The UNH Beast of the East Pep Band is a very visible spirit ensemble that performs at men's and women's hockey and basketball games during the winter sports season. Performances begin in October and run through April, including playoff games. Generally, the Beast of the East Band as a whole is divided into three smaller bands, and each band is assigned to play an equal number of games. The pep band has traveled all over the Northeast and as far away as Minnesota and California for playoff games.
The Beast of the East Pep Band is a course, for which members earn 0 or 1 credit per semester. Rehearsals begin on a limited basis during marching band season in the fall, and on a weekly basis when the marching band season ends. When classes begin in January, the band resumes regular weekly rehearsals. These are generally on Monday evenings from 6:10 to 8:00 PM.
2024-2025 Information
Do you want to be a part of one of the most spirited organizations on campus? Do you want to be a vital part of UNH sporting events? Become a member of the Beast of the East Pep Band! New members are always welcome to join each semester.
You will be assigned to a certain number of games (no more than half) each semester. You can get a sub if you can't make an assigned game. Attending assigned games, volunteering at other games, and subbing for other players earn you points toward post-season travel.
The Beast of the East Pep Band is a course available for 0 or 1 credit: MUSI 462. You may add it once the semester starts if not done beforehand.
Calendars, policies, and other important information can be found here:
- Three rehearsals (first is Monday, October 7, 6:10 to 8 p.m.)
- Rehearsals are all required for performing members
- Rehearsals held in PCAC M226
- Four meetings/rehearsals (first Monday, January 20 on ZOOM 6:10 to 8 p.m.)
- Final Meeting to return equipment and debrief Monday, April 14, 6:10-7:00 PM
- Rehearsals held in PCAC M226
- There may be games before the first rehearsal. Attendance at any of these will award volunteer points.
- Rehearsals are all required for performing members
- New members are welcome to join in January if you can't do it in the fall
- Home men's ice hockey games
- Home conference men's and women's basketball games
- Some additional games such as soccer, volleyball, or women's ice hockey
- Games played at local arenas (such as SNHU Arena in Manchester)
- Earn points toward travel for post-season games!
- If you are selected to travel, the trip is at no cost to you (even meals are covered)
- Band has traveled to Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, California, and more
- Members are required to purchase the official high-quality rugby shirt to wear with nice khakis for all performances.
- Each member must also have a lyre to use with the provided phone clip. Trombones and flutes do not need lyres as the phone clip is all-in-one. Sousa players may use a flute clip but a lyre and universal clip is preferable and recommended.
- Sheet music will be viewed using the FlipFolder App. More information about access will is available in SharePoint.
- Members must have a phone capable of running the app. We have a handful of loaners if necessary.
- A phone charger and long cable is highly recommended.
Order shirts, lyres, and/or earplugs now!
How to Join
- Fill out the Participation Form - Due October 7 but please complete ASAP
- Order Supplies - Due October 7
- Rugby shirt required for all
- Lyre required for all except flutes and trombones
- Earplugs extremely highly recommended
- Register for MUSI 462
- May be taken for 0 or 1 credit: your choice. No difference in expectations.
- If you forgot or didn't know to register it can still be added during the first couple weeks of classes.
- Attend the first rehearsal on October 7, 6:10 to 8 p.m. in PCAC M226
- All rehearsals are required
- If you have a conflict with the Mondays 6:10 to 8 p.m. rehearsal time, you will need to wait until next semester to join.
- Partial conflicts (e.g. classes that end at 6:30 on Mondays) may be permitted. Email Athletic.Bands@unh.edu to inquire.
