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Juniata College will create spirit/pep band

HUNTINGDON — The timbres of musical instruments will ring out at Juniata’s campus and athletic events alongside the cheers of Eagles fans beginning this fall with the creation of a new spirit/pep band.

With this musical addition, Juniata welcomes Jon Yon of Altoona as the new spirit/pep band’s director. Yon brings many years of experience to the position, having retired as the director of athletic bands and the gospel choir at Penn State Altoona and as the band director and director of jazz at the Altoona Area Junior High School.

“I am excited to bring a pep band to Juniata events because it embodies the pure, uninhibited musical expression of fun and excitement,” Yon said. “Although we always want to play the right notes and recognizable melodies, it is ultimately the sheer joy of playing music together, the thrill of cheering unabashedly for our athletic teams, and the unique feeling of excitement in any athletic venue when the band is having fun with our music that will make this such a wonderful addition to the traditions of Juniata.”

The formation of the spirit/pep band, including the hire of Yon, was made possible thanks to the provision of funding from a generous donor.

With an estimated 30 to 50 student musicians participating, the band will serve as a visible — and audible — infusion of Juniata spirit at athletic competitions and campus events including homecoming and key enrollment activities. That campus energy will extend to the wider Huntingdon community to support the annual Halloween parade, Mayfest and other local traditions.

The addition of musical performances will bring even more energy excitement to the stands, delivering an amplified experience for both the athletes and the spectators. Juniata’s spirit/pep band will be a part of student life/athletics.

Recruitment of students interested in taking part in the spirit/pep band will begin immediately.

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