UWF Pep Band gears up for its second year

The UWF pep band is back this year and ready to fire up crowds of Argos. After a successful first year, the band is gearing up to spread Argo spirit this fall.

“This year, the band will play in the fall and the spring,” said Joseph Spaniola, Ph.D., chair of the UWF music department. “We are working with athletics to expand our support of more UWF sports, but basketball will still be our primary focus.”

Spaniola and the band are planning to experiment with performing at some soccer and volleyball games, as well as Homecoming events and Explore UWF open house events. The band will have roughly 40 to 45 members, and 18 to 20 are expected to be returning members from last year, or Pep Band Pioneers.

“Last year was my first time in college, and I was missing the marching band atmosphere that I had during high school,” said Elizabeth Allgood, Pep Band Pioneer and a junior majoring in mathematics. “When I heard about the Pep Band last year, I was immediately excited. Not only does it allow me to be a part of something similar to high school band, it also allows me to make some money while in school.”

Each member that plays in the band gets paid a stipend of $15 per performance. Only about 23 members perform at a time, but the band keeps alternates to allow for students’ busy schedules.

“I’m most excited this year about having more opportunities and events to play,” said Blake Thompson, Pep Band Pioneer and a junior majoring in legal studies. “This fall semester, we could be playing at more than 20 events. The more we play, the more people get to know us and the more we can grow.”

Music enlivens the soul and brings people together in a unique and powerful way, according to Spaniola.

“A Pep Band is part of a traditional collegiate experience,” said Spaniola. “Student members experience the personal joy and excitement of supporting the university and university athletics, while building the community’s enthusiasm and pride.”

Auditions will be held Sept. 6, and the first rehearsal will be Sept. 8. The band will make its fall debut during the Homecoming Pep Rally on Oct. 6.

“The band is a great way to support UWF athletics, fire up the crowd and just get out, play some music and have fun,” said Thompson.

UWF Pep Band Instrumental Auditions will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011 in Building 54 (Field House), Room 147.

To sign up for an audition time, visit the Music Department Office in Building 82 (Center for Fine and Performing Arts), Room 211 or call 474-2147.

For more information about auditions, contact jspaniola@uwf.edu or call 850-857-6296.