The USI Pep Band gives students the opportunity to play instruments without a curriculum and gives the chance to play instruments other departments don’t offer programs for.
Tom Mace, Pep Band director, has led the brass section since the early 90s.
“We started in Fall 1990 as the first based pep band for USI, and now we’re in our 24th season,” Mace said.
The band consists of students and alumni because many students aren’t aware of the band’s existence. When Barry Schonberger, former dean of students, was still at the university, the band was moved from student life to the athletic department, making it difficult to advertise to students.
“One thing we’ve kind of fought is students not knowing about us,” Mace said. “We’re not a class or part of education.”
While lacking a major music program at the university, the Pep Band allows a space for students to play music while supplying music at games.
“Since we’re a non-credit organization, we don’t have a mandated attendance policy,” Mace said. “There are at least two or three games before students are back from break, that’s the way the schedule goes.”
A large difference between this organization and other student organizations on campus is the large amount of alumni that participate in the band. Members of the community are also welcome to play and support the university.
Drummer Jamey Gates has participated in the band since fall 1990 and stands as one of the longest running members of the organization.
“There’s a lot of good people, lots of really good friends and a great atmosphere,” Gates said. “I’d like to keep playing as long as they come and let us play.”
Gates played in various bands since 1982, but he attended USI and stuck with the Pep Band as a chance to play his instrument.
“In my opinion, if it was only for students, it would die,” Gates said. “I’ve watched IU games and most universities have older bands.”
Brittany Tyler has played with the band since her freshman year at USI. The December 2012 graduate said the band provided her an organization she could belong to.
“I was a commuter and lived at home, so it gave me a lot to do,” Tyler said. “USI doesn’t have a music program, and it gave me the option to play drums.”
Tyler also played drums in the university’s jazz band, providing her with another outlet to play music.
“Pep band is just a fun activity to do, it’s different each year, but we have the same alumni,” Tyler said. “I still play because I’m living in Evansville and I’m one of the main drummers.”
