EASTON, Pa.(www.lafayette.edu), September 24, 2007 — Kathryn Hamerslag ’08 (Martinsville, N.J.) is a biology major. She serves as the president of the Lafayette Pep Band, which is under the direction of James Moyer, associate professor of music and director of bands. The following is a firsthand account of Hamerslag’s experiences with pep band camp and performing at the opening football game.

The school year began this August, as it always has for me, with pep band camp, a four-day whirlwind of learning music and hanging out with friends. As the president of the band, I work with our director, Professor James Moyer, and the two other officers, Robert Follett ’09 and Chelsea Michael ’09, to plan aspects of the camp including evening activities and our music selections. The main goal of band camp is to prepare for the season’s performances at football games, but it is also very important to us that everyone has fun, and especially that the freshmen feel welcome and make friends.

We all moved in on Monday, Aug. 20, and camp started that evening with icebreakers, dinner, and a rehearsal to jump right into the music. We have 12 freshmen this year, bringing our number up to 36, and the added sound and talent was immediately evident. The night ended with birthday cake for one of the juniors.

Tuesday was the beginning of three rehearsals a day, but it was broken up by group meals in Farinon where we could relax and enjoy one another’s company. During longer breaks, we often returned to our rooms to do some unpacking. Tuesday evening’s activity was game night in the third floor of Kirby Sports Center where there is foosball, pool, and ping-pong to play, a good backdrop for people to really get to know one another.

Wednesday proceeded much the same way with rehearsals and meals, but we ordered pizza for dinner instead of going to the dining hall. By that evening it was becoming clear how great our music was sounding, including some challenging and longer songs we use for halftime. We followed up a successful rehearsal with a bowling trip, another camp staple.

This year was the first time that freshman orientation began Thursday morning instead of Friday morning, but we still managed to squeeze in a rehearsal on Thursday. Due to some postponements because of rain, our practice time on Fisher Field, during which we run through our drill and get to see what we sound like in the stadium, did not occur until Thursday night. Despite the less-than-perfect timing, our hour on the field went well and was something of an ego boost because we sounded so good! A few football players on their way out after practice even stopped to sit and listen to us. It was late by the time we finished, so our planned movie night was the perfect relaxing activity for the end of band camp.

The band met up again the following Saturday, Sept. 1, for the Block pARTy and first-ever night football game. We performed on the 600-block of Parsons Street in the afternoon, then made our way to the stadium to watch Lafayette beat Marist. For our half-time show in front of a crowd of more than 8,000, we played “Soak Up the Sun,” “Estancia,” and the theme from “The Incredibles.” The show was well-received and the band as a whole felt pleased with the performance.

Being involved in the pep band was one of the best things I did when I came to Lafayette. I have loved playing music that both represents and encourages the school. In addition, I have met some of my closest friends through the band, and they have made a huge difference in my life here.