Oct. 5, 2007
The Duquesne University Department of Athletics and the Mary Pappert School of Music have announced a collaborative agreement to create a new University athletics pep band. The two groups have agreed on a three-year plan to develop a musical group to perform at men's and women's basketball home games beginning with the upcoming 2007-08 season. In addition, the pep band will begin performing at home football contests in the 2008 season.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the athletic department to develop new traditions that will enhance the University," said Dr. Edward Kocher, Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music. "For this year, we are setting the groundwork for our students to take the lead in charting the future to make the pep band a fun and rewarding experience."
The pep band will consist of an Assistant Music Director, between 10 and 12 professional student members and an additional 20-30 student members. Mr. H. Carl Hess Jr., Associate Conductor in the Mary Pappert School of Music, will serve as Music Director.
"I'm very excited about the advent of the new pep band," said Hess. "Duquesne has had a rich and storied history in both music and athletics, and I think that this new chapter will be a great success. I'm especially excited about the possibilities for non-music major students. The pep band will be open, by a painless audition, to all Duquesne students regardless of major."
All members of the band will be outfitted with official Department of Athletics apparel from Adidas and student members will have the opportunity to qualify for book scholarships in the amount of $250.
Said Director of Athletics Greg Amodio, "The athletic department is pleased to be moving forward in a collaborative effort with the school of music. From the beginning, the intended outcome of the athletic band restructuring was to enhance the final product and we are confident the partnership with the school of music will help us achieve that goal."
Tryouts for the 2007-08 pep band are scheduled for Sunday, October 21. The band's first performance will be on Friday, Nov. 9 as the men's basketball team plays host to Howard at 8:00 pm.
