Submitted by Tipton Community School Corporation
The Tipton Pep Band has long been known for its energy, spirit, and unmistakable Blue Devil pride, but at the center of that sound is something even more powerful: student leadership that drives the entire program.
For decades, the Pep Band has grown into a space where students don’t just perform; they lead, mentor, and shape the experience for their peers.
Each year, a core group of student leaders step forward to guide rehearsals, model musicianship, and set the tone for what it means to represent Tipton in a positive way. They choose the music that helps the band stay relevant and connected to the community. The student leaders also work to try new ideas, like including a rock band into their normal pre-game routine.
Their influence, however, reaches far beyond the notes on the page.
The student leaders take responsibility for connecting and communicating with their peers outside of the band as well. They coordinate between the Blue Crew, Cheer Team, and Band to make the game experience even more fun. They also work with the adults who run the announcements and video boards to create a strong “home court” advantage for our Blue Devils.
“Their decisions and efforts are often in the background and done so well that most don’t realize how amazing it is that students are able to lead a band like this,” Tipton High School Band Director Lisa Wallyn said. “Months before the season starts, the leaders are planning what music to play. They take the lead in connecting the groups that are present for basketball games.”
Senior Cayden Osbon has been the drum major of the marching band and student conductor for two years. The cheer coaches have commended him for doing an excellent job communicating with the cheer team to make sure the band and cheerleaders work together. The cheerleaders now request songs through the student leaders for their dances. They’ve also created cheers and lifts that coordinate with the band’s songs. This level of cooperation is exceptional in high schools and is rarely seen even at a collegiate level.
“I love being able to show support for the basketball team through the pep band,” Osbon said. “It has been one of my favorite things to do throughout high school, and being able to get a group like ours together to play during the basketball season means a lot to me.”
Senior conductor Cady Martin said, “Being a student leader in the band has been my dream since freshman year. As a freshman I always wanted to be the upperclassman that underclassmen looked up to, and I wanted to conduct as well! Conducting and being a student leader has brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow!”
The Pep Band is one of Tipton’s most visible student groups, energizing crowds and bringing the school community together towards the common goal of school spirit. The leadership of Martin, Osbon, and junior Connor Clouser within the band ensures that every performance is more than music – it’s a celebration of teamwork, pride in our school, and a defining spirit that reflects the excellence of Tipton’s music programs.