Barking Points - Pep Band

Athletics, and sports of any variety, are a well oiled machine, as they require several support systems to keep their gears turning such as disciplined athletes, knowledgeable coaches, excited cheerleaders, and a motivated crowd. This list continues on, and each gear is essential for a successful team. A gear that has long been a part of the productive Lind-Ritzville/Sprague athletic program is the Bronco Pep Band. The Bronco Pep Band has been supporting LRS football and basketball teams for many years, and proudly continues to elevate the athletic experience for both players and fans.

The Bronco Pep Band has a rich history that helped to form it into the program it is today. Approximately 45 years ago, band teacher Dennis Koch emerged as a leader when he brought his jazz band to support the Broncos. Koch was the innovator who jump-started pep band programs not only for LRS, but also for the entire Bi-County league. Koch also had the creative idea to replace the traditional marching-band percussion with the drum set that pep bands across the league still employ today. Drum sets in pep band are unique outside the Bi-County league, and act as a tribute to his musical genius. The LRS Pep Band gives credit to the late, great Dennis Koch, as he planted the initial seed and helped it grow up until he retired.

Under their current director, Jennifer York, Bronco Pep Band has been tooting its flutes and honking its horns for 13 years.

“Pep Band is important for the team,” York said. “It also provides students an opportunity to be involved in the sports if they can’t actually play a sport.”

Over 26 football and basketball seasons, LRS Pep Band has appeared at approximately 195 games, not including playoff games in which the pep band also accompanies Bronco teams. As the pep band supported the Broncos through both of their championship victories, all of the musicians are proud to be a member of the band.

“Pep band is a great opportunity to learn about music,” Emily Rosen, junior high bass-clarinetist states.

“I love being able to support the mighty Broncos!” Alisha Baker, a tenor-saxophone player from LRMS said, “I love the feeling of looking up and seeing a sea of red and black, and seeing people with their instruments, cheering on the Broncos while we kicked butt at state!”

The pep band plays numerous traditional tunes for the crowd, and is preparing a few new exciting additions to mix things up and keep things exciting.

LRS Pep Band has a positive influence on school spirit and excitement during all athletic events. Assistant football coach Jason Aldrich believes that “the band is part of the whole Friday night football experience (which) helps with the whole vibe, including fans, cheerleaders, and everything.” The pep band helps to motivate the crowd, which helps to ignite a fire in the athletes, therefore contributing to Bronco success.

LRS athletic achievements are supported by contributions for many different individuals and groups, including the pep band.

This winter, it is critical that everyone gives their support to the Bronco basketball teams and joins the pep band in encouraging local athletic success!