Rider Pep Band kicks off 33rd season

The 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band had their first rehearsal of their 33rd season on Sunday afternoon. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

The sound of the Rider Pep Band has been synonymous with game day in Saskatchewan for 32 seasons, and now they’re kicking off year 33.

The group was formed in 1993 by Bob Mossing with the vision of bringing a college atmosphere to Rider games.

“He formed a band, and we used to play fight songs and stuff like that and we’ve evolved over the years since 1993, to playing a lot of stadium standards to new music,” explained Rhonda Kerr-White, administrator and trumpet player for the 620 CKRM Saskatchewan Riders Pep Band.

The 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band hosted their first rehearsal of the season on Sunday, with an open invitation for anyone interested to pop by Mosaic Stadium.

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As one of the original members, Kerr-White has seen the band evolve over the years.

“That’s what we’re all about is entertainment. We’re community ambassadors for the Riders, so we go out into the community to do performances - not necessarily football related,” she said.

“It could be anything we’ve done birthdays, anniversaries, homecomings, you name it, we’ve done it.”

Being a part of the band has provided Kerr-White with many special memories over the past three decades.

“Of course, 2013 when we won the Grey Cup at home is absolutely amazing, but every year we have our own special memories ... It’s just fun playing music, being with friends, seeing the country, entertainment, putting smiles on people’s faces,” Kerr-White recounted.

The Pep Band members are a diverse group, representing several communities across the province. Kerr-White expressed that the group is always looking for new members, at all skill levels.

“If you haven’t played your instrument in a number of years, this would be a really good opportunity to get [it] out of the closet, dust off the dust, and come and try us out,” Kerr-White said.

Anyone interested is encouraged to get in contact with Kerr-White, which can be done through the band’s website.

The lifelong member added that the ability to continue making music for the past 33 years with her friends, has had a particularly positive impact.

“If you’re involved in music from a young age, all the way through, it’s something you can play till you’re, you know, quite elderly and it’s very good for your brain,” Kerr-White added.