If you have ever been to a men’s or women’s Drexel basketball game, chances are you have seen and heard the pep band. Sitting in the top left corner of the student section, one member stands out. In front of the drums with a Mario hat on and passionately playing the bass guitar, Pat McKeown brings the energy every single night.
McKeown, a second-year student, first decided to join the band because it allowed him to combine his two passions: music and sports. Taking inspiration from rock bands like Kiss, McKeown knows it is important for him to put on a performance to give the crowd energy.
“I think it started with all of the rock bands that I listen to. You see visual concerts with all sorts of antics, and you can see that people in the crowd really enjoy it. People are more naturally inclined to get energetic if they see other people doing that. I like to do that for other people, and I love performing.”
The pep band is a vital part of the energy at the DAC, playing songs during period breaks and timeouts. This energy is what makes the DAC a special place to watch a basketball game. “It is nice because you get to be a part of the atmosphere and create the hype around the games, and really contribute to the energy in the area, which is incredible.”
McKeown, like many other Drexel students, recognizes how special the DAC is to both the fans and the players. The small arena allows for a more intimate environment for both the fans and the players. “After some of the games, players would even point at the band as we are playing the fight song. The players are all down-to-earth and appreciate [the band].”
Being a member of the band has allowed McKeown to have some unique experiences, such as being in Washington, DC, when the women’s team won the CAA conference in 2024. “The excitement of waking up every day, I don’t know if they are going to win and we get to stay one more night, or if they lose and we have to go home.” The team also got to fly to Texas with the team when they participated in the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Without the pep band in the DAC, the game would not be the same. Win or lose, McKeown will always be in the stands, Mario hat, big smile, and high energy that creates excitement for every person at the DAC.