Not having a football team does not stop the Spartan Band from bringing music on demand and school spirit to the University of Tampa. It may come as a surprise to some that the University of Tampa has a band without a football team to support. Although the band may not be a big marching band, it does not stop the 27 musicians from performing at many venues on campus including a student composed “MJ (Michael Jackson) Medley” that was performed for the first time at the October 26th volleyball game.
The Spartan Band made its debut at the University of Tampa two years ago when it performed its first marching show during the fall orientation week. The Spartan Band’s predecessor the Pep Band has been around since the ancient days of the football team and was nicknamed the “biggest little band in the South.” When the football team left, so did the band. The band was reinstated Fall 1996 when Dr. Jeffrey Traster, Music Department Chair, brought the pep band on campus with only 10 performers.
The Spartan Band plays at school events such as volleyball and basketball games, admission open houses, Name That Tune at a baseball game or whenever they are “in demand.” Dr. Traster said, “We get calls all the time for events on campus, and we try our best to honor that.” Some of these events have included playing at residence halls during orientations, opening of the baseball field last spring and this year’s homecoming pep rally and game that were not on the original schedule. Some of the shows seen over the years has been “The Spartan Spell-out,” “Calling All Spartans,” and “Buckets” an original composition that was arranged by the Percussion Section Leader Russell Williams.
With the recent change of the logo, motto and name for the Spartan Band, it also brought along a change in the student involvement. In the past, the musicians would play some tunes right out of a bright red folder and arrangements of songs Dr. Traster would make for the band.
Now, some of the students have raised the bar by composing and creating shows for their peers to play during half time. Being able to express her creativity is why Spartan Band President, Ellisha Wells, enjoys being a member. “I like Spartan Band because it is more relaxed and we, as students, can have fun at the games, and Dr. Traster allows his students to express creativity for half-time shows as well as the stands.” Wells has been in the Spartan Band for over two years now and has already composed and arranged six pieces including “Le Freak” by Chic, “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell and her “MJ Medley” that she has been working on since March.
Wells got into composing and arranging when she was sitting in the Music Department thinking about songs that she thought would grab the attention of her peers and that the Spartan Band would enjoy to playing. The task was not easy for Wells because her show had to be changed due to half-time time constraints and finding available representatives to dance the show. Wells was thrilled when she found out the members of Spartan Band were excited to come aboard for the challenge of performing in the show. The show includes the music and choreography to Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller.” Wells felt pretty good about her show, and was very excited with the results.
The show turned out was a big success for the Spartan Band. The members marched on the court in spooky costumes and performed a successful show. The crowd laughed and cheered during the show especially when ten members performed a revised version of “The Thriller Dance.” When the show ended, the audience gave a standing ovation. The members of the Spartan Band after the show made comments on how this was the best show the band has ever performed. Wells have the opportunity to watch the performance from a video recording of the show. She was excited about the results of her show and shouted. “I can’t wait to put the show on Youtube.”
Dr. Traster is excited for the future of the Spartan Band and has many hopes for the future. His goal for the Spartan Band is to have more shows and to interact more with the crowd by becoming part of the whole atmosphere. “The more we can connect with the audience the better.”
This is only the beginning for the Spartan Band. Upcoming shows are in the making for next semester. The band also recently took a road trip to Florida Southern to cheer on the volleyball team. The Spartan Band been invited to play at some of the games for the Tampa Lightning. A gleaming president Ellisha Wells is proud of the accomplishments of the Spartan Band so far. Wells smiles and says, “I would love to see us take things to the next level. I still feel we are in the small stages at the moment, but the best is yet to come.”
To join the Spartan Band, there is no audition required. Any instrumentalist who wants to become involved with last year’s “most spirited organization on campus” can sign up for MUS 290 during registration.