The Cavalier daily :: Tuesday, September 12, 1972 :: University of Virginia Library

There was a moment in
University history when its
Music Department – in
imitation of the athletic
program some might say –
would welcome the aid of any
interested sympathizer.

In 1972, that tradition has,
along with losing athletic
teams, fallen by the sidelines.

"The outlook for the '72-'73
Pep Band is very good,"
boasted Band President Hugh
Riley. "We have grown in the
past three years from seven to
sixty instrumentalists and
have improved the quality of
our performances at the same
time."

Why the sudden interest
after a slow start? "The
basketball season, particularly
the recent success, has helped a
great bit," he reasoned, "since
the Pep Band does have
reserved seats for all home
basketball games."

"Also, the increased interest
in high school bands has been a
big aid. I think perhaps the
recent boom in high school
bands has finally drifted up
into the colleges."

"We expect, in fact, to
return forty of last year's Pep
Band members," he said. For
that reason, the Band will
audition prospective members
for the first time, in order to
contain membership within the
sixty-member maximum
instrumentation. Several key
positions remain open,
however, particularly among
the saxes and lower brass.

Auditions will run from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. today and
tomorrow. "The audition
consists simply of sightreading
selections of popular music
before three other members, all
students of course," explained
Mr. Riley. "Instruments are
available for loan, also, in most
sections."

The Band's first practice is
scheduled for this Thursday
night, with rehearsals following
every Tuesday evening
thereafter Attendance at both
rehearsals and performances is
set at a minimum of fifty per
cent – including any excused
absences – as a result of the
newly-enacted Constitution
and By-Laws.

"Membership dues are only
$2." Mr. Riley pointed out,
"with the Pep Band tie and
blazer provided each member.

"We're also putting out for
the first time an explanatory
Pep Band handbook, as well as
updating somewhat our
selections. We also plan road
trips to both the Duke football
game, September 30, and the
UNC game November 11."

The Concert Band and
Orchestra expect a similar
reception, according to
conductor John Solie.

"Out of the 69 members of
last year's Concert Band, 59
want to play again," said Mr.
Solie Still, some key sections
need help.

"At the moment I'm
looking for trumpets. We'll also
need help for oboes and
bassoons, particularly in the
orchestra."

"We'll run auditions from
Monday to Friday from 9-12
and 2-5," he continued. "No
appointments are necessary."
In addition, instruments are
available for loan in nearly
every section Auditions are
open to anyone in the
University Community.

Because of the schedule
change, with reading week
almost immediately following
Christmas break, the Concert
Band is planning only three
performances rather than four
– two on the Lawn – and the
Orchestra, two

"There are, of course, no
dues whatsoever for either the
Concert Band or the
Orchestra," pointed out Mr.
Solie.

"The instrumentalist also
receives credit hours for both
groups," he added. "two hours
per semester for the Band, and
one hour for Orchestra, up to a
maximum of eight credit hours
for both organizations."

As in the past, the Band will
rely mostly, on selections of
serious contemporary music
and transcriptions of orchestral
works, while the Orchestra's
repertoire will include, among
others. Charles Ives' 3rd
Symphony, as well as selections
from Wagner and others.