The Pep Band performed their annual “Pep Band on Ice” performance during the SHU men’s hockey game against the College of the Holy Cross at the Martire Family Arena on Feb. 21.
“It’s one of the really unique performance opportunities the band has, to perform in front of a sold-out crowd of fans who are so supportive is an incredible experience,” said Keith Johnston, director of band and orchestra. “This is not something that every band gets to do, so we’re really grateful that SHU athletics and hockey support this.”
Whether it’s on the ice or the court, students say that the Pep Band adds consistent energy, especially in moments when the arena might otherwise fall silent.
Instagram, @shu_band
“They bring a whole other layer to the sporting atmosphere in the sense that they’re the ones creating the energy,” said sophomore Elena Chaplin.
“The atmosphere would be dull and mundane because without the music, there wouldn’t be an immersive experience,” said sophomore Adelyn Furlong.
On March 6-7, half of the Pep Band took to the ice to support the men’s hockey team during the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) tournament. Meanwhile, the other half of the group traveled to Atlantic City to perform at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s and women’s basketball Championships, which took place on March 5 and March 6.
“I was excited to see how our men’s team would do,” said senior Daniel Greene, news editor for Spectrum and member of the Pep Band. “I came in when the winning team went for March Madness and seeing them go to MAAC for the first time is really cool to see these things full circle.”
The band joined the MAAC last year and went viral with one of their performance songs.
“It was really cool that someone watching made a tweet about us playing ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ and that made us kind of viral,” said Greene. “Being able to continuously show we’re one of the best bands around is something I’m very proud of.”
Andrew Kolar, associate director of band, says he feels that college bands are one of the most important aspects of a university.
“College band programs are often the tradition keepers at universities,” said Kolar. “They make collegiate sporting events feel different and special with the sound of live music carrying an energy in the room that cannot be replaced and duplicated.”
“Getting fans to sing along, dance, or just bounce in their seats is a great feeling no matter when it happens in the season,” said Kolar.
