Marquette's pep band is the unsung hero of the university's athletic events, providing the infectious energy and entertainment that elevates the game-day experience for fans. From the pre-game preparations to the final notes of "Ring Out Ahoya," these dedicated student musicians are the driving force behind the electric atmosphere that permeates the arena.

Fueling the Frenzy: Marquette Pep Band's Gameday Ritual

Pregame Preparations: Orchestrating the Hype

Two hours before the opening tip-off, the Marquette Pep Band arrives at the Varsity Theatre, water bottles in hand and sheet music neatly organized in their folders. As the students chat and tune their instruments, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the air. Senior sousaphone player and band treasurer, Will Steininger, reflects on the camaraderie that defines the pregame routine. "Band is a great community of people," he says. "Joining the band is a fantastic way for new students to make friends and share their passion for music."At the call time, the band gathers in the lobby, awaiting instructions from the student director. The familiar cacophony of tuning instruments echoes through the arena as the band takes their positions, ready to unite in harmonious support of the Golden Eagles.

Game Time: Igniting the Crowd's Fervor

The Marquette Pep Band's pregame playlist is a well-choreographed routine, with some songs having been a part of the band's repertoire for generations. Junior English major and band librarian, Jakita Fleck, shares her enthusiasm for the iconic "The Impression That I Get." "I love it because of its high energy, and my dad played it when he was here, so it feels timeless," she says.As the team takes the court, the band's rendition of "Ring Out Ahoya" echoes through the arena, setting the tone for the game. During timeouts, the band's performance becomes a delicate dance, as they must be mindful of the referees' sensitivity to unsportsmanlike conduct. "If the referees feel that the band's playing is egregious, they can call a technical foul on the band," explains Dr. Erik Janners, director of music and professor of practice in the Diederich College of Communication.For the sousaphone players, the game-day experience takes on an added thrill. Junior sousaphone player and band vice president, Kian Howe, describes the initial nervousness of walking onto the court during timeouts, but now relishes the opportunity. "Now it's just a fun thing you get to do if you don't think about the thousands of people watching," he says.

Postgame Reflection: The Band's Lasting Impact

As the final buzzer sounds and the crowd begins to disperse, the Marquette Pep Band plays "Ring Out Ahoya" one last time, followed by the championship song. With the arena nearly empty, the band packs up and heads back to the Varsity Theatre, where they debrief the game and sort their music and instruments.Kian Howe's hope for the band's impact is clear: "I hope everyone who sees us at games can tell how much fun we're having. In turn, I hope everyone else has more fun at the game because of us." The Marquette Pep Band's unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm are the driving forces behind the unforgettable game-day experience, making them an integral part of the Golden Eagles' legacy.