At Marquette University, basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a heartbeat. The energy inside Fiserv Forum and the Al McGuire Center is electric, ignited by the university’s spirited pep bands. As they play the fight song, “Hail Alma Mater,” excitement fills the air.
Even when the game isn’t going the way fans hope, the pep bands keep the spirit alive. “When the team is on a roll, we play with extra energy. And when they hit a rough patch, we ramp it up, hoping to inspire them,” says Charlie Chouinard, a senior and trumpet player. He believes the magic of live music really creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Marquette’s pep bands, guided by Music Directors Erik Janners and Joel Flunker, are composed of students from various programs. They meet three times a week and require auditions for membership. These bands perform at men’s and women’s basketball games and also support women’s volleyball matches.
There are two pep bands, “blue” and “gold,” which alternate performances at games. Interestingly, band members often attend almost all games, even though they are required to be there for only half of them. “We become part of the student section,” Chouinard adds. “It’s a good time!”
Alyssa Maves, a junior clarinet player, shares how participating in the band deepened her appreciation for sports. “I never understood the thrill of cheering alongside fellow fans until I joined the pep band,” she says. The pre-game excitement is palpable, as musicians arrive an hour early to prepare. Each band has a collection of over 100 songs to choose from, ensuring they are always ready to pump up the crowd.
These bands don’t just cheer at home games; they also travel to significant events like the Big East and NCAA tournaments. This year, Maves will go to the Women’s Big East Tournament, while the gold band makes its way to New York City with the men’s team. Members often cite these trips as highlights of their band experience. Chouinard recalls the thrill of seeing the team win the Big East Tournament in 2023. “Watching them cut down the net was incredible,” he shares.
Maves remembers a nail-biting game at Madison Square Garden during her first year of college. “We locked arms in support as the clock wound down, cheering when we won,” she recalls. This camaraderie is a cherished part of being in the pep band.
For many students, attending away games isn’t practical, but pep band members bring that same energy, cheering on the Golden Eagles wherever they are. “We carry that spirit with us, no matter the location,” says Maddie Meyer, a sophomore trombone player.
The role of these pep bands goes beyond music; they foster community and spirit, transforming the experience of college basketball into something unforgettable.
For more information on the Marquette pep bands and their schedule, visit [Marquette Athletics](https://www.gomarquette.com/).
