There was no mistaking his objective.
After the Schneider Arena horn sounded, thus securing the Boston University hockey team’s 7-1 victory over the Friars of Providence College and sending the Terriers to the FleetCenter for the Hockey East semifinals, BU coach Jack Parker walked directly over to the scarlet corner that had dominated the building for the past two nights and pointed.
What could the Boston University legend possibly be recognizing, especially in a time of such happiness and celebration?
The Boston University pep band, under the direction of Chris Parks.
‘I think it was really cool that the coach recognized us,’ said Mariko Watt, a COM freshman and mellophone player. ‘I think they appreciate the support the band gives them.’
Parker let everyone know that he too noticed what was impossible to miss the Terrier pep band certainly had an impact in Providence. The group clearly outperformed the Providence band and, along with the large fan contingent, made the games feel as if they were played in the cozy confines of Walter Brown Arena.
‘That was the perfect collaboration of alumni, students and the band. I think that’s what everyone is hoping for,’ Parks said, referring to the electric atmosphere in Providence and the fan bus provided by the alumni members of Friends of BU Hockey. ‘We’re here to help the teams, and we can identify where our best place is to collaborate with the students and fans.’
The impact of Parks’ crew hardly stopped there. During a week when many BU students could be caught lounging on the beaches of some faraway destinations, the pep band had representation at each of BU’s eight post-season games in men’s and women’s basketball and hockey.
The musicians were spread out at any point among five arenas in three states. There might have been a tuba player adding to the celebration after the women’s basketball team clinched its first NCAA tournament berth ever in West Hartford, Conn. There were definitely drummers as disappointed as the rest of the Case Gym crowd after Vermont stunned the Terriers and prevented the men’s basketball team from heading to their second straight NCAA Tournament. And up in the balcony of the FleetCenter, there were trumpeters tooting the fight song after Justin Maiser put the Eagles of Boston College away in double overtime. Boston University sports saw it all in a historic week over break, and at every event, the band’s presence was constant.
Watt, along with CAS freshman and trumpeter Eric Griffith, both attended all the games last week except for the Hockey East semifinals against Boston College. Both were in Hartford with the women’s basketball team.
‘I hope it’s helpful. I think it’s nice that they have some supporters no matter where they go,’ Griffith said. ‘It’s nice to hear their own fight song.’
The most amazing part of it all, however, is that none of them had to be there. The band members were not required to be at any of these events, and they certainly are not paid like some other Division I bands. Fortunately, with some space between games in midweek, most of the musicians got at least a few days of Spring Break to relax.
‘Nothing is required at all; we go there because we like to support the teams. We’re trying to make the band a better place; there’s a real sense of community,’ Parks confirmed. ‘The kids in band know every player; they know all the stats. They take a little ownership with the teams.’
‘I’m a big sports fan,’ Griffith explained. ‘I enjoy watching the games and traveling wherever they go. We really do have a Spring Break.’
While Parker’s gesture in Providence was the most prominent message of appreciation for the band, the band’s efforts certainly did not go unrecognized by others. Parker also went out of his way at a basketball game to thank Parks and Co., while both basketball coaches Dennis Wolff and Margaret McKeon also made efforts to show their appreciation for the band for making the trip and adding to the atmosphere at their games.
Parks also mentioned that the players often recognize the band members around campus and express their gratitude for the group’s great effort all year as well as just during this one frantic week.
‘The band has a great relationship with all three teams and coaching staffs,’ Parks added. ‘The kids in the band really dig [when they are appreciated].’
Of course, due to scheduling, there was no way all the musicians could make it to each event, but that did not affect the band’s performances. Many band members made quite an effort to get to as many games as possible. The women’s America East semifinals conflicted directly with the Hockey East semifinals last Friday night, but Parks boasted that the band has ‘some diehards who even made it to all three games on Saturday.’
Some could be seen rushing to the exits heading for Hartford as the Catamounts and their fans celebrated at ‘The Roof.’ And as soon as the Terrier women captured their hardware, many members hustled to the FleetCenter in time to play for most of the Icedogs’ 1-0 overtime loss to New Hampshire in the Hockey East final.
Despite two losses on the day, all three teams will play on, just like the band. Since there is often limited space at the NCAA tournaments, those band members who have earned the most points by attending the most games this year will be at the NIT in New York tonight, the NCAA women’s tournament in Storrs, Conn. on Sunday and the NCAA Hockey Regionals in Worcester, Mass. next weekend.
Parks said he and his players are thrilled for whatever else lies ahead, no matter how many more hours they must devote to the cause.
‘It’s a good problem to have when all the teams are successful,’ Parks said.
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