They could be heard at dinner on Thursday, September 6, or at the first home football game on the following Saturday. They are the new 34 strong Griffin Pep Band, and they are ready to take Seton Hill University (SHU) by storm.
When Ted DiSanti, associate professor of music and director of the band, saw the formation of the SHU football team and the increasing interest in basketball on campus, the idea of forming a pep band was born.
“I’ve always been interested in organizing an all-student instrumental ensemble here at Seton Hill and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so,” said DiSanti.
The participating students matched DiSanti’s excitement.
By Chelsea Oliver,
Contributor
They could be heard at dinner on Thursday, September 6, or at the first home football game on the following Saturday. They are the new 34 strong Griffin Pep Band, and they are ready to take Seton Hill University (SHU) by storm.
When Ted DiSanti, associate professor of music and director of the band, saw the formation of the SHU football team and the increasing interest in basketball on campus, the idea of forming a pep band was born.
“I’ve always been interested in organizing an all-student instrumental ensemble here at Seton Hill and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so,” said DiSanti.
The participating students matched DiSanti’s excitement.
“Ted DiSanti is so awesome…we are all excited to finally have our own pep band,” said Darah Jones, a sophomore.
And that excitement carries from the freshmen members, all the way through to the senior members.
“I love all the band members and being able to be a part of something new at Seton Hill,” said Michelle Liboski, a sophomore.
However the band is not only about having a good time. These students have had to put in long hours, and their hard work is beginning to pay off.
“The students have responded well above my expectations in this first year. The commitment to rehearsal and performance is substantial. I am pleased to say that the members of the band have risen to this challenge in a very positive way,” said DiSanti.
The purpose of a pep band is to help pump up the fans, and band members explained the importance of their song selection.
“My favorite thing has to be the music we’re playing,” said Becca Sands, a sophomore.
“It’s fun and exciting, and we’re good at it,” said Sands.
“The songs we play are not all you’re typical high school band favorites, so it gives you a different feel than a high school marching band,” said Shawn Conway, a junior.
“The community should expect great music and a great show from the band,” said Chaniece Robinson, a freshman.
Those interested in joining the SHU Griffin Band can contact Ted DiSanti at disanti@setonhill.edu.
View this writer’s profile.