The Johns Hopkins University Bands, founded in 1921, provides an opportunity for Hopkins students to perform instrumental music on the Homewood campus. “The JHU Bands” is the parent name for a few different ensembles, namely the Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Flute Choir. The Wind Ensemble plays symphonic and orchestral pieces at formal concerts in Shriver. The Pep Band provides music at all football and lacrosse games. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band perform stage and jazz pieces on numerous occasions throughout the year. The Flute Choir plays chamber pieces for various functions around campus. Though each ensemble has its own personnel, rehearsal and performance times and places, they are organized and run by a joint “JHU Bands” executive board, by policy of the Student Activities Commission (SAC), to provide communication and unity.
Current officers:
President: David Sher
Vice President: Hallie Pobanz
Business Manager: Kevin Chen
Secretary: Gillian Maguire
Publicity Director: Heather Barbakoff
Librarian: Lauren Pecarich
Assistant Librarian: Jeremy Rothstein
Equipment Manager: Caitlin Schneider
Vice President of Jazz: Blair Johnson
Flute Choir director: Jonathan Zuckerman
Directors:
Wind Ensemble and Pep Band director: Brian Drake
Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band director: Matt Belzer
History and press of The Johns Hopkins University Band
The JHU Band, founded in 1921 by Conrad "Gebby" Gebelein, is one
of the oldest student groups on campusas well as the oldest co-ed group since
students at nearby Goucher College were often members of the band until the
schools were made co-ed. Formed originally as the JHU Banjo Club, the organization
evolved into the both the Concert and Pep Bands. The band was led by Gebby
until his retirement in 1971, who remained an active part of the band, conducting
at lacrosse games until his death in 1981. Our second director, Larry Springer,
conducted the band until 1994. Our third director Jim Sherry, took over in
1995 and led the band until his resignation in 2000.
Currently, Brian Drake and Matt Belzer co-direct the bands, taking over in 2000, also the year the band program moved from its long-time home, ROTC, to the Mattin Center.
Scrapbook page from a book about Gebby, by Lenore Fine. Available for
viewing through the MSE's special collections.
Press about the Hopkins Band
Newsletter Lacrosse Guide Article - Through the Eyes of the Pep Band, by Megan
Waitkoff 2/27/2004
Newsletter feature - Pep Band helps keep lax tradition alive, by Gina Callahan 5/2/2003
Newsletter focus - Arts at Hopkins, by Jonathan Groce 5/2/2003
Newsletter Feature - Hopkins Lacrosse evokes pride during U. Maryland game,
by Ishai Mooreville 4/18/2003
"A band full of more passion, enthusiasm and noise than Steven Tyler
on speed."
Newsletter Feature - The JHU Band's new groove, by Veronica Jihye Kim 2/8/2001
An article about the addition of Brian Drake as the new director.
Conrad Gebelein Award
Each year, the Conrad Gebelein ("Gebby") Award is given to the most
dedicated sophomore or junior in the band program.
2006 - David Sher and Hallie Pobanz
2005 - John-Michael Cross, Hallie Pobanz and Abby Burch
2004 - John-Michael Cross
2003 - Beth Johnson
2002 - Mike Comeau and Tony Tvaroha
2001 - Justin Chan
2000 - Paul Staehle
1999 - Meghna Antani
1998 - Erica Preston and John Raczek
1997 - Tapan Kant and Lisa Rosenblatt
1996 - Mike Prados and Jill Smith
1995 - Jeffrey Doshna and Elizabeth (Betsy) Scroggs
1994 - Jeffrey Doshna
1993 - Kristin Giannini
1992 - Jeff Weller
1991 - Scott Needle
1990 - Michael Dante
1989 - Michael Dante
1988 - Michael Greenfield and Janet Sayre
1987 - Howell Sasser and Jeffrey Snyder
1986 - Kathryn Slanski
1985 - (?)
1984 - Mark Margolin
Springer Award
In 2000, the Band awarded the first Springer Award for band member service
to the community.
2004 - not presented
2003 - JHU Flute Choir (Pete Goldwine and Beth Johnson)
2002 - not presented
2001 - Paul Staehle
2000 - Katrina Fishler and Cathy Lee
