New to the stands at Sachem football games this year was a pep band. Playing the school fight song and keeping the crowd entertained between plays, the band was a welcome addition to add pride and spirit at both Sachem North and Sachem East this past fall season.

There are about 20 students at North and 10 at East who perform in their respective bands as an extracurricular ensemble.

North’s band is advised by David Jaklitsch, and Robert Flahavan heads up the group at East.  
 
“These are kids who love to play and are involved in school activities in general,” Jaklitsch said. “They will generally join any meaningful opportunity to play more music. Some of them specifically enjoy supporting the football team, while others have never seen a game and can’t follow the action. In the end, everyone is having fun. There has been quite a lot of positive feedback from school administration and community members, so that makes the kids proud to be a part of the pep band!”