Pep band hits the high note

By Gabe Taylor

Instruments in hand and vocal chords attached, Santa Clara's pep band is an energized machine that loves to use their music to rile up the fans and the team.

The pep band, whose roots only date back six years ago, has played at women's volleyball games, men's hockey games, men and women's basketball games and alumni events.

According to senior drummer Chris Barry, with approximately 40 members in the band and almost 25 songs in their repertoire, the band is growing in experience at a fast pace.

Every time the band plays the Santa Clara fight song, Barry is able bask in a moment of fame. In this brief time span, the band quiets down to hear Barry take control with a solo of his own.

In certain games, such as the men's basketball game against Gonzaga two weeks ago, the nerves can come out to play as well.

"As soon as I finished playing it, it was almost like I blacked out," said Barry, commenting on how his nerves forced him to forget what he had just played.

Barry has noticed that one of the most exciting aspects of the band recently is the involvement of the fans, whom he says are beginning to gain interest towards the music and the band's never-ending high level of energy.

"We all feed off of each other, and that goes for the fans too. The more excitement there is the arena, the more everybody gets into it," said Barry.

All of these reasons make up the enjoyment that the band portrays at the games.

"Plus we get great seats at the game!"

At the basketball games, they're right in the action with spots right behind the basket.

This placement has worked to Santa Clara's advantage on many occasions, especially when referring to sophomore Alex Kovak.

"Our secret weapon this year is Alex, who stands up and waves his body kind of like a noodle," said Barry.

Kovak has made a name for himself with his abilities to distract the opposing team at the free throw line.

"I just started convulsing my body," said Kovak, explaining his method.

Although Kovak likes to think it has worked on occasions before, he is uncertain of his talent compared to the talent of the players on the opposing team.

"Those guys are all pretty good, so I doubt it does very much, but it makes me feel good when they miss," he said.

Kovak took up playing an instrument for the pep band after he became friends with some of the other members. Most frequently, Kovak alternates between the triangle and the cowbell.

"He's become an unofficial mascot of our pep band," said Barry.

Even though Kovak tends to catch many eyes at games with his enthusiasm, another band member also stands out at the age of 92.

Father George, a Jesuit priest, moved to Los Gatos this year after living in Missouri and playing for the St. Louis University pep band.

His age may stand out as the impressive factor, but that is not all he has to offer.

In order to make it to every Bronco game, in which the band is playing, Father George rides his bicycle.

The trip is approximately 8.5 miles en route.

"It's an ego boost for us just in the way that there are people that have that much musical experience but also that much life experience who still want to come out and play with us," said Barry.

With a men's home basketball coming up on Saturday, Barry says to expect the band to be sitting right back behind the basket. An elderly man, an enthusiastic student, a top-notch drummer and a full band equipped with energy will all be a part of the scene.

Contact Gabe Taylor at gtaylor@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.