ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Chris May has announced the hiring of Grant Unnerstall to lead the SLU Pep Band. 

Unnerstall, who also serves as the Assistant Band Director in the Rockwood School District, begins his role with the Billikens August 1. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Grant to the Billiken team as the new leader of the Saint Louis University Pep Band," said May. "His wealth of experience leading pep bands will be a great benefit to our students and pep band members. The pep band is a critical element to the gameday experience at our athletic events. Our department will work closely with Grant and other leaders to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for its members."

With close to 10 years of teaching experience to his name, Unnerstall most recently spent the 2023 spring semester as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Maryville University. Prior to relocating to the St. Louis area in 2022, he held a teaching role at the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory, while serving as the Roeland Park New Horizons' Band Director from 2019-22.  

Unnerstall received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State in 2014 before going on to earn his Master of Music (2019) and Doctor of Philosophy (2022) from the University of Miami Frost School of Music and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, respectively.  

"I'm extremely excited and honored to serve as the next director of the Billiken Pep Band," said Unnerstall. "As a resident of the city of St. Louis, I know that Saint Louis University has historically served the community as the most accomplished college athletics program in the metro area. I look forward to being a part of the gameday experience at Chaifetz Arena!"