New pep band to add excitement to Bison basketball fan experience
Bison Pep Band debuts Nov. 9 at men’s basketball season home opener against Wofford
Kim Chaudoin |
This fall Bison basketball fans will experience a new wave of excitement and spirit in Allen Arena with the debut of the new Lipscomb University Bison Pep Band this season.
The Bison Pep Band will enhance the fan experience and marks a significant university commitment to enhancing the game-day atmosphere at Lipscomb’s athletic events. This season the pep band will perform at basketball games with the goal of expanding to other sports in the future.
The establishment of the Bison Pep Band is a collaborative effort among Lipscomb Athletics, the School of Music and the Lipscomb Office of the President, which was the driving force behind making the new program a reality.
"We recognized that enhancing the energy and spirit at our basketball games was essential to fostering a more engaging experience for our fans and players," says Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "After an in-depth study on fan engagement, launching the Bison Pep Band became a clear priority, and I'm excited to see it come to life this season. The decision to purchase instruments and establish a dedicated director position reflects our commitment to a vibrant game-day atmosphere, one that strengthens our community and makes our athletics events even more memorable."
The pep band will not only serve as a source of entertainment during games but also as a vital element in fostering school spirit within the Lipscomb community.
“Having a live band at our basketball games will bring a new level of enthusiasm to the stands and energize our players,” says Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson. “We are thankful for this partnership with the School of Music and the President's Office to make a pep band a reality and we look forward to the excitement it brings to the game-day atmosphere in Allen Arena.”
Members of the pep band and men's and women's basketball teams getting ready to kick off the new season together. - photo by Hugh Foster
Jenny Snodgrass, director of the School of Music, says the partnership between athletics and music is “an exciting new venture for Lipscomb.”
“I often refer to my students as artist-athletes as both communities dedicate countless hours to honing their craft through rigorous practice and repetition,” she explains. “They share a common drive for excellence, pushing their bodies and minds to the limits in pursuit of a peak performance. We also both play (perform) in front of large audiences so we always have to bring our best.”
“It just makes sense to blend the two together so the new pep band can bring a new element of spirit while supporting their colleagues on the court and field,” continues Snodgrass. “It is a win-win for both.”
Ronda DePriest, who joined the Lipscomb faculty this summer as director of athletic bands and instrumental music education, is the driving force behind the formation of the Bison Pep Band program. DePriest has also written a new fight song to be played by the pep band called “Bisons, Horns Up!”
"I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community at Lipscomb,” says DePriest, who has a Doctor of Arts in conducting from University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Arts in instrumental conducting from the University of Arkansas. “The Bison Pep Band is an exciting new chapter for Lipscomb, and I’m thrilled to be leading this talented group of students."
Veteran music educator Ronda DePriest joined the Lipscomb faculty this summer as director of athletic bands and instrumental music education to build the pep band program. - Photo by Kristi Jones
The Lipscomb Bison Pep Band provides an opportunity for students who were involved in band during high school to continue their musical journey at Lipscomb regardless of their major.
“Music majors and non-music majors alike who just love to play their instrument and want to engage in the ensemble experience are welcome,” says DePriest. "The pep band is designed to be a spirited group that brings energy to every game. We’re going to have fun, play a variety of music and create an atmosphere that really pumps up the crowd. This is more than just a band — it’s a community where students can connect, lead and grow."
The pep band quickly garnered significant interest among students with 16 students attending the band’s inaugural meeting in August. A total of 23 students compose the 2024-25 Lipscomb Pep Band. Members are:
Lily Jackson, Analia Spagnuolo - piccolo; Lucy Ehmann - clarinet; Joel Booker, Jesus Navarro Castro, Cassidy Decker, Mia McKinney - saxophone, alto; Brett Hawley - saxophone, baritone; Jalen Hill - saxophone, tenor; Bentley Lankford, Kate Marcino, James Portwood - trumpet; Ellie Lundy - mellophone; Arrabella Barnes, David Martinez, Pablo Ramos-Sanchez - trombone; Sam Marshall, Tristen Millsaps - baritone; Sebastian De Varona, Reece Hoffman - sousaphone; Aidan Spiva - electric bass; Emmalyn Williams - drum set; and Kate Barton - percussion (auxiliary).
The inaugural pep band will debut with 23 members at the men's basketball opening game on Nov. 9. - Photo by Kristi Jones
With over 40 years of experience in both higher education and K-12 music education, establishing a pep band at Lipscomb is a challenge DePriest is made for. Prior to coming to Lipscomb, she was professor of music and director of the music program at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania. Her extensive experience also includes serving as the assistant director for the University of Northern Colorado's Pride of the Rockies Marching Band and as a music educator at both public and private schools in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, including serving as band director at Goodpasture Christian School for five years.
Ben Blasko, director of instrumental studies in the School of Music and chair of the search committee that brought DePriest to Lipscomb, says, "Ronda's teaching and higher-ed experiences, faith, collaborative drive, athletics experience, her 'boots on the ground' attitude and connections in the Tennessee community have been a great fit to jumpstart the pep band and bring a wise and clear vision for growing the instrumental music education program."
Snodgrass agrees.
“Dr. DePriest brings with her decades of expertise and a commitment to students both inside and outside the classroom,” she shares. “Her demonstrated passion for music education and her success in building athletic bands make her ideal to lead this new program at Lipscomb. We are so excited to watch the program she will build here with her engaging spirit.”
The pep band and the new fight song will make their debut on Saturday, Nov. 9, during Bisons Weekend when the men’s basketball team hosts Wofford College in the season home opener. Lipscomb students, faculty and staff are admitted free with Lipscomb ID or tickets may be purchased here.
DePriest says the Lipscomb Pep Band is looking for additional musicians. Email her for more information.
Learn more about Lipscomb’s School of Music.
— Photos by Kristi Jones