When the Pep Band decides to take their break, no one is happy...
1) This season, I played Pep Band for the required games, as well as one or two voluntary games. I played the required games since they were required. I played at the voluntary games that I could just in case I was unable to play at a required game. I am a cheerleader, so I do not always have the time to play with the Pep Band. I think that I deserve a low A or a high B for a grade because I did play at the required games as much as I could. When I would try to play for certain volunteer games, I would tunnel for the boys, but then by the time I made it to the stage, it was difficult to get to my spot. I was able to meet the requirements for band, however I was not able to play as much as others which is why I think a high B or a low A is acceptable.
2) Pep Band is an important element of Newark Band. These experiences give students the chance to play in a different setting (other than in the band room or in concert situations). If students choose to move forward and play with a college/university band, they will most likely have to play during a sporting game, so it is good for them to know what it is like. Pep Band is an important aspect of a Newark home game. It brings a greater energy to the fans than a CD or playlist would.
3) My TOP Three Songs 1) Land of 1000 Dances Land of 1000 Dances is a song that is easy to play, and seems to be one of the "go-to" songs for the Pep Band. This song creates a fun energy, and it is usually one of the first songs to be played. Since it is near one of the first songs that we play, it can usually determine how well the band will play during the game. 2) Lady Gaga Dance Mix Lady Gaga Dance Mix is another song that creates a fun energy during games. At first, it can seem like a complex song to play, but when you are able to play it a few times, it becomes extremely simple. The second trumpets were given a copy of the notes at measures 9-16, which makes that section louder to provide more momentum for the next section. 3) Crazy Train Crazy Train is a Pep Band song that is commonly played during any sporting event. When I play this song, I feel like I have an important part (and I am usually the first one to play it entirely). I typically love hearing this song during college sporting events, but when I play, I have lots of fun and sometimes think of how cool it is that I am playing a song that colleges and universities typically play.
My BOTTOM Three Songs 1) Uptown Funk! Uptown Funk is a song that is often heard on the radio. We did not play this during pep band this season, but we have played it last season, as well as certain days this year. The reason I do not like playing this song is because of the higher notes. I cannot play all of them easily (and have them sound good) and I am also unable to play my parts because my mouth hurts too much when I play. It is fun to sing with your friends in the car, but I think that will be the extent of me playing this song. 2) Stadium Jams Vol. 6 Stadium Jams Vol. 6 was a new addition this year. I do not like it because of the higher notes, and the different rhythms. I think that they are good for the last few minutes before the games start, but I simply do not like to play them. I think that I might change my mind with the second song (Don't Stop Believing) but I definitely to not like playing the higher notes during All I Do is Win. 3) NHS Fight Song This year, the NHS Fight Song was rewritten. I think that I am used to the notes from last year, so now it is more difficult for me to play it this year. I think that last year's version sounded more like the Fight Song. Our fight song is also the fight song for the University of Notre Dame. I have been to many sporting events there, and I have heard their band play the fight song. Since I have heard their version, I think it is difficult for me to play something that should sound similar to it, but currently sounds extremely different.
4) This year, I improved on the song Wipeout. I mainly improved at measure 5. Before, I couldn't play this song because there were so many things written on it, so thankfully I received a new copy this year. I used to think that it was incredibly fast and the notes were too high. Now, I can play most of the notes with ease (I am still working on the notes above an E) and I am aware of what it is supposed to sound like.