The Upper School Instrumental Ensemble recently announced its new name, Gator Scales.

“It’s time for that to change,” Music teacher Dr. Alex Ostergard wrote in an email to the community before December break, in which they also asked for suggestions for a catchy name that relates to campus history and culture.

“Reptile Rhythm,” suggested by Binyam Tsegai ‘26, won runner up, earning him a gift card to Starbucks.

“I really liked Reptile Rhythm,” Ostergard said. “I thought Binyam’s suggestion was excellent. I think we were pretty close between choosing Reptile Rhythm and Gator Scales. Ultimately, there were more votes and support for Gator Scales but I think Binyam came up with an excellent choice.”

Tavio Mares-Van Praag ‘27, who plays drums, like the idea of giving band a name, but he is uncertain of the winning choice.

“It just doesn’t roll on the tongue,” Mares-Van Praag ’27 said. “There’s a chance I’ll get used to it because it’s so new.”

Ostergard, however, is excited about the humor in “Gator Scales”

“I like that it has a little bit of humor in it and that the scales are both the scales of an alligator, our mascot, and a quirky little music reference to the scales we might play in band to warm up,” Ostergard said. “I like that it has kind of a playful feel to it and I think it’s appropriate for the tone of our band.”

Cooper Horn ’27, who plays piano, agrees.

“I like the new name because you can easily give it a nickname, like the scales,” Horn said.