What are the sounds of a Northwestern football, basketball or volleyball game? The announcer commentating, the fans cheering, the teams playing, the coaches yelling and last, but certainly not least, the pep band. The NW Red Raider Athletic Band, colloquially known as the pep band, led by Steve Connell, is one of the most important facets of NW sporting events, providing liveliness, excitement and atmosphere to a game that recorded music could not. Though they are sometimes overlooked the band performs the important task of providing live “hype music” to energize the crowds of fans and players. The pep band is part of NW’s tradition of keeping students involved with sporting events on and off campus.
The pep band is a storied NW tradition, bringing music and grandiose to football, volleyball and basketball games for years. The students who sign up put in countless hours practicing, preparing and performing for the enjoyment of the fans and players at NW games throughout the year. This may sound like a chore; however, the band knows that it is worth every minute for the excitement they have on game day that they then get to pass on to the crowd through their music. One member of the athletic band, showing his appreciation for the fans, said, “It’s an absolute blast. Feeling the energy of the crowd really gets me going.” Band members also gave their thoughts on the inner workings of the pep band and its culture saying, “I love pep band, I love Steve, he’s full of life and energy, also: the horse; if you’re in pep band you know.” Someone also quipped that “Trumpets are the best section followed closely by percussion and all the other sections do not matter, because trumpets play the melody and the percussion provides the beat, so what else matters?” The pep band is a vibrant, lively group, and they bring that energy to the crowds.
Spectators at various events also appreciate the work the pep band does to bring hype and energy to games. One enthused Raider fan said, “It’s amazing to see how much hard work they put in and how it improves the atmosphere.” Another spectator stated, “The pep band is very inspiring and gives a lot of energy to the crowd.” Older fans also noted the long-standing tradition of the pep band’s role saying “I couldn’t imagine a football game without the pep band. They have been bringing fun and music to games since I was a freshman.”
In addition to free admission to games and the fun of playing for the fans, members of the athletic band receive benefits for their contributions to the Red Raider spirit. Band members are paid $125 per paid trips to national games to perform. Members of last year’s pep band expressed their fondness for the opportunity to go to Durham for the 2023 national games, saying it was “the experience of a lifetime going with athletic band friends on a cool trip.” Most importantly, though, the members of the pep band know that the best reward, in the end, is giving back to the NW community with their musical talents.
Next time a NW sporting event occurs, be sure to listen to the Red Raider Athletic Band showing their school spirit and livening up the already incredible atmosphere of games this year.
Photo by Alexandria Squier
