Spirit • The 49er pep band cheers on The Beach at The Walter Pyramid during the season. Photo courtesy of Beach Pride

Pep band fires up school spirit at sports events

By Kim Oswell
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor


The 49er cheering section of The Walter Pyramid is energized by the Long Beach State Pep Band’s enthusiasm and devotion to athletics.

The 50-person ensemble is led by Jeremy Chung, a USC graduate. Chung came to LBSU four years ago when the position was available. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music education. Chung played percussion in the USC band and was very involved in the music program.

Chung’s love for music began with playing piano at a young age and then taking up percussion as a freshman in high school.

Chung said he was hired to be the band leader because LBSU was looking for someone to bring new spirit into the school and start new traditions.

“ We have a whole new set of music,” Chung said. “Most songs are student arrangements. Students know most of the songs we play.”

The pep band is not a competing band, but it does participate in the Battle of the Big West bands at Downtown Disney every year. Bands from the Big West conference schools participate and all play together. The band is also performing at the 12th annual Jewels of the Night auction and dinner taking place Saturday at The Walter Pyramid. The band ensemble ranges from freshman to graduate students. The size of the band during games depends on how many members can make it because of schedules and classes that may conflict.

Fans attending a men or women’s basketball game or a men or women’s volleyball game can hear the band play songs ranging from old favorites to new hits from bands such as the Black Eyed Peas or System of a Down.

“ The band gives off an energetic atmosphere for our fans and our teams,” Chung said. “It really pumps up the crowd and fires up the team.”

The band was present for the men’s basketball championships at the Anaheim Convention Center last month and also at the men’s volleyball championships last weekend at the UCI Bren Events Center at UC Irvine.

Students interested in being a part of the pep band should contact The Beach Pride Center at www.beachpride.com.

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