Band gains tempo
0Written By Shane Hall
Dr. Michael Phillips, director of bands and newest member of the UPIKE family, has some major plans in store for the Bears.
“I feel I am creating a new community that involves a thread of music as its common idea, becoming a resource for every music program that surrounds it whether its 10 minutes away or two hours away,” Phillips said.
This is done through Hype days, a large scale pep band festival that takes place before every home game. Local high schools can become a UPIKE Bear for the day and join a large scale rehearsal prior to playing alongside the UPIKE Band. Though only one high school attended the first game, the match held on Sept. 6 saw three schools joining the fun totaling over 141 students.
Elijah Purvis, UPIKE sophomore and member of the Band Leadership Team (BLT) had an upbeat attitude after the latest festival.
“As a longtime musician, the fact that music is now relevant here at UPIKE is astounding,” Purvis said.
Phillips aims to build on the community around UPIKE to reach out and inspire future generations of musicians.
“I feel other schools are going to use us as a resource to influence and inspire,” Phillips said.