Augustana’s proud school spirit is not an uncommon sight at many sporting events, alive both in the crowd and in student organizations like Vike Squad. One traditional spirit group, however, has been missing: a pep band. Although Augustana has never had a pep or marching band to accompany its symphonic and concert bands, that may soon change.

Junior Josh Traugott began recruiting members for an inaugural Augustana pep band in early December 2025. As of February 2026, the band is attempting to gain momentum and support in order to perform in the stands at basketball games with a group of musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds.

The logistics of a student-led musical group without departmental oversight are complicated. Traugott knows well what challenges a group without stands, sheet music, or even a rehearsal schedule. The pep band has found faculty support in the form of Dr. Carolyn Yaschur, associate professor of communications, but Traugott said that the group has not been sanctioned by the music department. 

“With resources, it’s like, where do we get the stands from? Where do we get sheet music? And so those are things we’re working on. We have some meetings set up and are trying to figure out the logistics of [making it] an official student organization,” Traugott said. “People have tried before and it has not worked out, and that’s a fear of ours still.” 

When and where rehearsals will be held is a major concern, along with conflicts with Music Department rehearsals, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s standards for music at athletic events and coordinating with coaches and the athletic department. And yet, organizing a pep band has been a long time goal of many students at Augustana. 

According to First-Year Skye Bergh, percussionist, a good pep band brings a certain mood to both musicians and listeners. 

“[Pep band is] alive, empowering … bursting with music and energy,” Bergh said.

First-Year Emma Poppy, a member of Augustana’s concert chorale, said she was excited by the opportunity to continue playing trumpet in the kind of spirited and informal environment that she was able to in high school. 

Pep band provides a comfortable atmosphere for instrument learners to improve their skills while at the same time providing a service for the broader Augustana community. 

“Pep band brings the [student] group together as a whole … it brings community to the school, and more school spirit,” Poppy said. “I don’t even know if we have a school song, but if we learn something like that, it can get the crowd going.”

Unity, spirit and belonging are things that prospective members such as Poppy and Bergh have pointed to as influences in their decision to help bring a pep band to Augustana. 

Traugott encourages any interested students – no matter their experience level – to reach out as they figure out more logistics. 

“As long as we have the music, it feels a bit better to cheer … even if we’re losing,” Bergh said.

Interested community members are encouraged to reach out to Joshua Traugott through email at [email protected]. 

Joshua Traugott currently works for the Augustana Observer.