If you’ve been to a Chaska sporting event in the fall or winter, you have no doubt heard the Pep Band. This dedicated group of student musicians plays at volleyball and soccer in the fall and at basketball and hockey games in the winter. Many members are also in the marching band, which plays at football games in the fall.
The Pep Band is under the leadership of Tim Beckler, director of bands at Chaska High. In addition to this role, he teaches symphonic band, 9th grade band, wind symphony and music theory.
But the Pep Band offers a “different” way for him to share his passion for music by offering students more current and popular music. Beckler has been leading the Pep Band for 18 years, so with some rough math his group has played the Star-Spangled Banner more than 2,500 times and the Chaska Rouser more than 24,000 times.
Those in the Pep Band perform on a volunteer basis and the activity is open to any music student. The Pep Band has about 60 members this year and approximately 30 or so will attend any given game.
The Pep Band plays on a rotating schedule among the sports and tries to do one every week or so. Beckler is clear in the outcome for those involved with pep band. “It’s about letting the kids get better at their music, because the more you play, the better you get,” he said. “This is a fun way for them to play different music. Some play different instruments with their friends and in front of people.”
It’s also an opportunity for the students in the different bands to play with others from other bands.
“Many students get much better at their techniques and their performing skills,” Beckler said. “It’s great to be out here to support the community and the school. It’s great when we can add a tune at a break in the action and get the crowd into the game.”
Beckler curates the list of songs, with an active play list of about 50 songs.
“I put out a list and take suggestions from the band members, as I hope they have fun and play songs they and the crowd will enjoy,” he said.
When pressed, Beckler admits to having his own favorites and shared he cues up songs based on the game flow, number of musicians, and his own personal inclination(s). He too plays with the band, contributing on saxophone.
Ephram Carlson is a senior mellophone player on the Pep Band and normally plays the French horn.
“Being in Pep Band is interesting,” he said. “You get to play songs you don’t normally play in the other bands. It has helped me improve my playing and the people are fun.” KT Fryling, a four-year Pep Band veteran, is a clarinet player “in her day job” but is a percussionist in the Pep Band.
“The music is fun and being able to play with my friends and playing for friends at the games are two of the reasons I like pep band,” she said.
Chris Smith is also a four-year Pep Band participant and plays the trombone.
“It’s cool … it’s the only instrument that slides, you can make some cools sounds; sounds that other instruments can’t make.,” he explained. Smith plans to continue his Pep Band experience next year at Crown College.
Tyler Kadlec, a trumpet player, added to the discussion of Pep Band participation.
“It’s energetic music and not overly complicated,” he said. “It’s not easy, but I can have fun with it. I felt so welcomed when I was a freshman, it was a great way to get to know and meet people. I’d highly recommend it to any music student.”
Tyler shared that the whole band gets “a kick” when the crowd responds with a cheer or clapping after they’ve finished a song. To know we helped pump up the crown is “the best,” he said.
