Pending a formal vote in Student Council's meeting next week, one familiar band may have a little more pep in their step.
Council Vice President for Administration Will Sowers and Curry representative Sarah Outten introduced a resolution expressing Council's support for the Pep Band at last night's Council meeting.
Nearly 20 Pep Band members attended the last Council meeting of the fall semester to express their concern about the Athletic Department's reluctance to deal with them.
The Pep Band is waiting for Athletic Department approval to play at athletic events where the marching band does not perform.
Pep Band President Scott Hayes said while relations between the Athletic Department and the new marching band have been relatively good and cooperative in nature, "they have been slow in making a decision."
Unlike the marching band, which is run by a salaried faculty member brought in by the University's music department, the Pep Band is run completely by students. Many Pep Band members pointed to the Council's interest in student self-governance as reason for their support.
Pep Band member Sam Beall, a fourth-year Architecture student, said he appreciated Council's concern for the Pep Band's cause.
"It really shows that Council is really interested in keeping student self-governance alive," Beall said.
The resolution does not pick favorites between the Pep Band and the marching band, but rather encourages University acceptance of both organizations.
"Council encourages the U.Va. Cavalier Marching Band and the Athletic Department to reach out to the Virginia Pep Band and support the Pep Band's performances and contributions to school spirit," the resolution states.
Council President Daisy Lundy said if Council passes the resolution, it does not mean Council is against the creation of the newly formed marching band.
"I am excited about the new marching band," Lundy said. "However, I believe that there is room for the Pep Band to continue to participate in Virginia athletic events."
While some Council members at last semester's meeting were hesitant about supporting the sometimes-controversial band, Lundy said Council members should listen to their constituents.
"Whether or not the reps agree that there is value in a coexistence between a marching band and a Pep Band, it is their duty to represent the constituents from their respective schools," Lundy said.
The Pep Band also has found support in another legislative arena, the Virginia House of Delegates.
Del. Mitch Van Yahres, along with 30 other delegates, is a co-patron for a resolution filed today that commends the Pep Band for its 30 years of service and proffers its support of the organization.
Delegates will vote on the resolution in the coming weeks.
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