Dr. Gumble has invited WCU Bands Alumni to join the Basketball Band for the six games during Winter Break. Come join us!
OPTIONAL REHEARSALS at Swope Music Building
Monday 11/13 and Wednesday 11/15, 3:15pm to 4:45pm
GAME DAYS
Monday 1/06, report at 5:00pm and/or 7:00pm
Saturday 1/11, report at 1:30pm and/or 3:30pm (tentative Basketball Alumni Day)
Saturday 1/18, report at 12:30pm and/or 2:30pm
What is the Sixth Man Basketball Band?
The West Chester University “Sixth Man” Basketball Band provides musical entertainment and organized enthusiasm that contributes to a one-of-a-kind game environment at WCU Men’s and Women’s Basketball games! A non-auditioned group, members of the “Sixth Man” Basketball Band are student musicians that are interested in providing support to our Athletic program while upholding a standard of performance excellence that has become synonymous with the Wells School of Music. Due to the active nature of the game schedule, the group does not maintain a regular rehearsal schedule but rather meets prior to the start of the season in order to maintain an eclectic playlist that reaches fans of all backgrounds!
What do we have to do during a game?
The games are in the Hollinger Field House. Arrival time will be 30 minutes before the games start. We play from the book of about 30 tunes at time outs and ends of quarters. We also follow the chants that are started by the student members, paying close attention to the game and who has the ball! Each game lasts about 2 hours, and you can sit down while we’re not playing. Per Dr. Gumble, the primary functions of the Basketball Band are 1) to provide a positive game environment for the WCU Basketball teams and 2) foster an uncomfortable game environment for the opposing team. The band describes #2 as “Sassy, but Classy”!
What do we wear?
The Sixth Man uniform is a band-issued 1/4 zip uniform shirt, black pants, and black sneakers. If you have the 1/4 zip uniform shirt that has been used for the last few seasons, and it fits, you’re set. If not, the sign-up form asks for shirt size information. This year, we have a BAA member covering the $30 cost per shirt, so please don’t let needing a shirt stop you from signing up!
Where can I access the music?
Once you’ve signed up, Ali Beidler will send you the music. There will be at least 1 printed binder per part provided by the BAA. The student members use WCU-issued iPads and stands. If you choose to use a binder, you’ll need to bring a portable music stand with you. We’re not filling specific holes in the band, we’re joining the student members that are playing the game. We do not know if students have signed up for guitar, bass, or drums, or if those students will be in town during the break, so please do get on the list for those roles as well.
Where do I park?
We recommend Sykes (lot K), Swope (lot M), or paying to park using the FlowBird app on University Avenue or Church Street.