There are a variety of approaches to selecting pep band music, but the majority of your decision will be based on your group’s capabilities and circumstances. Choose songs that your band members can confidently play in a variety of styles. It’s usually best to keep a practiced repertoire of fight songs, cheers, and taunts that corresponds to the skill set and playing level of the pep band musicians.
Choosing pep band music, like many other aspects of running a pep band, is based on specifics. Large trumpet fanfares, for example, don’t sound as good in bands with small or weak trumpet sections. Complex fight songs, likewise, tend to fall flat if the musicians are unable to keep up the tempo or correctly hit the notes while marching at a pep rally.
It’s usually best to start by assessing the instruments you have on hand, as well as the overall skill level of your band. Take a look at the types of events you’ll be performing at as well. Songs that sound good in a closed gymnasium with musicians seated will undoubtedly change when performed outdoors or at a crowded event. Pep band music differs from concert music in that context is often a key factor in the success or failure of a performance.
If your pep band is performing for a school with a fight song, this should be one of the first pieces of music you learn. The fight song is a staple of most high school and college bands, and fans will expect to hear it at sporting events and parades. It can also boost the morale of your school’s sports teams and encourage spectators to cheer them on. Starting with a tried-and-true favorite is a great way to get pep rallies and sporting events off to a good start.
After that, add recognizable tunes with uplifting, fast tempos to your pep band music collection. Outside of fight songs, it’s common to include songs from two main genres: cheers and taunts. Cheers are meant to boost a team’s morale, while taunts are meant to test the opposition. Though not all pep band music is designed to be performed with lyrics, choosing well-known songs will frequently result in spontaneous cheering or singing from the audience.
Depending on your group’s abilities, you might want to re-arrange or re-set at least some of your pep band music. Even the most well-known songs may sound better in your band if certain sections are removed or rewritten. Taking liberties with sheet music is always acceptable, especially if it improves the end result.