Whether it’s a pep rally in school or under the Friday Night Lights, Holy Trinity’s pep band is always prepared to cheer up the crowd with their music.

Pep band has been around for nearly 20 years in Holy Trinity’s music program and is composed of about 30 students from the Wind Ensemble and Percussion IV classes. With a wide variety of music including popular songs such as “Seven Nation Army” and “Smoke on the Water,” as well as school classics like Holy Trinity’s “Fight Song” and “Alma Mater,” its purpose is to entertain the crowds at football games and pep rallies, as well as create a sense of unity among everybody involved. 

“I think without the pep band, the football games wouldn’t be as engaging,” alto saxophone player and senior Anna Mondschein said. “I personally think that the pep band’s sole and primary purpose is to bring joy to people whether it be through the football games or at pep rallies, and honestly just be there for a welcoming community for all.” 

Additionally, being a part of the pep band establishes a sense of community and can form new bonds and strengthen friendships. Junior Matthew Nunes is one of many whose time as a drum line member has affected his relationships with other students.

“It’s the people there that make it great,” Nunes said. “I love all of my pep band friends. Without pep band, I wouldn’t have as many friends.”

Despite its prominence within Holy Trinity’s music program, little is known to those outside the pep band about the preparation before the football games and pep rallies. Jason Stephens, the band director at Holy Trinity, describes the events that take place before each football game.

“Before the first football game, we meet several times just to rehearse music, go over cheers, and get the drumline playing with the band, and then before each game individually we brush up on the music, maybe learn some new cheers, and figure out ways to get the crowds involved,” Stephens said. 

This year, there have been some changes made to the pep band, including the addition of a drum major. Senior Fisher Jehs was chosen as the drum major through an audition process that took place at the end of last school year.

“I really enjoy being able to interact with the students, the pep band, and the cheerleaders collectively, because from my position I can coordinate everyone to move along with the pep band or the cheers,” Jehs said.

Whether you love music, football, or school spirit, pep band has something for everyone.