The IMS Pep Band: (from L-R) Isaac Miller, Cole Roth, Lara Kliewer, Emma Beachy, Micah Miller, Sponsor Lee Ebersole; photo courtesy of IMS

The IMS Pep Band in action; photo courtesy of IMS

Most schools have a pep band that plays during sporting events, but there aren’t many that compare to the pep band for Iowa Mennonite School. Instead of a traditional band, the IMS pep band consists of instruments more likely to be found at a rock concert than a high school gym. The band consists of electric guitar and bass players, a keyboardist, and a drummer. They play songs such as Weezer’s “Pork and Beans,” Van Halen’s “Jump,” or the crowd favorite “Wipeout” by the Surfaris. In order to keep things fresh, the band is always looking for suggestions for new material. The members of the band can submit song ideas, and they even gave a survey to students about what they would like to hear.

The IMS pep band often gets startled expressions in their direction when visiting schools see them for the first time. Isaac Miller, who plays lead guitar in the band, explains, “Often times they’re really surprised. If they know the song, it’s kind of funny to see their reaction. But otherwise, it’s like they just don’t expect it, so it’s kind of funny to watch their response.” Any student interested in joining the band is encouraged to reach out to sponsor Lee Ebersole. To hear more about the IMS pep band, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with them at KCIIRadio.com. Click below to listen to the pep band’s rendition of “Pork and Beans.”

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