About the Directors
The UMBC pep band is currently run by Matt Basch and Student Directors.
Matt Basch is a UMBC alumnus and holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems, Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and a Minor in Music, with an emphasis on education. He began studying classical piano at age four and at the age of ten he preformed his original composition, "What's the Mystery?" at the regional Junior Original Concert (JOC) in Columbia, Maryland.
Basch continues to broaden his musical horizons, and is proficient in jazz and classical piano, percussion, trumpet, and tuba. He has participated in Wind, Jazz, Percussion, Marching, Spirit, and Military ensembles. A graduate of River Hill High School class of 2004, Basch served as Drum Major in the "Mighty Hawks Marching Band" during his junior and senior years.
Basch was a Student Director for the UMBC Pep Band from August of 2005 through May of 2008, assisting in band operations including recruitment, scheduling, technology, and alumni relations. The Columbia, Maryland native created, developed, and maintained the pep band websites, e-mail lists, and databases. Basch also served as technology manager for The Retriever Weekly, UMBC's Student Newspaper, from August 2006 through May of 2008. He is currently employed as a database programmer and recently earn his master's degree in Information Systems from UMBC.
About the Director
Matt Basch is a UMBC alumnus and holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems, Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and a Minor in Music, with an emphasis on education. He began studying classical piano at age four and at the age of ten he preformed his original composition, "What's the Mystery?" at the regional Junior Original Concert (JOC) in Columbia, Maryland. Basch continues to broaden his musical horizons, and is proficient in jazz and classical piano, percussion, trumpet, and tuba. He has participated in Wind, Jazz, Percussion, Marching, Spirit, and Military ensembles. A graduate of River Hill High School class of 2004, Basch served as Drum Major in the "Mighty Hawks Marching Band" during his junior and senior years.
Basch was a Student Director for the UMBC Pep Band from August of 2005 through May of 2008, assisting in band operations including recruitment, scheduling, technology, and alumni relations. The Columbia, Maryland native created, developed, and maintained the pep band websites, e-mail lists, and databases. Basch also served as technology manager for The Retriever Weekly, UMBC's Student Newspaper, from August 2006 through May of 2008. He is currently employed as a database programmer and recently earn his master's degree in Information Systems from UMBC.
Band Directors
Click on a director for their bio and picture!| Pep Band Director | Instrument(s) | Year(s) of Direction |
| Matt Basch | Percussion, Trumpet | 2010-Present |
| Jari Villanueva | Trumpet | 1998-2010 |
Student Directors
Click on a student director for their bio and picture! If you were a student director in the band, and would like your bio to appear on this page, please use the contact page to e-mail us!| Student Director | Instrument(s) | Year(s) of Direction |
| Jen Opitz | Mellophone | 2013-Present |
| Danny Smith | Bass Drum | 2013-Present |
| Drew Ballantine | Snare Drum | 2012-Present |
| Josh Moore | Trumpet | 2012-Present |
| Eddy Mosenkis | Snare Drum | 2010-2013 |
| Eva Hochberger | Trombone | 2011-2012 |
| Eric Thompson | Mellophone | 2011-2012 |
| Joey Schenning | Mellophone, Trumpet | 2010-2011 |
| Megan Shook | Flute/Piccolo | 2007-2010 |
| Paula Strassle | Clarinet | 2007-2010 |
| Paul Wetzstein | Trombone | 2007-2010 |
| Andrew Cleveland | Trumpet | 2007-2009 |
| Matt Basch | Percussion, Trumpet | 2005-2008 |
| George Rachis | Saxophone | 2005-2007 |
| Mike Nolan | Percussion | 2005-2006 |
| Mike Murphy | Tuba | 2004-2007 |
| Patricia (Pflug) Massaro | Saxophone | 2001-2005 |
