Xavier University Athletics
Xavier Pep Band
The Xavier University Pep Band (The X Band) is a performance ensemble, with its members serving as musical ambassadors for the university. The ensemble is the driving force in elevating the immersive experience at The Cintas Center during all home basketball games, and various events on and off campus. These include traveling with the teams to the Big East Conference Tournaments and NCAA Tournament games. The X Band reaches over 750,000 people each season through its live performance and millions more through broadcast media.
The X Band is primarily run by the student board. The board routinely meets to discuss the current needs of the ensemble and the direction they believe it should go.
President: Taylor Kamienski kamienskit@xavier.edu
Vice President of Athletics: Pamela Olivas olivasp1@xavier.edu
Vice President of Communications: Ainsley Pierce piercea8@xavier.edu
Treasurer: John Flynn flynnj9@xavier.edu
Librarian: Madelyn Johnson johnsonm103@xavier.edu
Social Media/Promotional Manager: AJ Coffey coffeya2@xavier.edu
Social Event Coordinator/Alumni Liaison: Karly Leibreich leibreichk@xavier.edu
Percussion Equipment Manager: Matthew McBride mcbridem9@xavier.edu
Brass Equipment Manager: Mary Andorn andornm@xavier.edu
Alumni
We encourage all of our alumni to reach out to The X Band director about playing with the ensemble at games. We NEED you for games during the winter break. Winter break game dates and call times will be posted upon the schedule release prior to the start of the season.
Please reach out to our director Rich Notter (notterr@xavier.edu) or our alumni liaison, Karly Leibreich (leibreichk@xavier.edu) to update your contact information to stay up to date with the band.
FAQs
Is there an audition process?
No, The X Band is a voluntary, no-audition club. All of the experience needed for the beginning of the season will occur during our rehearsals. All that is required is previous experience on your instrument.
What is the rehearsal schedule?
We rehearse twice a week in the Auxiliary Gym in the Cintas Center prior to the start of the season. These are led by the Director, Assistant Director, Student Conductors, or Section Leaders. All other aspects that need to be rehearsed during the season will happen during warmups prior to each game.
What is the cost to join the band?
Every member pays $25 in dues. This money goes back into the band through purchasing apparel or for music and instrument maintenance.
Do I have to be in Symphonic Wind Ensemble or Jazz Ensemble to be in The X Band?
No, you do not have to participate in another performing ensemble to be in The X Band, but it is highly encouraged. All of the performance ensembles work collaboratively to help every student on campus that chooses to participate become the best musician they can be. Please reach out to Dr. Benjamin Chamberlain at Chamberlainb4@xavier.edu to inquire about the other ensembles on campus.
What does a typical game day look like?
Call time for the band is always one hour before tip off. During this time the band will warm up, practice any spots in pieces of music that need attention or rehearse a new song for that game. The drumline will warm up and then set up their equipment and drum set. After the game there will be announcements from the band board and everyone helps pack up equipment.
Who gets chosen to travel with the band for tournaments?
We utilize a point system throughout the season earned through attendance at rehearsals and games. Only after the points have been tallied towards the end of the regular season does seniority become a factor.