By Megan Melone, writer
Photography by Grace Gross and Jonathan Zarr
If you passed by the library on September 19, at about 2:45 p.m., you probably heard the Spirit of McKendree blasting “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The band serenaded campus with a surprise pop-up performance behind the bearcat statue on Tuesday afternoon. Along with “September,” the band’s set list included “Take on Me” by a-ha, “Back in Black” by AC/DC, and many more. The band ended their performance with the McKendree fight song, which they also played later that day at the town hall meeting in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.
The Spirit of McKendree ensemble performs at tailgate events and football games. They play a variety of student-selected music and feature student conductors. I interviewed the director of Spirit of McKendree, Andre Sonner, to gain more information on the group:
At what campus events will the band play this year?
SONNER: Spirit of McKendree performs at a variety of pop-up performances and special events throughout the academic year, all home football games, a number of home basketball games, the McKendree Birthday Party, Convocation, and at an end of the year concert/recording session in the Hett.
What do you hope that the band will achieve this year?
SONNER: I look forward to seeing the band continue to grow and collaboratively provide one of the most exciting student-led music setlists in college band repertoire.
Lastly, can any student wanting to be a part of spirit band join?
SONNER: Spirit of McKendree is opened to any student on campus, and we are always excited to welcome new members into the group. All experience levels are welcome!
The band is always looking for new members, and musical experience is not required. The band meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 every week to work on new pieces.
I interviewed Jonathan Zarr, a mathematics major, about his experience as a part of the Spirit of McKendree:
What year are you, and how long have you been a part of the spirit band?
ZARR: I am a junior, and I have been part of the spirit band since I came here to McKendree in 2021.
What do you like most about the ensemble?
ZARR: I like how we play pieces of music that we as a band selected to play for the home games.
What is your favorite part of the spirit band, and what are you most looking forward to?
ZARR: My favorite part is when we get to learn new pieces of music and apply them to the next game. I always look forward to the games we attend because it is nice to play the music while also cheering for our Bearcat athletes.
The Spirit of Mckendree will next perform at the home football game on September 30th.
