Kenyon’s Pep Band performed their first concert of the year — their “Peptember Performance” — on the front steps of Rosse Hall on Sept. 21, just a few days after successfully kicking off the Nerf war.
The band was founded in 2015 by Kaylin Allshouse ’20 and has approximately 20 members. It is open to all students, whether they are just starting to learn a new instrument or have prior experience. Pep Band has weekly practices every Tuesday and Thursday in Rosse Hall and is constantly looking for students who are passionate about music to join. Its goal, as stated on the group’s Instagram page, is to “bring spirit to Kenyon’s events.” This year, Pep Band has brought spirit to sports games, as well as to events like the Nerf war, which they energetically opened a few days prior. Brookie Wilkins ’23, the band’s director, wrote in a message to the Collegian, “Nerf Wars was really cool since we got to work with Bijan and get some practice in performing! We still have a ways to go but I love performing for audiences.”
Luckily, the band didn’t leave all their passion on the Nerf war battlefield. The event lasted for approximately 30 minutes and featured songs such as Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” and the song their night was named after: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. It was intriguing to watch and hear many of the instruments like the flute, saxophone and clarinet, though I found myself wishing they had played louder. Like many other students, I want our school filled with a cheerful spirit and a positive vibe. Groups such as Pep Band contribute to school spirit and encourage students to embrace school pride.
Though Pep Band has already begun to perform at College events this year, they are looking forward to continued improvement and more opportunities to showcase their musical talents. “I’m very excited for the revival of a full pep band!” Wilkins said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had near-full orchestration so we’re still learning how to put everything together.”
She also described their upcoming events: The band is set to play for Family Weekend on Rosse Hall’s steps again for another mini-concert and will be playing at future volleyball, football and basketball games. “We’ve also been asked to open for an event in December that is yet to be disclosed — hopefully we can continue opening for acapella concerts and similar events because that was really fun last year,” Wilkens said.
Pep Band is eager to have more students join. “We are now back at twenty members and hope to continue growing,” Wilkins said. “We have instruments and are especially looking for percussionists.” She welcomes all students who want to learn more about Pep Band.