Hokies Pep Band Syllabus

Ensemble Description

Each season, the Hokies Pep Band joins the men’s basketball team as a spirited sixth player, keeping the Hokies and their fans intent on victory in the ACC. The band is a select ensemble, with keen competition for each of the 70 non-scholarship positions. The superior musicianship of the band has been acknowledged numerous times, including being named "best pep band" in the Metro Conference by veteran sportswriter Jack Bogaczyk and being the only pep band ever invited to perform at the VMEA Conference.

Director

The Hokies Pep Band is under the direction of Will Petersen wpeterse@vt.edu

Dress

Nice Blue Jeans and your Hokies Pep Band polo shirt. Until shirts arrive for this year please wear your 2007 MVs t-shirt with jeans for games.

Attendance

Attendance is expected at all games. It is your responsibility to find an alternate (explained below) or a sub (if you do not have alternates in your section) to cover your absence. Please be smart and block your schedule off now. Treat this as a professional commitment!

Games

Please enter Cassell Coliseum via the East Side entrance (side by the tennis courts). You will not have tickets this season, so it’s important that you enter via the East Side entrance and have your Hokies Pep Band attire on for access.

Call-time for all games is 35 minutes prior to tip-off unless otherwise indicated on your schedule or via email. On arrival please sign-in on the clipboard at the platform. This helps keep accurate attendance at games. Please plan on allowing yourself extra time to park and walk over to Cassell Coliseum.

After the game, please assist in taking a piece of the drumsets over to our storage room (413). You may also leave large instruments (Tubas, Bass amp) in the room between games. Please keep the storage room clean!

Parking

Band members may park for free in the South Endzone Lot.

Decorum

The Hokies Pep Band is a select and visible group at all basketball games. Please cheer for the Hokies but do not belittle visiting teams. POSITIVE CHEERING!

Alternates

For many sections, there are alternates who should be called in the event that a regular member cannot play at a game. Alternates should be called in the order listed. Should you not be able to find an alternate in your section, you may call an alternate from another section that plays a similar part. Only sousaphones may sub for sousaphones!

For many sections, there are alternates who should be called in the event that a regular member cannot play at a game. Alternates should be called in the order listed below. Should you not be able to find an alternate in your section, you may call an alternate from another section that plays a similar part. Only sousaphones may sub for sousaphones!

For sections that do not have alternates:
Please contact a member of the MVs on YOUR instrument to sub for you at the game you will miss. It is extremely important to have your part covered so please plan accordingly and provide your sub with whatever he/she might need for the game (folder, etc).

Postseason Play

If the team is selected, it is the responsibility of the Hokies Pep Band to travel to both the ACC Tournament, and all rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

At the beginning of February you will receive a link to a survey that you will need to fill out in order to be eligible for selection to postseason tournaments. Look for more information in early February regarding postseason band selection!