tiger pep band varsity letter program

Until the 2001-2002 school year, the only way to earn a varsity letter at DePauw University was to appear in 50% of contests in a varsity sport such as basketball or football.

It is now possible to earn a varsity letter by participation in Tiger Pep Band, although our requirements are different from those in the athletic department.

 Here are the qualifications that a candidate must fulfill to earn a Varsity Letter in Tiger Pep Band:

• The candidate must be a member in good standing throughout the entire academic year.
• The candidate must perform fully at all performances he or she attends.
• The candidate must earn letter-credits totaling at least 80% of all varsity performances in the entire performance season.  (Varsity performances are so noted on the season calendar.)
• The candidate must always pursue the Mission of the Tiger Pep Band, strive for excellence, and live the Tiger Spirit. 

The directors shall maintain a complete attendance record, which will be reviewed and approved by the faculty advisor and athletic director.  For an individual performance to be counted in the record, the candidate must arrive at or before the report time and may not leave until dismissed.  Partial attendance at a performance will not count towards the attendance record.

For each performance, the member must also appear in full uniform, including the official shirt, black pants or shorts, and white shoes.  The long-sleeve Tiger Pep Band black shirt is optional.

annual letter awards

The varsity letter of the Tiger Pep Band is different from an athletic letter.  Ours is a sans-serif Old Gold "D" with a black tiger paw print in the lower left corner, as seen above.

A member of the pep band can earn one varsity letter per season, awarded at the end of the academic year.  A letter earner will earn the awards in order, thus a fourth-year award is only attainable if the student begins in freshman year.

• First Year Award: Varsity Letter Certificate
• Second Year Award: Old Gold Chenille Letter with Paw Print
• Third Year Award: Gold Varsity Letter Certificate
  • there is a proposal to add a gold bar to this award
• Fourth Year Award: not yet determined
• Fifth Year Award: Old Gold Chenille Letter with Paw Print
• Sixth Year and Beyond: Gold Bar

Fifth year awards are intended for DePauw students who opt for a five-year course of undergraduate study, such as a double degree in music and liberal arts.  Fifth year interns, faculty, staff, and community members are also eligible.  Sixth year awards and beyond, are intended to recognize the faculty, staff, and community members of the Tiger Pep Band -- they are just as dedicated as the student members, and are just as eligible for the rewards of their dedication.

special thanks

The Tiger Pep Band would like to thank several people for supporting the creation of the Tiger Pep Band Varsity Letter Program.

• Page Cotton, Athletic Director
• Col. Dr. Craig Paré, Director of University Bands
• Col. Dr. Valarie Ziegler, Professor of Religious Studies
• Kris Huffman, Women's Head Basketball Coach
• Bill Fenlon, Men's Head Basketball Coach
• Nick Mourouzis, Head Football Coach
• James Lincoln, Vice President of Student Services