Maya Martin, Editor

PHILADELPHIA – The drum’s beat resounds through the newly updated walls of the John Glaser Arena, sending intense energy through the crowd. The brassy blare of the saxophone cuts through the air, and the sharp ring of the trumpets adds to the symphony of sound. It is game night at La Salle University, and the pep band is in full swing, a powerhouse of sound and spirit that fuels the frenzy of the fans.

As both the men’s and women’s basketball teams charge the court, the pep band rises to the occasion as the beating heart of the arena. Their music, a mix of fight songs and high-energy anthems, ignites the fans. With each strum of the guitar and each slap of the snare drum, they are not merely playing tunes; they are shaping the very atmosphere of the game. For La Salle’s basketball fans, the pep band is not just a part of the game—it is the game.

“Rather than just recorded music, it’s much better… just having humans actually playing the music live, witnessing what’s happening during the game,” explained men’s basketball player Charles Ireland. “When there’s good momentum, when there’s bad momentum, I feel like the pep band reads off of it and gives us what we need in the moment.”

Thanks to La Salle Athletics and a new pep band director, Turner Gray, the program has expanded in size, strength and sound. For a moment of time after the COVID-19 pandemic, the band was very small and on an unfortunate hiatus.

“My freshman year, it was all seniors and then me as a freshman, so everyone graduated, so the pep band consisted of just me for my junior year,” explained saxophone player Ethan Leibiger. “We didn’t get any new people joining, and then this year, there was a new director hired, and then he was able to get a lot of new recruits, so then the pep band started up again.”

This past year, the band grew to 11 members, allowing them to perform at more events outside of the men’s and women’s basketball games. The band has been invited to perform at various on-campus and citywide events including the 32nd annual La Salle Charter Dinner, the Thoroughbred Society Race, the Eagles Super Bowl pep rally and the Philly 5K.

“I like to say yes to everything because we’re in a position that we need to not only give back to the community but also get out there,” said pep band director Gray. “One of our mottos is ‘be known for more.’ Be seen and be heard. That’s two things that the band could do really well.”

Outside of boosting the gameday atmosphere and amplifying La Salle Athletics, the band also has pride in being a creative outlet for students interested in music and artistic performance. While the university does not have a music major, the pep band is a less intense and more leisure-filled extracurricular that students can channel their creative spark into.

“Giving students the ability to come together, make music and do something that they just are very passionate about– I think is more important than anything,” Gray shared. “At the end of the day, the band makes a difference in so many people’s lives, and especially the students– students that are participating in the student athletics.”

“I like being able to perform in an organized musical ensemble again, because that was like my main hobby in high school,” Leibiger explained. “The best way to play your instrument is with other people, so being in a group of people that will play music with you makes it more fun than just playing by yourselves.”

With the revamping and revitalization of the pep band, La Salle is offering various incentives for new members to join. Membership in the program allows for travel opportunities, priority course registration and community engagement opportunities. The most notable incentive, however, is that all new or transfer students will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition.

“We have a spot for you, and we’ll work together even if it means you’re just hitting the crap out of a cowbell or you’re hitting our big bass drum,” Gray assured. “We have an instrument and a way for you to get involved, and we’d love to have you– anyone, regardless of skill level, ability, time, anything.”

For any questions or more information on how to join the pep band look to the La Salle Pep Band website, La Salle University Band Instagram account or email grayt@lasalle.edu.