The Fair Grove High School Pep Band, directed by Natalie Palomo, plays at home games during the winter sport session, bringing energy and support to every game.
Fair Grove has a multitude of sports games throughout the year. Natalie Palomo, the Fair Grove Band teacher, Jazz Band and Pep Band director, explained Pep Band’s deep history at Fair Grove, “Pep Band has been around for a long time, it existed before I got to Fair Grove nine years ago, and I’ve been in charge of it since I got hired here.”
Palomo emphasized the relaxing and fun atmosphere of the group, “I love getting to play pep music and be in a “social” band. It’s a low stress gig because it’s extracurricular, so the kids can enjoy the game, enjoy their music, and have fun supporting our teams.”
Gavin Brock (12), a bass player, explained a change he would make about Pep Band, “If I had to change one thing about Pep Band, I would push for it to be mandatory, so the basketball teams have as much school support as they can.”
Waylon Wright (12), a percussion player, shared his favorite memory during Pep Band with Fair Grove alumni Brandon Kandlbinder, “My favorite memory from Pep Band is when Gavin and I used to play guitar when Brandon Kandlbinder was still here.”
Brock added, “My favorite memory of Pep Band is being able to play at some of the last and most exciting games of each year.”
Pep Band not only brings support and energy to winter sports, but also to the students involved in Pep Band itself, allowing students to express themselves freely throughout. Wright explained, “My favorite part is any time that Palomo lets me and Gavin just go ham on drums and bass.”
The Fair Grove High School Pep Band continues to bring their support to each game they attend, bringing energy to not only the athletes but also the community and themselves as a whole.
