The stadium is filled with cheers, glaring lights, and the spirit of Friday night football. The band blasts out the “Imperial March” as the cheerleaders hype up the crowd. The field, ringed with spectators clad in black, red, and white, comes alive. Football players run out onto the field as the crowd roars and the field reverberates with excitement and music.
The pep band has contributed to the atmosphere of Friday Night Lights beyond the cheers of the student section: it’s added music and spirit, a unique Wellesley flair.
“When we are able to have the band on game days, it’s really great for the energy of the crowd. The fans and team love to have the band,” said Mr. Jesse Davis, the football coach. “The band playing the national anthem is one of my favorite moments of the game.”
Aside from the anthem, the band plays a handful of traditional songs to ramp up the excitement, including “Louie Louie,” “Tequila,” “Theme from Rocky,” “Imperial March from Star Wars,” “Seven Nation Army,” and many more.
For members of the pep band, football games are a way to socialize with friends, enjoy the football game, and spread their music.
“It’s fun to play at football games…the vibes are good,” said Emily Gu ’27, flutist and member of the pep band. “It’s a lot more fun when you play with friends. Because in a pep band, when you play music with your friends, you’re spending that time with them while supporting the high school football team and watching how the game is going.”
Setting the tone for these football games, the pep band offers a musical side to the rough-and-tumble of football. All the elements of Friday night lights — the cheerleaders, football, and music — make the game.
Steven Scott, director of the band, said, “Bring friends and get ready to have a ton of fun. Between the excellence on the field, from our wonderful cheer squad, the WHS pep band, the announcers, the concessions from the Gridiron folks… It’s a well-oiled machine that provides a quality experience for all.”
Week after week, the band’s role has been to amplify the atmosphere of these football games.
“I’d love to see the band highlighted more, as I am certainly grateful for the time and effort by the band members. They could play during halftime or be recognized on the field,” said Davis.
The pep band has connected with football through music, uniting football fans and the musical world with fun melodies.
“It’s all about the camaraderie of the Pep Band students and the wonderful feedback from the fans at the game that makes it all a blast for us. We’re there to support our team and to connect with the school community — and we feel it every time we’re out there,” said Scott.
