Basketball games are a blast, especially when you know the players on the court. On the other hand, those pre-game warm-ups and long halftimes can get a little tedious. If only there was a way to either shorten this time span, or at least make it more enjoyable. The CHS band has a solution to all these problems and is ready to help spread around a little pep.

 The current CHS pep band was started by Director of Bands Shane Jones close to seven years ago. It replaced a rock/guitar band and now includes any member of band who wants to join. Pep band is a group of students who play before tip-off and during halftime of high school basketball games. They play classic rock, theme songs from movies, and many other tunes that most people would recognize. Pep band usually runs for close to two months, anywhere from 5-7 games per basketball season.

 Mr. Jones, who primarily plays trumpet, enjoys playing along with the students. His favorite pep band song is Cantina Band from Star Wars. Mr. Jones looked back on the past, recalling his favorite pep band memory, which for him was last season's lock-in. He has a love for music and said his favorite aspect of pep band is, "entertaining and seeing the crowd enjoy the experience." Some of his passion has rubbed off on his students.

Pep band consists of close to 50 students who give up their time to participate in something they love. Sophomore Kayla Turner explained. Kayla said, "I play in pep band because I love spending time with my friends and playing music. The two make a perfect combination." Kayla has played the flute in pep band for the past two years. Of course, pep band isn't just playing. You may be wondering what the ensemble does between performance time.

Sophomore Michael Fleshman remembered one specific activity. Michael, who plays the drum set in pep band, said the funniest pep band activity he ever participated in was the "Gallon Challenge." He explained, "The gallon challenge consists of anyone who wants to play trying to drink a gallon of milk in one hour without throwing it back up. Everyone ends up throwing up. It is kind of gross, but it's hilarious." 

Pep band also holds an annual lock-in, a few "band geek basketball games," and gives the members a safe and warm place to hang out with their friends.  

Whether you are 15 or 50, you will hear and enjoy songs that you will recognize from your favorite artists and movies. Come out and support the CHS pep band along with the basketball teams. You might even catch yourself singing along with a few of the tunes.