The Niles North Pep Band was selected as one of four bands in the state to perform as an Official Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Pep Band during the IHSA Girls State Final Basketball Tournament.

The band recorded 15 songs which were sent to a panel of judges at IHSA. Niles North Pep Band was selected to play at four semi-final Girls Basketball games which are being held on Mar. 1 in Normal, Illinois, at Illinois State University. As usual, Pep Band will perform during timeouts, halftime and commercial breaks at the competition and will be featured on Comcast Sports Net.

Pep Band at Niles North is considered a fine arts club and an extracurricular class. The band performs at basketball games, where their sole purpose is to excite and entertain the crowd. This is a very special event for the Pep Band as it is the first time in five years that they have performed outside of the Niles North campus.

“Pep Band is like the energized band cheerleaders– but with instruments,” sophomore Merissa Schwab said.

“I’m grateful for all of these students who have been so committed and truly expressed their school spirit and love.” Band director Cheryl Filipek, said.

“This has been a great step for the band program,” sophomore Daniel Sahyouni said. “The program is really turning around!”

This competition has opened up many great opportunities for the band. Not only will friends and family hear their great gift and enjoy their love for the music, but so will the community.