No matter how many home football games you refuse to attend, it is hard to be a Stanford student and escape the grandiose presence of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band — affectionately known as LSJUMB or simply the Band.

As one of the oldest and largest student-run organizations on campus, the Band has made a name for itself, both through impressive musical talent and wild and crazy attitude. Peter “B’jurk” Berg ‘10, who holds the position of “drumz sexion leader,” embodies these seemingly paradoxical qualities.

If you’ve ever been to a Band performance, you may have noticed the guy enthusiastically pounding an enormous bass drum, all the while running across the field like an Olympic athlete. That’s Berg, leader and handler of his drum, the Axis O’ Rhythm. Just nearing the end of his sophomore year, Peter was named section leader, a position he will continue to hold until the end of the 2008 calendar year.

Though playing with the Band is an enjoyable experience, the job of section leader is more time-consuming than many people may believe.

“Band takes up a lot of time,” Berg said. “[Most people at Stanford] only see some performances, but they don’t see all the practice time and other performances.”

According to Berg, if one compared his weekly practice schedule to that of a varsity athlete, they would be roughly identical. And while athletes are often told in advance when meets or games will take place — giving them time to talk to professors or make up exams — the Band and its members are often called without preamble to perform or prepare for an upcoming show.

Despite long hours in the Shak and a mixed campus reputation, the Band manages to remain true to its undeniably chill atmosphere, Berg maintains. He calls that atmosphere the best part of being in Band.

While they work hard, Band members surely know how to liven up. Other bands, like Berkeley’s or USC’s, are entirely different — complete with full uniforms and strict practice schedules. They are prototypical college marching bands. Stanford’s, by contrast, is loved not only for its energetic presence but also its inclusive attitude.

“Band is so welcoming,” Berg said. “Anyone who wants to play can play.”

New members are also given equal opportunity to perform at events across the country. Whereas other schools require a certain level of training and talent, the Band leaves the Shak doors open to all who share its love for fun.

When asked about students with unconventional musical talents, Berg, cracking a grin, is still inviting.

“We have an electric violin player,” he said. “How many schools have an electric violin player? We also have a keg player and a bicycle wheel player.”

Earlier this year, students observed the shocking stunts applicants performed in the quest to become the new Tree, the Band’s mascot. Though many expected the process to be a little more than just crazy, they were still surprised to learn that Jack Cackler ‘09 ate a snake and encouraged others to smash fluorescent light bulbs across his chest.

Events such as these are what led Berg to think about how other students perceive The Band.

“There needs to be a line you don’t cross. Eating animals and self-mutilation is probably crossing that line,” he said.

But could it be precisely the band’s edgy aura that draws crowds and makes for great entertainment?

“I would say that most of us have two personalities: one amongst ourselves and another wackier, crazier side that we show to everyone else,” Berg claimed. “If you only show one side, they’re not going to see the other side. But we’re not as eccentric or weird as other people seem to think. It’s kind of fun to have a stage personality.”

Though the Band’s personality may occasionally get it into trouble with other universities, it still remains an essential aspect of campus life. From the Midnight Band Run to performing amongst smooching students during Full Moon on the Quad to enjoying good food and sun at a Band BBQ, it is hard to imagine what Stanford would be like without the beloved LSJUMB.

“I came here because I knew about Stanford’s band,” Berg said. “It’s a great opportunity to be a part of something so unique.”