Putting Some 'Pep' in the Scotties' Step

There is something about the music of a high school pep band that hits different. Glasgow is lucky to be home to one of the top pep bands around.

Under the direction of GHS alumni Todd Truscott, the Scottie pep band brings a little something extra to every home sporting event they can – whether in the gym for basketball and volleyball, or out in the Scottie Field bleachers for football.

"When you that school song roaring across whatever gym or football field or anything, it's very impressive," boasted Truscott of his band's prowess. "You can see where a lot of people really stand up and start clapping and getting into it. It brings the crowd into it. It just makes the whole atmosphere a lot more fun."

And it isn't just the crowd getting into it. That music plays a part in pumping up the athletes on the field or on the court. "I definitely notice the energy of the band during warmups for our games" said Bergen Miller, a member of the band and the boys basketball team. "Also, I've gotten lots of compliments from the girls on how the band sounds for their games."

"I don't think the band or the cheerleaders get near the credit they deserve," said former Scottie head volleyball coach Somer Hoerster. She noted the crowds and the bands make the atmosphere in Scottie gymnasium and go a long ways to pumping up the team.

While not often thought of in the realm of competition, the Glasgow pep band does know how to throw down against a rival. During the Northern B Divisional volleyball tournament in Glasgow, the Scottie band shared their time between matches with rival bands, resulting in a live battle of the bands.

Senior Scottie Ted Tryan said, "There's definitely a competition between us. It's always fun to have another band playing against you, to find a song we can beat 'em with."

Of course, not every event is competitive for the musicians. Tryan, a baritone saxophone player, and Miller, who has tried his hand at trombone, drums and baritone saxophone, agreed that often the best part about pep band is the more relaxed nature of performing.

"When we go to tournaments for pep band it feels like a vacation, because it's almost like we're going on this trip just to play a fun activity. The band itself is the fun activity to do, so just the vacation-esque experience, in my opinion," said Miller.

"I would agree with Bergen," said Tryan. "There's just fun in going to play in the band because it's kinda like your own thing you get to do."

When it comes to which songs get played by the pep band, the members are quick to point out that decision lies in the director's hands. Truscott confirmed, "I pick all the songs."

"We have some pretty good songs, in my opinion, in the back room that are just collecting dust," said Tryan. Truscott jokingly interjected the reason for the songs retirement is because, "I hate them."

Truscott backed down on that though, noting that the school lost a number of songs with the departure of the previous band director. Though Miller and Tryan cast some good-natured dubiousness their director's way.

Miller said, "There really is a plethora of extremely exciting, awesome, fun songs that Truscott vetoed for ... strange reasons." Truscott countered that as director he also has to, like any coach, look at what players and what instrumentation are available at the time. He added, to laughter, "It's not just because Truscott's a jerk."

The pep band offers more than just a fun trip out of town, battles of the bands, and good discussions over music choice however. Tryan and Miller recommend all young Scotties give band a try early on and for those who have chosen to play, to stick with it.

"I would strongly advise everybody to join band in sixth grade, I think," said Miller, who started his pep band career in sixth grade. "You know music is really valuable just developmentally. Plus, the band is another fun community to be a part of."

"Stick with music," Tryan said. "Rhythm itself I fell like a lot of people could use."

Truscott concluded, giving young Scotties something to aspire to, "I will say that when these guys plays, when Glasgow's pep band plays, it's nice to see how well they represent the school and represent the town." He added, "That's one thing I really like about having the pep band and these guys – how loud we are. We're actually pretty good."

So next time at a Scottie game, when the toes start tapping and the hands start clapping, turn an eye to the Scottie Pep Band.