"Red Alert Pep Band" sets tempo for Highlander hoops

The sports world is buzzing as the Radford Highlanders men’s and women’s basketball teams continue through winning seasons. And while Highlander athletes bask in the spotlight of championship wins and tournament victories, the Red Alert Pep Band sits loudly in the shadows belting out tunes that get audiences riled up for more Highlander success.

The Red Alert Pep Band is a volunteer group of students who play music in support of Radford University’s Division I Big South athletic teams. The band plays mostly home games as well as postseason tournaments. Volunteers come with varying levels of musical experience. Dr. Dayl Burnett, the band’s director, selects musical pieces that will help to boost crowd enthusiasm during athletic events. He stresses that the experience is designed to be fun for everyone involved, especially those performing in the pep band. “They have to have a good time. They have to be engaged in the game, and they have to have a good time,” said Burnett.

Burnett believes that students participate in the pep band as an outlet. While not a requirement, many pep band members are music majors, and their educational demands can be very rigorous. The pep band is a less demanding musical outlet that allows them to have fun and enjoy college sporting events while playing a supporting role for athletics. Of course, it is an added bonus for students when they are able to support the efforts of a winning team.

Burnett says that the band has an important role to play in athletics. “The players respond when excitement is in the house. I honestly believe that the pep band can change the tempo of a game,” he said.

The pep band is always looking for new members. Students who own and play an instrument, can read a little music, and love sports are eligible to participate. Interested students should contact Dr. Dayl Burnett for more information about the Red Alert Pep Band.