Everybody’s favorite band is back just in time for Homecoming! The Orcas Island High School Band has been working hard since the beginning of September on old and new pep musical pieces that they plan on debuting at the Homecoming football game on October 24. From then on, the band will be playing at home Viking basketball games. They’ll be featuring pieces such as “Build Me Up Buttercup,” “Eye of the Tiger,” “Shake it Up,” and “Uptown Funk.” The band tries to keep the music upbeat and recognizable “It’s very fun to do and the band loves doing it,” says school Band Director Darren Dix, “we sound great this year and we can’t wait to play at the Homecoming game. We’re always looking out for new music to play, so if anyone has any ideas for songs they would like to hear, I’d love for you to stop buy and let me know!” Our new tradition of pep band has been encouraged and pioneered by teacher Darren Dix whose idea has blossomed into a functioning pep band.
An extended part of Blue Crew, the school pep band is excited to pump up school spirit by playing in the bleachers and encouraging audience participation. Although the band was dubious in the beginning, they’ve grown to love Pep Band. Flute player Claire Bishop Martin is one band member who’s now happily anticipating the new pep season. “I really love spending my afternoons watching the games and playing pep music,” she says, “It’s just super fun to be part of such a fun group of people all making music and having a good time together. Plus the reaction we get from the community is just so positive and nice.” “It’s a really fun time, it’s nice to have other opportunities to perform other then our concerts,” chimes in Kahana Pietsch, the first (and only) chair trombonist, “plus the music is really upbeat; it puts you in a good mood.”
The band features instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute and clarinet as well as some members of the community band who wish to participate. With growth of the band program the pep band will be experiencing even greater diversity in its music. Its members can be seen carrying instruments to and fro from the gym prior to pep recitals. If you’re planning on stopping by this seasons’ games, keep an eye out for the band in the bleachers and feel free to join in clapping and singing along!