Dedicated musicians comprise Moorhead High Pep Band
March 22, 2018
When entering the Moorhead Sports Center or the Moorhead High gymnasium or attending a football game at Jim Gotta Stadium, community members often are greeted by the familiar sounds of the Moorhead High Pep Band. They may stand at attention for the patriotic rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” or tap along with the band’s collection of pop, rock and jazz hits.
Moorhead High Pep Band consists of a dedicated core group of about 30 musicians who volunteer their time. They are some of the more than 150 band students at Moorhead High. Other musicians participate with the pep band as their schedules allow.
Using a schedule developed by Band Director Pam Redlinger and Activities Director Dean Haugo, the pep band plays between 30-40 events a year, depending on which athletic teams advance in section and state tournaments. The aim is to maintain equity among the sports and to not burn out the musicians.
The musicians have played at football, soccer, volleyball, hockey and basketball games throughout the year. The group even played the national anthem for a boys swim meet at Moorhead High.
Highlights for the pep band this year include when Moorhead High honored retired band director Dewey Possehl and traveling to the away games. Possehl directed the pep band at the Oct. 13 home football game at Jim Gotta Stadium. The pep band participated at two state tournament games for girls volleyball in St. Paul. The pep band traveled to Alexandria for a girls basketball section tournament game and also made the trip to Bemidji for the boys hockey section final game.
What makes this group so amazing is they volunteer their time to be in pep band, said Redlinger.
“There are no awards for being in pep band, so their motivation comes from playing well, playing fun music, and having the opportunity to hang out with their band friends,” Redlinger said.
- Renée and Bill Grover
Photo credit: Renée Grover
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