This semester, Eastern Mennonite University’s basketball players may have felt a little bit like superheroes. The Rockin’ Royals pep band repertoire includes, of course, “The Avengers” theme, a piece that is also a favorite of pep band veteran Avery Trinh, who plays baritone sax, and first-timer Sophia Gott, who plays flute.
Both students are members of a new-and-improved Rockin’ Royals pep band, which logged six appearances this winter in a pandemic-shortened season. They played first in December at the men’s and women’s ODAC home openers, notched three other home games, and played both games of last Saturday’s doubleheader.
When we say “new and improved,” that’s because the band now has a designated director and class time to rehearse – a big step since its 2015 start when it was student-directed with a faculty advisor. Since then, interest has only grown. In fall 2020, EMU began offering academic credit for participation.
Professor of music Kyle Remnant is the new director of bands at EMU. His philosophy carries on the student-centered tradition that started back in 2015.
“While I oversee the group as director of bands, I still try to foster the student-run environment and encourage creativity from the band,” says Remnant. “I’m grateful for the enthusiastic commitment from the students who have given their time and energy to the ensemble this year.”
Remnant came to EMU in fall 2021 after completing his doctoral degree at James Madison University. He had previously directed the Screamin’ Eagles Pep Band at Bridgewater College for two years. As director of bands, Remnant is in charge of wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and the pep band along with teaching two classes.
“Right now, [the band] takes up the first four or five rows, but we have room to grow,” Remnant says. He says that this has been a great first year, but he envisions the pep band to be “a more visible presence on campus and in the community within the next year or two.”
Trinh, a senior, gives a lot of credit to Remnant. “He has a lot of energy and really tries to get to know everyone well,” Trinh says. “He’s super open and honest with us.” Trinh appreciates how Remnant keeps fresh music of all kinds cycling in, and cultivates a friendly and fun learning environment.
Sophomore flutist Sophia Gott joined the pep band for the first time this year, and says it has been fun to “just throw some music together and play it in a pretty low-stakes environment.” The band is gradually getting more comfortable in their routine, Gott says, and learning both new music and performance techniques. “If I could sum it up in one word, it would be growing.”
The Rockin’ Royals extend an open invitation to anyone who likes to rock out on an instrument! Keep your eyes open for announcements about next year’s band. Contact Kyle Remnant at kyle.remnant@emu.edu for more information.