Have you ever attended a football game and said, “Wow, the energy from the band is dull?” Of course, you haven’t, especially if the game you attended included the Monmouth University Pep Band.
The Pep Band is directed by Bryan H. Jenner and has been under his care for almost a decade now. Coming into the program nine years ago, the band was tiny and not very impactful at games. Now, the program is “thriving further than it has in the past,” according to Jenner.
The band always gets a positive response from the students, faculty, and anyone else among those in the stands. Many dance and/or sing along to the music being played.
Not only do the songs pump up the crowd, but the players utilize the energy from both the band and the crowd in their own playing as well.
Madalyn Jimenez, a freshman criminal justice student, agreed that the energy is unlike anything else, “The games are not the same without the band.”
William Silva, a freshman business student reflected on his own experience having been in his high school marching band: “Going to the games at Monmouth have brought back so many memories and joyous moments in my life. I love hearing them at the games.”
Where would the Monmouth games be without the Pep Band? Going to sporting events with friends is a staple when you come to Monmouth whether it be a football game, a basketball game, etc. there is always a great time ahead.
Gabriella Mercado, freshman psychology and political science student, said, “If there wasn’t a band, it would be too quiet. Plus, I feel like it’s just right to have a band at college football games, it’s tradition!”
The atmosphere from the band’s music gives off all positive vibes and even if the Hawks lose, there is always a way for the team to know that they have fans and supporters there for them.
At the moment, the Hawks are entrenched in the football season, attending basically every home game. After football ends, the Pep Band will still be flying through sheets of music at the basketball games as well, so do not worry, there is still time to hear them play.
Even though many may not realize what the band actually brings to the field, they can be considered one of the most important clubs on campus. Not only do the members bring the fire to the games, but they also create a family among themselves. Music has a way of bringing people together. A freshman may be coming into college extremely nervous, but after the week-long band camp over the summer, they have every other band member from freshman to senior year behind them, supporting them all the way through.
Alumni will even come back to visit and play with the band as well. Jenner has even been invited to weddings of those who have graduated.
Skylar Dailey, a freshman English and education student and current member of the Pep Band, joined just a few months ago in August. Through her experience of the band, she has gained friendships that aided her throughout the beginning of the school year.
Between the uplifting music and the family oriented program, the band is a wonderful club on campus.
This program gives socialization skills needed in the future, it gives reassurance that you have a support system here on campus, and it even gives you the great mindset of, “Wow, I cannot believe that I just got the crowd that into the game!” The support that the band and music gives is outstanding and if you can toot a horn or carry a beat on a drum, you should look into joining.
IMAGE TAKEN from Monmouth University Facebook
