In previous years, sporting events would consist of nothing more than just a row of cheerleaders and a mascot to get the crowd into the game. This year, however, there is a new addition to the lively event.

The Stagg Alumni Pep Band.

The new music teacher, Joseph Updegraff, has helped put together the band. Though it all started with the alumni, he agreed it was a great idea. “There was a core group of about 10 alumni,” He said, “and once it got coordinated with me, people started joining.”

Despite the name of the band, it doesn’t consist solely of alumni but includes current students as well. “The alumni is able to help us out when we get confused because they have more experience,” said Ryan McLaughlin, sophomore, who plays alto saxophone.

It also gives them a chance to play with a better ensemble, social studies teacher and French horn player in the band, Stewart Jacoby said. Also, the alumni can help to improve the skills of some of the students. “The cool thing about it is that there are current students playing with former students,” Jacoby said.

“I remember when there was just three of us,” Ray Lozano, alumnus and trumpet player said in a short speech before their first performance on Sept. 2. With passion in his voice he said, “We might be small but we’re going to get the job done.”

Updegraff is pleased with how many people actually are involved, but said that it hasn’t been a “flock-of-people-joining” sort of thing.

Traditionally there would be a marching band that would have a field show, but this band’s job is to “sit in the stands and play (their) tunes,” Updegraff said.
              

One of their goals is to be an asset to the game. They contribute to what is happening on the field by playing music to go along with the action. “The key is to be a part of the game, not a distraction,” Updegraff said.
              

The pep band is a way for alumni to be involved with their former high school. “They kind of are leaving their mark again,” McLaughlin said.