If music is food for the spirit, then the spirit of Guilford will soon be fed. Several weeks after fall break, Guilford will become home to a pep band called the Quaker Funk Machine. The R&B and funk music ensemble will play at the Guilford women’s and men’s basketball games.

           “Guilford has a strong basketball tradition,” said Director of Career Services Alan Mueller. “(The pep band) would make the game-day experience that much better.”

           Mueller has been coordinating with Dave Limburg, associate professor of foreign languages, to breathe life into the idea of a pep band. They have also received assistance from Drew Hays, assistant professor of music, and Bryan Jones, coordinator of sports marketing.

           Some people may initially be disappointed that the band will play at basketball games only. But a basketball court is the best place to start. Think of the echoing indoor foot-squeaks in court versus the wide-open football stadium’s muffled sounds.

           “There’s nothing sadder than 12 people trying to fill up a football stadium with noise,” said Mueller.  

Acoustics matter; those same 12 people could cause quite a ruckus in an indoor basketball court. Depending on the success of and community reaction to the pep band, it may, expand to include the football team or other teams.

           “Through thick and thin we will be there supporting you all the way,” said senior Hunter Frost, who recently took the initiative to start a separate pep band – The Pigskin Quaker Pep Band. Learning about the Quaker Funk Machine, Frost humbly stepped aside to let Mueller, et al. proceed with their plans.

           Frost initially hoped to bring music to the football stadium, so one day his hopes may be fulfilled.

           The admissions office provided about 180 names of students with musical backgrounds in high school. These students received emails from Mueller as part of recruitment efforts. Other efforts include those posters on the school’s message boards.

           The band will play R&B and funk music that ideally suits Guilford. Along with traditional band instruments (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets), there will be an electric guitar, one or two drummers, and a keyboard to add some Guilford funk.

           Rehearsals for the band begin on Oct. 24 and will continue on the following three Mondays. The Quaker Funk Machine is not for music majors only; anyone can tryout.  

           “I like music wherever we can do it,” said Tim Lindeman, professor of music. 

           You do not have to be a perfect musician, nor do you have to own an instrument, to rehearse. This band provides the perfect opportunity to play while continuing your studies. Plus, you can create some excitement in students through a funky medium.