What type of music do we tend to play?
During football season, our halftime shows are usually theme-based. For example, in the 2022 to 2023 school year, we had three main shows: a Journey themed show, a Shrek show, and a Superhero show!
During basketball season, our halftime shows feature a few stand tunes based on instrumentation available, or one of the halftime shows from the football season. Within the games (during timeouts, etc.), we have a variety of songs to play, similar to the songs we play at football games.
We also play the school’s fight song (“On, Lafayette!”) as the team comes onto the court and Alma Mater at the end of every game.
What is the Pep Band Uniform?
All members of the ensemble are provided with the official Lafayette College Pep Band jersey and windbreaker. The weather will determine whether the band should wear either one. In addition to the jersey and windbreaker, members of the ensemble must wear blue jeans and neutral color (black or grey) sneakers. Pants or shorts of other colors are not to be worn. Under Armour is a great accessory that will help keep you warm during for games late in the season because the jersey always needs to be the outermost layer, except in extreme cases. Hats and additional accessories may be worn as long as they do not interfere with performance.
Is there any fee associated with attending band camp?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This includes housing and meals.
Does the Pep Band march?
No! As a Pep Band, we only walk in time to get on and off the football field. We play stationary on the field during halftime and from the stands during the rest of the game.
Are there auditions?
No, the Lafayette College Pep Band does not have auditions. Yet, there may be a scenario where you are asked to play in front of the director to assess your musical ability for the purpose of assigning parts. Regardless of ability, no one will be cut from the Pep Band.
What is the meal and room situation during band camp?
Students will be given the opportunity to move into their fall housing at the beginning of band camp. Meals are provided throughout the entirety of band camp. As stated before, there are no fees or charges associated with any of this. No band camp rehearsals or events will conflict with the first-year orientation schedule.
Besides rehearsals, what other activities are scheduled for band camp?
Traditionally, the Pep Band has had movie nights, BBQs, a campus-wide scavenger hunt, and game nights, all thanks to the music department. In addition, it is not unusual for spontaneous games of Frisbee or other sports to erupt.
When are the games the Pep Band will be playing at for the Fall semester?
We will play at all home football games and the annual Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry game. The full schedule can be found at goleopards.com.
What about the spring semester?
We will perform at all Men’s and Women’s home basketball games during the spring semester.
Do I need my own instrument/lyre/flip-folder?
If you own your own instrument and you are comfortable playing it outside, please bring it. This obviously excludes all percussion instruments and sousaphones (although, if you REALLY want to bring your sousaphone, don’t let us stop you). In certain situations, we will be able to loan you an instrument, but please contact us as soon as possible if this is the case and fill out an Instrument Loan Request Form by clicking here. All members must provide their own lyre (fitting their instrument) but we will have flip folders for you.
Who can be contacted if I have any questions or concerns?
Please contact the Pep Band President, Emily Rice or the faculty advisor, Dr. O’Riordan.