Wayland High School held its annual Elementary School Pep Band Night at the football game against Acton-Boxborough last Friday.

At this event, fifth graders band members from both Wayland elementary schools are able to play in the pep band along with their high school counterparts and perform by themselves at half time.

“I just love getting the kids fired up,” said Joseph Oneschuck, the Wayland High School band director.

Eleven years ago, Oneschuck was the band director for both the elementary and high school bands.  High enrollment numbers made Oneschuck’s job too much for one person, so the positions were separated, and Oneschuck began teaching solely high school students.

Although he was no longer teaching at the elementary schools, Oneschuck still felt a connection to the elementary kids.

“I never lost sight in the importance of the elementary band,” he said.

After creating Elementary Pep Band Night, Oneschuck received reactions that were far better than just okay.

“It’s actually a lot of fun,” said flute player and junior, Christine Cocce.

“Its nice to help someone who doesn’t necessarily know what to do or know the pieces,” agreed fellow flute player and junior Amy McDonald. “[I like] getting able to see them get better even in just one night.”

“I remember when I was in fifth grade, and I was really excited,” added senior Ellie Zhang. “I thought it was really cool to be with the high schoolers and play with them. They were really nice.”

Oneschuck describes Elementary Pep Band Night as a “recruitment tool.”  He laughed, adding that he wanted the elementary band students to see what the possibilities are for playing their instruments.

Oneschuck believes that the connection high schoolers and elementary students gain during the event is what leads to friendships between high schoolers and elementary school students.

“I think that connection is really key,” he said.

Correction: It was previously reported that Christine Cocce and Amy McDonald were sophomores but they are in-fact juniors. The error has been corrected.