North Park University has announced it will form a new pep band, and will offer renewable $1,000 annual scholarships to up to 16 students who try out for and join the band in the fall of 2019.
The pep band will play at about 15 home football and basketball games throughout 2019-20, and will include “musical, enthusiastic” students who earn their spots through tryouts similar to those held for cheerleading and dance scholarships. University officials hope to eventually increase the pep band to as many as 32 members.
The band will be made up of a rhythm section with an electric guitar, electric bass, and drums, along with a melodic section featuring brass and woodwind instruments such as tuba, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
University officials say they expect many band members to be non-music majors who are nonetheless interested in performing with a band.
The scholarship fund will also include a $3,000 stipend for student band leaders. The move is meant to both boost fan support, and student enrollment, according to Jack Surridge, North Park’s Director of Athletics.
Students interested in auditioning should schedule an on-campus audition or submit a recorded audition by April 15. Check out North Park’s Website for more details on talent-based scholarships.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
Christopher Childers
Assistant Vice President of University Marketing and Communications
North Park University
773-244-5750
cchilders@northpark.edu