Pep Band Returns to Campus

At this particular game, students from the local Patrick Henry High School (students in yellow) played along with E&H students, led by Professor Cottrill.

Keith Cottrill

At this particular game, students from the local Patrick Henry High School (students in yellow) played along with E&H students, led by Professor Cottrill.

Anyone who has attended an E&H basketball game will recognize the E&H Pep Band, directed by Professor Keith Cottrill, in their gray t-shirts and instruments in hand, pepping up the basketball team and onlookers alike.

The ensemble is composed of students from different departments, such as music, equine studies, biology, history, and more. Although it does add extra time to their day, many do it because they love it. This has been the case for first-year mellophone player Nicholas Werger.

“I had done something similar to this in high school, and loved it,” he stated. “It also was a great opportunity to see some of my friends more often.”

Kinsey Shankles, a junior piccolo player who is also a member of the Intermont Equestrian team, says she participates in the band since she has the time in her schedule. She explained that it doesn’t take too much time to practice for game days, and she enjoys playing pieces that she likes and getting the crowd excited.

“[Pep band adds] team spirit and excitement for the games,” Shankles said. She added she also enjoys “spending time practicing on [her] instrument.”

“We add a level of excitement and good spirits during each game,” Werger similarly stated. “We like to keep morale up and have fun at every game.”

Both Werger and Shankles are drawn to invigorating pieces such as the college’s fight song, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé, and “Holiday” to play during basketball games to get the crowd up and on their feet. Each stand tune is short, punchy, and fun for both band members and basketball fans.

Professor Cottrill attested to this excitement, stating, “The pep band helps create an electric atmosphere during the game.” He added that he wants to add to the excitement and role that pep band members have in the coming years.