By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
A high-energy performance by the Whitewater Unified School District’s “Pepapalooza” band added sizzle, sparkle and a lot of sound to the Whitewater High School Girls basketball game against Palmyra-Eagle Jan. 22.
The undefeated Lady Whippets, as they’ve done throughout the season, dominated the Panthers in a 63-12 victory at Whitewater High School.
Pepapalooza’s goal is to get the audience members out of their seats, singing and dancing along with the band – and with few people appearing to remain in their seats when the band was blaring out tunes such as “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Hey Baby,” “Time Warp” and “Build Me Up, Buttercup” – the goal was indeed met.
The Pepapalooza band was comprised of 130 student musicians from all five schools in the Whitewater Unified School District along with a few WHS alumni.
Abi Pulvermacher, the band director at the high school, said it’s all about family.
“In high school band we speak often about fostering a band family environment,” Pulvermacher said. “And Pepapalooza is the perfect opportunity to grow our family.”
Liz Elliot, the Whitewater Middle School band teacher, said it’s a great opportunity for middle school students to collaborate musically with a wide range of age groups.
“It is also a chance for all the district bands to unite as one powerfully fun force,” Elliot said.
Among the many benefits for his fifth grade band members playing with Pepapalooza, Josh Barrett said it gives them exposure to a different style of music performed in an informal, non-traditional setting as part of a large band sound.
Barrett said it also gives the younger students a glimpse of their future musical opportunities in the district and what they will be able to do as part of a “larger band family.”
