Putting the Pep in the Crowd’s Step

By Malorie Burkett

HOUSTON, Texas -- Whether playing familiar, old school tunes like “Thriller” and the theme from “Ghostbusters,” or other upbeat hits like Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy,”  there’s no doubt that the Virginia Commonwealth University Pep Band’s road to the Final Four alongside the men’s basketball team has been one thrill of a ride.

And along that ride, band members say it has been the fans’ energy that has kept their own spirits high and reminded them why they are in Houston.

“It’s been really fun. It’s been really great traveling with the basketball team and just getting to be a part of this by association,” said Jenn Annan, a senior baritone player from Woodbridge. “We’re all about getting out there and playing the music and keeping the fans riled up.  Everyone kind of feeds off of our energy and it just helps to keep the team going.”  

Made up of approximately 60 musicians, the VCU Pep Band cranks out funk, hip-hop, groove and R&B style music under the direction of Ryan Kopacsi. For years, the band has been energizing and entertaining crowds in the VCU community during basketball and volleyball games at the Siegel Center, and since the NCAA tournament has been under way, the group has been traveling alongside the men’s basketball team since the first stop in Dayton, Ohio.

In Houston this week, the band participated in an open practice as the VCU Rams took to the court, and on Saturday, they won the Men’s Final Four Battle of the Bands competition at the George Brown Convention Center. According to Brian Kappus, sophomore, trombone player from Chesterfield County, the VCU Pep Band won based on the crowd’s response.

“Being a freshman, I never thought this would happen. Our basketball team is playing great and we get to travel the country, it’s so much fun. It means a lot to me, being in my freshman year, seeing the team come so far and making history for VCU,” added Jon Murphy, a freshman tuba player from Front Royal.  

“We are probably the best pep band in the land,” he said. “You know we don’t have a football team, so all of our energy goes to this basketball game here, and I think that’s really what sets us apart from other bands.”

Later Saturday, the VCU Pep Band will take its place again as the men’s basketball team takes on Butler.

“I was thinking we were going to be packing our bags after the First Four, and now we’re here at the Final Four,” said Jared Peyton, sophomore tuba player, Prince George. “It’s great to not only be a part of school history, but national NCAA history. It’s great that we’re here and we like to make this fun for everyone. We’re just here to pep it up.”