A pep in their step

For students who are a part of the University of Detroit Mercy’s pep band, their instrument gives them a ticket to travel across the Horizon League and have fun while watching basketball games.

The band is open to students who know how to play instruments including trumpets, flutes, saxophones, trombones, clarinets, and percussion.

Mariel Malone, a senior Psychology major, said she really enjoys playing her clarinet during the men’s and women’s basketball games.

“It’s so fun to be able to watch our team score baskets,” she said. “I always feel when we play our anthem songs for the team it’s a big support for each player and they feel motivated to keep play- ing as hard as possible.”

A typical game includes songs like “Seven Nation Army” and “We Will Rock You.”

They meet for rehearsals every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thurs- day from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the ballroom at Calihan Hall. The band typically sets up behind the basketball hoop during home games.

Julia Wheeler, a junior Chemistry major, said her favorite part of being in the band is that they can travel with the team and would be able to play at bigger stadiums if the Titans make it to the NCAA Tournament.

Wheeler said that being a part of the band has helped her make new friends, play music she enjoys and even learn more about basketball.

The band is open to new members. Anyone interested can reach out to Dean Haddad, the band’s coordinator, at dean_haddad@ wecdsb.on.ca.

Scholarship opportunities are also available.