How do I sign up?
If you are interested, you can fill out a noncommittal form that add you to our mailing list. Fill out the “Sign up to get on our emailing list form” found on our linktree.
If you would like to march in the 2023 season, there will be a committal signup sheet sent to our mailing list in the spring. If you sign up as a marching member, you will be expected to attend Band Camp, which will be in August, just before New Student Orientation and the start of A-term (official dates TBD). If you sign up to be a stands member, you will not attend Band Camp but you will only play in the stands throughout football season. You can access the sign-up form through our linktree. We hope to have you join us! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to pepoff@wpi.edu.
What is Band Camp?
Band Camp is five days of rehearsals interspersed with lots of fun. We will teach marching basics, begin preparing our field show, and learn show music and stands tunes. In addition to rehearsal, Band Camp is a great way to meet other members of the band, make some friends, and find your way around campus before classes start. We will have various fun activities such as a movie night, a game night, and a campus-wide capture-the-flag game. You are required to attend Band Camp if you plan on marching with us. If you are only playing in the stands, you do not need to attend Band Camp.
When is Band Camp?
Band Camp is typically during the week preceding New Student Orientation. Members who will be living on-campus move in on the morning of the first day, and Band Camp begins in the afternoon. A detailed schedule will be posted as the date approaches.
I don’t know how to march, is that a problem?
Absolutely not! A large part of band camp will be dedicated to teaching marching basics. We have many members who had never marched before, but as long as you’re willing to learn, we can teach you.
I already know how to march, do I need to attend band camp?
Yes. While you may be an very competent marcher, there are many different styles of marching taught by different high schools, and it will be necessary learn the style that we use. More practice is always better!
Will food be provided during band camp?
The Pep Band will provide meals during band camp. There will be a fee to cover the costs of meals, around $80. If you are living off campus and have access to a kitchen (typically not a freshman) then signing up for meals is not required. These meals are a great time to get acquainted with your fellow band members! If you have any allergies, dietary restrictions, or concerns please email us at pepoff@wpi.edu and we will be happy to work with you to figure out a plan.
What are the costs associated with joining Pep Band?
All instrumentalists need a Pep Band polo shirt, which costs $15. Marching members will also need appropriate shoes and gloves: black marching shoes and black gloves for instrumentalists (black shoes and black fingerless gloves for color guard members). The cost for these two things is roughly $30. There is also a cost for band camp to cover meals, around $80.
How much of a time commitment is associated with joining Pep Band?
Stands members: During football season, you will have to attend 1 hour of music rehearsal each week and 5 football games throughout fall semester. The 2023 football schedule is TBA and will be sent out sometime this summer. During basketball season, expect 2 hours of music rehearsal and 2-3 basketball games each week (typically about 2 hours each). The 2023-24 basketball schedules are TBA and and will also be sent out during the summer.
Marching members: During football season, expect 2 hours of music rehearsal and 2-5 hours of drill rehearsal each week. We play at 5 football games throughout fall semester. The 2023 football schedule is TBA and will be sent out sometime this summer. During basketball season, expect 2 hours of music rehearsal and 2-3 basketball games each week (typically about 2 hours each). The 2023-24 basketball schedules are TBA and and will also be sent out during the summer.
Can I play a sport and still be in Pep Band?
This depends on the sport, but in the majority of cases, the answer will be yes. If you are a marching member, you will likely have to miss some Pep Band rehearsals and work with us to plan your schedule. If you’re only playing in the stands, there is less time commitment, and you should be able to work Pep Band into just about any schedule. Please reach out to pepoff@wpi.edu and we can help work out any scheduling conflicts.
Do you have an instruments that can be borrowed?
The Pep Band has several instruments available for members to borrow. If we do not have one for you to use, we will work with you to find you an instrument. For specific information on which instruments are available, please e-mail pepoff@wpi.edu
What is marching like at WPI?
Head over to our YouTube and check out some of our past shows! We work hard to put on an awesome show, but we also try to have fun in every rehearsal. We are here first and foremost to have a good time, get the crowd excited and spread around some pep!
Did we miss anything? If you’ve still got questions, reach out to us at pepoff@wpi.edu!