Tufts Blogs

As a former drum major in my high school’s marching band, I’ve always cherished the sense of unity that comes with playing music in a group. There is no greater feeling than finishing a halftime show, hearing the roar of a crowd and getting ready to blast stand tunes for the second half of football. However, my first experience with the Tufts Pep Band was a new and unexpected journey. Despite not participating in the Pep Band last year, I attended the home football game against Wesleyan University, and the experience left a lasting impression on me. 

At first, the idea of a band that only played stand tunes seemed strange. Where was the physical component of marching? It was unlike anything I had encountered before, and honestly, I was put off by the concept. But, persuaded and intrigued by friends from the wind ensemble who praised the mighty pep band, I decided to attend a rehearsal one Tuesday evening. What I found was a warm, welcoming community bound together not just by music, but by their unwavering support for the football team and for each other. The other members of my section (mellophones!) and the director took the time to walk me through the ensemble’s very unique traditions and practices, making me feel like part of the team from the very start. 

Admittedly, I was caught off guard by the laid-back atmosphere of the band. Coming from a background where precision, balance, and intonation were do-or-die, I initially viewed the relaxed vibe as a weakness. I was accustomed to playing standing up and memorizing music with a focus on musicality (tone, dynamics, balance) in every note. But as the game unfolded, I realized that what I had mistaken for a weakness was, in fact, one of the Pep Band’s greatest strengths. 
Tufts Pep Band is incredibly inclusive and accessible, inviting players of all skill levels to join in the fun. My earlier beliefs about what constitutes "good music" and a "good band" were rooted in an elitist mindset that I now see as limiting. It’s a barrier that discourages people from engaging with music at all, narrowing the definition of what music can and should be. Through pep band, I’ve learned that music is not about technical perfection, but about the shared experience of creating music. The chants, the 50+ stand tunes, and yes, even the donuts and pizza, all contribute to the sense of joy and community that makes Tufts Pep Band so special.

This experience has shown me the value of keeping an open mind. Just because something is different doesn’t mean it’s inferior. The Pep Band reminded me that embracing diversity in musical expression and experience can lead to something even more meaningful. Tufts offers a bunch of opportunities where you grow and discover new communities, passions, and ways of thinking. Whether you're drawn to the precision of a formal music ensemble or the spirited, laid-back vibe of the Pep Band (or the equivalent in any hobby!), there’s a place for you to express yourself and find belonging. Remember, sometimes it’s the things that feel the most unfamiliar that can turn into the most rewarding experiences. Embrace the unexpected, challenge your assumptions, and most importantly, be open to the joy that comes with learning and growing alongside others.