Throughout the school year, the pep band has shown an increased amount of support to the athletic teams at home games, beginning with volleyball and football in the fall and carrying over to the basketball teams this winter. Boys varsity basketball coach Doug Miles said he enjoys having the band’s presence at all the home games.
“The band sets a tone and atmosphere throughout the entire game that just can’t be beat,” Miles said.
Sophomore drum line member James Miranda said the band gives him an opportunity to learn about music.
“The drum line contributes to the energy at games,” Miranda said.
The students appreciate the band’s songs which are incorporated into cheers in the student section. The leaders in ASB have held practices during lunch before games, enabling students to properly wave their towels to the band’s music. Senior representative Paige Thomas believes the band is part of what makes athletic events more exciting for the students.
“It’s nice to have the band include students in their songs because it gets us involved rather than just standing during a song,” Thomas said.
Pep band is mostly student run and includes fewer members than the other bands at MHS. Sophomore drum major Jane Suppes is in charge of running pep band practices and directing the band at games along with senior drum majors Elissa Kilmer and Chris Armstrong.
“There are a lot of benefits for the band in getting to play at the games, as well as creating a good atmosphere for the players,” Suppes said.
Senior band member Will Gagnon said there are many benefits for the band such as playing in front of peers and getting recognition. Gagnon said the band brings up the spirit during games.
“The band keeps the students cheering during time outs while the teams aren’t in action,” Gagnon said. “We are able to keep the energy up and the students cheering.”
The band has shown their support even on the road at the league title game in Coquille on Feb. 24, and they plan to attend the state tournament at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on March 13_15.
