What is the CUA Pep Band?

Image Courtesy of Patrick Ryan

By Zachary Lichter

There’s a new club on the Catholic University of America campus and it’s called the CUA Pep Band. The pep band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the John Paul II Hall in Room 220 at Ward Hall. They will play at every home football game for CUA starting on September 14.

Kevin Robinson, the Director of Athletics, was responsible for creating the pep band. While CUA had makeshift variations of pep bands over the years, the band is now a permanent organization in the Department of Athletics. Its current director is Dr. Christopher Pearlberg. 

Pearlberg came to CUA after spending over a year developing the pep band for St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He has a bachelor’s degree in music and performance from Temple University, a master’s degree in music and performance from Carnegie Mellon, and his Doctor of Music, literature, and performance from Indiana University.

Dr. Pearlberg commented on what he hopes students will gain from their experience playing in the pep band.

“I hope students can make lifelong friendships while doing something they are passionate about,” Pearlberg said. “Working as a team towards a common goal provides invaluable experience in collaboration, growth, and persistence.”

The pep band is open to any instrument. Currently, they have students playing flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, guitar, electric bass, piano, and singers. There is also a color guard.

Clara Schneider, a senior nursing major, commented on what she loves about the Pep Band.

“My favorite thing so far has been the people,” Schneider said. “A good number of the band members are incoming freshmen, and it’s been lovely getting to know everyone.”

As the school year continues, the CUA Pep Band will continue to play at every home game for the football team. They will also play at the home games for the men’s and women’s basketball games and select games for other sports.

Pearlberg hopes that the pep band will have an opportunity to compete in the future and play at away games for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and other select games.

Schneider commented on why she thinks students should join the pep band.

“Students should join the Pep Band because everyone is very welcoming and willing to help each other learn new skills,” Schneider said. “It’s an opportunity to perform at all kinds of events, encourage school spirit, and meet friends!”

So, as students, faculty, staff, and parents get excited to go to CUA’s football games, basketball games, and select sporting events, expect more energy from the CUA side of the football stands. Expect more energy from the students at the men’s and women’s basketball games at a packed DuFour Center because the CUA Pep Band will be playing stands music throughout the games, which will help fans cheer on their fellow Cardinals.