Phil Rehard Notes

What were the exact years that you were in the band, and what were your roles?

Rehard was the Graduate Assistant for three semesters: Fall 1986, Spring 1987, and Fall 1987.

He worked closely with President Tim Maccallini to plan activities, plan the budget, recruit, and handle regular administrative duties such as attendance, uniforms, and library management. His favorite part was conducting the band at games, sometimes for the entire game.

Did you ever play in the band as an undergraduate?

Rehard was at UB for one undergraduate semester in Fall 1983. He did not remember the Pep Band being especially active then, but he played tuba in band and wind ensemble during that semester, and in all of the bands as a graduate student.

How did you contribute to the band's success and growth?

Rehard and Tim Maccallini recruited heavily, including going door to door through the dorms to find students who played instruments. He also credited the quality of events, trips, and parties with helping people get excited about the band.

Attendance standards were strict because they wanted committed participants rather than half-hearted involvement.

What was the band's size and instrumentation?

The band began fairly small, then grew quickly. By the time Rehard left, around 70 members were attending each rehearsal. He remembered the instrumentation as well balanced.

What were the standard pieces of music?

Rehard remembered favorites including "Louie, Louie," "Peter Gunn," and the usual cheers, though he noted that his memory for the full repertoire was limited.

What venues did the band perform at?

In addition to games, the Pep Band gave an annual concert, usually outside near the Student Union.

What was the student officer structure?

Rehard described it as similar to the later structure, but smaller. He suggested Tim Maccallini would remember the officer details more clearly.

Who administered the band?

Moose was the director, and Frank Cipolla was the advisor.

How did the Pep Band relate to the UB Band Department?

Although it was a club, the Pep Band was considered part of the UB Band program under Mr. Cipolla. Rehard wrote that Cipolla was committed to its success and likely hoped to revitalize the Marching Band.

What social events did students take part in?

Rehard remembered parties and trips to away games. He noted that the band was not involved in events such as Homecoming parades or Convocation in the same way later groups were.

Who was "Moose"?

Moose was the director during Rehard's time. Rehard could not remember his real name, but believed he was, or had been, a music teacher in the Newfane school system.

Other names mentioned

Rehard was not familiar with Dr. Kunz or Steve Wallace. He had met Msgr. Fisher a few times and remembered him as an interesting figure who attended a few band parties.

Rehard was unsure when Norm Alexander began, but noted that Alexander was a music teacher at North Tonawanda High School.