Pride, Tradition, and History are also words that can be used to describe San Jose State University's very own pep band. According to Scott Pierson, current director of both the SJSU marching band and Spartan Pep Band, it has been in existence for at least 50 years!

"I am not sure of the exact time, but I believe (The Spartan Pep Band) was started roughly in the year 1955, by then director Roger Muzzy," says Pierson.

"It has been a tradition here ever since."

The Spartan Pep Band is elite in that members must FIRST take part in being a member of the San Jose State Marching Band the prior semester. NEXT, they must receive a personal invitation to join by director Pierson, if and only if he feels they are ready. All in all, only 34 members, including one set drummer, will be invited to join. They are the best of best from the entire Marching Band.

The Spartan Pep Band provides all sorts of spirit by playing charges, jumping up and down during free throws as well as utilizing as many opportunities as possible to talk trash to the other team's bench, and "get inside their head."

"I'd say we are definitely responsible for at least a four to five point swing advantage in some games," says Pierson. "Once the opposing players start looking at you, you know you've gotten to them and that eventually causes them to lose their concentration."

The Spartan Pep Band plays a rotation of about 10 different songs including: The Fight Song, Down from Under, and a personal Spartan Squad favorite "Conan the Barbarian"


Finally, The Spartan Pep Band loves to hear their colleagues request...

So if you've got 'em, don't be afraid to shout out 'em out...they just might play it!

Pep Band...Ready to ROCK!!!

Fight on for Dear Old San Jose State!