By Erik Carr
BroncoAthletics.com

POMONA, Calif. - On a campus of more than 21,000 students, there is a group of 50 to 60 students who are always present at the home athletic events of Cal Poly Pomona. With its assortment of woods, metals, and strings, this group has the distinction of being heard loud and clear without having to utter a word.

Instead, the Cal Poly Pomona Pep Band sends its messages through strums, strokes, and exhalations.

For two hours on Monday nights, the members of the pep band practice, and it is through this practice that the band is able to perfect its collective sound prior to the next Bronco event.

Arriving at Kellogg Gym an hour prior to gametime, the pep band will either warm up or talk about the latest rankings and the next opponent. Regardless of the activity, it all goes toward enhancing its invisible power.

"There is a lot of energy going around as we wait for the game to start," said Nicholas Newton, a fourth-year music recording student. "People show up to these events because they want to be there. We are a volunteer group, and we coexist with our teams. If there weren't any teams to cheer for, there wouldn't be a pep band. I think the members understand that."

The band consists of 12 trumpets, seven clarinets, seven flutes, seven trombones, six alto saxophones, six sousaphones, five baritones, four tubas, three mellophones, three drummers, two tenor saxophones, and one baritone saxophone.

Some may call it "large," and some may call it "loud," but music director James Rodriguez, a fifth-year music education student, has a word for it that encapsulates both.

"Pride: The reason being that every member in our group loves Cal Poly Pomona and our athletic teams," Rodriguez said. "Even when we do not play are horns, we make a presence of Cal Poly Pomona Pride. A couple of years ago, the band attended a women's basketball game against Cal State Northridge. The band was not allowed to play so we bought tickets to the game, wore green and gold, and stood up the entire game chanting for our team. The game ended up being the loudest game recorded at Cal State Northridge's gym."

Newton, who plays an alto saxophone, has an affinity for both melodic arts and athletics and said the band allows him to experience each one simultaneously.

"I love playing and cheering," said Newton. "I love being able to combine my passion for music and sports. Supporting our teams brings spirit to the game."

The pep band's support is not limited to the confines of Kellogg Gym; in fact, the pep band has become the Broncos' most loyal following on the road.

"We usually carpool to events by asking some of our members to drive," said Newton. "If there's a will, there's a way."

Newton believes the role of the pep band is to provide a unique supportive environment that is irreplaceable.

"Not only do we believe in our teams, we bring another atmosphere to games and events alike," Newton said. "I believe we play a tremendous role for the Broncos."
 
Perhaps one of its most vital roles came during the men's basketball team's Feb. 5, 2011 home game against Cal State Dominguez Hills in which the Broncos rallied back from as many as 20 points in the second half to defeat the Toros, 49-43. This game encompasses Newton's favorite memory in the pep band.

"I've never seen more energy from the crowd or the band," Newton said. "Everyone was loud and on their feet. I got the chills because I was so pumped up."

During timeouts, the band tends to play songs such as "All Right Now," "Word Up," and "The Kids Aren't Alright," which is Newton's favorite. But sometimes, the songs are influenced by the status of the game.

"If our team is playing well, we usually perform 'The Hey Song' to keep encouraging them," Rodriguez said. "Near the end of the game, the band will perform 'Eye of the Tiger' or 'The Final Countdown' to encourage our teams."

Newton said the quantity of people playing and the instrument arrangement greatly affects his playing ability, and nothing influences him more than the band itself.

"The way I play depends on the number of people playing and the instrumentation," Newton said. "I am constantly adjusting to create the best possible sound."

Outside of playing at the game, the band members can be seen cheering and having meals together.

"This year, thanks to David Chen, we started to do the 'I Believe That We Will Win' chant," Newton said. "I think it really gets us pumped up and energized for the game along with the crowd."

Although Newton graduates in the spring, he said he wants the band to continue playing with the effort and energy he played with.

"The only thing I'd like to see is the band thrive," Newton said. "I want future members to have the same enthusiasm and spirit for our teams and school as I did."

Rodriguez hopes for the band to be proactive in its efforts to connect with and teach music to students in the area.

"I want to leave behind a band that encourages students to be proud of their school and community," Rodriguez said. "I want to leave behind a band that will continue to grow, develop, evolve, and prosper for future years."

Even though the lineup will change and new songs will be incorporated, the pep band will continue to cheer for its team from the sidelines for several years to come.