While the action on the field or on the court at any sporting event is the focus of the night, the energy and all over vibes of the game are more than the making of the players alone.  For the Malad Dragon athletes, the Pep Band, playing from the stands, makes a big impact for not only the fans enjoying the beat, but also for the players in the game.

The Malad High School Pep Band has been favoring its listeners with exciting and popular songs all year long.  Under the direction of band teacher of Mr. Foster Garret, the band has grown not only in size and capability, but certainly in popularity with fans raving about their tunes every night they play.  The seniors of the Malad High School Band were recognized and honored as they played for the last home game of the season on Thursday, February 9, sharing band highlights from the past and their hopeful plans for the future.

Daniel Lenaghen has been in band for 7 years and pep band for all four years of high school. His favorite memory of pep band was going to State with the boys basketball team his freshman year and having fun with the band and Mr. Garrett.

Brayden Searle has participated in band all of high school and loves it.  Next year he plans on going to fire and EMT school. Brayden's favorite memory is when the band will attempt a new piece of music and it goes so badly that they all have to stop and laugh.

Gavin Price plans to work this summer and attend Idaho State University in the fall to finish his Paralegal Associates Degree and then to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He has loved spending time with the other band members during the games.

Bridger deJong plans to go to school and then a mission after he graduates. His favorite thing about pep band is playing music with his friends and leading the band when Mr. Garrett is gone.

Erin Wright plans on attending Utah State University to become a high school English teacher, and will also join Utah State's marching band. 

Sarah Young has enjoyed performing and getting to know the other members and being a part of a group who values excellence, high standards, and creating incredible music. Next year, Sarah plans to continue playing in college and utilizing her music skills as she pursues her college degree. 

Alex White shared that the best time of his day is spent in the band room. Alex loved being able to go to state basketball and participating in Honor Band, and he loves playing in pep band. 

Kyrisha Gustafson started band this year as a Senior and has done well coming in this late.  She has played at every Football game as a percussionist. Kyrisha is thinking about going to school to study animation, theater, or music.