New pep band director aims to improve atmosphere during athletic events

For new pep band director Aaron Jacobs, music doesn’t just provide a backdrop for athletic events--it inspires fans.

Jacobs began the two-year graduate teaching assistant position at the beginning of the semester and hopes to play modern music, build tradition and increase enthusiasm for Wright State sports during his tenure as director.

“At first, when you don’t know what you don’t know, it can be a little overwhelming,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs took over for previous director Kyle Freesen, who held the position from the fall of 2010 to this past spring. Freesen’s work with the group allowed Jacobs a smooth transition into the role.

“Kyle did a great job of laying out a lot of things,” Jacobs said. “It made the transition for me really easy.”

Jacobs enjoys playing pop music in the group because it is more relatable to the students at the games. Jacobs said pep band member Jake Moon updated much of the group’s repertoire, arranging band versions of modern songs.

“Most of what I have programmed now is a lot more of the hip, modern stuff that our student body listens to,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs hopes to increase enthusiasm at the events by learning new cheers, implementing humor and building tradition for the university.

“Tradition comes organically,” Jacobs said. “It’s not something you can really force. We’ve just got to stay with it, be enthusiastic and enjoy what we’re doing.”