B for a transcription of this interview.

Jayakumar 8 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.

Figure 1 Humble Beginnings of the BU Pep Band

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 past four 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.

Jayakumar 9 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). Taylor interview.

27

Jayakumar 10 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, members of 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.

Jayakumar 11 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 the BU 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. Binghamton University Athletics Spirit Binghamton University, 2006,

30

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.

Jayakumar 12 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.

Jayakumar 13 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 are from 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

Jayakumar 14 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 mind on 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.

Jayakumar 15 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 perpetuate and 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.

Jayakumar 16 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 Instrumentalist 43, 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 Instrumentalist 61, no. 3 (2006): 104. Moffitt, Bill. The Ingredients of a Successful Pep Band. The Instrumentalist 35, no. 4 (1980): 21. Vroman, David C. Pep Bands Spirit and Enthusiasm for Your Program. The Instrumentalist 40, no. 7 (1986): 78-9.

Jayakumar 17 Table of Figures

Figure 1 Humble Beginnings of the BU Pep Band.............................................8 Figure 2 Recent Growth of the BU Pep Band....................................................9

Jayakumar 18 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 limit of 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 the musicians that are in a Pep Band played in Marching Band in high school and because 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 musical groups 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.

Jayakumar 19 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 learn your 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 the fly.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 have been 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 is available. 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 an Excel 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 have to 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?

Jayakumar 20 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 music director 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 the Music 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 the Jazz 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 like trying 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 either grading 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 just to 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 Oldies to 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 a musician, a performer and most importantly as a person!

Jayakumar 21 Appendix B Interview with Danielle Furey Interview with Danielle Furey, Founding Member of the Binghamton University Pep Band, 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 have something 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 until the 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 well respected through the university and the community. And we actually have money to buy 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 of members 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. I think 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 to somebody 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 of students 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 of leadership 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, but there 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 much better 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. The students and community seem to really enjoy the pep band's presence at the basketball games and other events.

Jayakumar 23 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 have changed. 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 am reading 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 are under 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 come under 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 music department 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 music department 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 a teacher'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 on campus? 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 that you 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 commitments very 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.