To the Editor:
I have gone to many RPI hockey games in the past three years and there is always one thing I can count on, the pep band embarrassing itself. It usually sounds like an elementary school band in desperate need of practice, yells chants no one can hear, and plays “death music” whenever RPI receives a penalty or is scored against—as if it’s trying to rub it in your face.
I recently read a letter from a pep band alumnus bashing the people who play music over the sound system at hockey games. But I think he missed the real issue, the lowering quality of the pep band in recent years. The pep band was once respected and I want to know what happened.
I am writing today to give the pep band a few tips for improvement. First, learn the songs you play before the game. This cannot be overstressed. Second, reduce the size of the band by weeding out all the members who suck. The band will be about half the size, but trust me, you will sound much better. And with a smaller band you could increase the size of your repertoire to more than five songs. I am sick of hearing the worst version I have ever heard of “Impression That I Get” twice a game. Third, sit in the stands so the fans can hear your chants. You never know, the chants might even catch on. Oh, and stop yelling, “One minute, and Clarkson still sucks” at every game. That’s the last thing I want to hear when we are losing to Yale with one minute left in the third.
I think this should help. But until you make these improvements, please leave the music to the sound system people. At least they play music I like to hear.
Nick Durland
ELEC ’04
