UNK Pep Band Earns Staff Senate Spirit Award
The Employee Recognition Committee of Staff Senate wishes to recognize the UNK Pep Band for the role they play in boosting the enthusiasm and excitement at UNK basketball games.
The 30 Pep Band members come from all four colleges—business, education, fine arts and humanities, and natural and social sciences—as well as nursing, medical technology and pre-radiology. In all, they represent 13 departments across campus.
Frequently, Pep Band alumni return to perform with the group. As a result, It is not unusual to have as many as 35-40 musicians performing at a game, although only 30 receive a stipend. Pep Band members typically buy their own UNK Pep Band t-shirts.
The UNK Pep Band rehearses an estimated 10 hours to prepare for the first game, and then works to improve and add other pieces as the year progresses. The students generally perform at 16-20 men's and women's home games, and they usually travel to the RMAC tournament each year. Last year, they were able to travel to Florida for the Men's Elite 8 tournament as well.
Athletics and music enjoy a positive relationship that has been built on the mutual respect that exists between athletics and music at UNK.
"The band members love to play for crowds, are crazy about Loper basketball, and like to generate excitement through music and cheering at basketball games," said Dr. Neal Schnoor, UNK Pep Band director.
Staff Senate and the University are also enthusiastic about the UNK Pep Band and take this opportunity to say: "Thanks for your commitment to the campus and all you add to school spirit at the University of Nebraska at Kearney!"