Some of this year’s basketball games will have added excitement with the introduction of Sinclair Community College’s pep band.
Sinclair student Jacob Gabbard said he thought the school needed a pep band to help out with school spirit.
“Pep bands help get the crowd excited during the games,” Gabbard said. “That’s what we’re going to do, I want us to make sure everyone has a good time during the game.”
A Music major, Gabbard played on University of Dayton’s pep band last year while attending Sinclair. He said he can’t wait to bring that type of excitement to Sinclair.
“There is an agreement with Sinclair and UD to where I could play for their band last year,” Gabbard said. “I loved my experience there but I wanted to bring one to Sinclair. A lot of people may not want to get involved because this is a community college but we’re trying to change that.”
The pep band will play six basketball games this year, all of which are home games against opponents that are in the same conference as Sinclair. The first game they will play is on Jan. 19 when Sinclair faces off against Edison Community College. Gabbard said this is a big change from UD’s hectic schedule.
“Sometimes we would have three games a week with men’s and women’s basketball which were all on different times and days,” Gabbard said. “But here the games are scheduled for doubleheaders which make it easier to be a student.”
The first rehearsal for the pep band will be on Jan. 7 so there is still time for anyone to join Gabbard said. You can e-mail him at Jacob.Gabbard@my.sinclair.edu or go to the music department in room 2220 if interested.
“We’re looking for people with a good attitude and who are excited to play,” Gabbard said. “If you know how to play an instrument then you should contact me if you want to join us.”
According to Gabbard, his father is a former Sinclair basketball player and he knows this pep band is another way to support Sinclair sports.
“For some reason a lot of people don’t realize Sinclair has athletics and that we’re very good,” Gabbard said. “Hopefully this pep band will help out with getting fans to come out and watch the games.”