Photo courtesy of Jack Wodicka
Expect to see the Pep Band at the next Ice Knights' game!
Last Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Geneseo Ice Knights returned to the Ira S. Wilson arena for the first home game of the Fall ‘26-Spring ‘27 hockey season. Even though this game took place in the middle of the week, the energy in the arena was certainly high. While hockey itself is one of the most exciting sports to watch, there is another reason that Geneseo continues to cultivate high attendance at the arena: SUNY Geneseo’s student-run Pep Band.
The Geneseo Pep Band was formed in 2004, but looking back at its origins, the club is almost unrecognizable compared to the immense group it is today. Under the direction of former president Ryan Hyzy, the band grew from a maximum of 15 members to a maximum of 60 members! The Pep Band fosters a low-stakes approach to a community for student-musicians on campus who also share a passion for raising spirits.
When asked about her experience as the president of the club, Katie Penna was happy to express her adoration for the band, stating, “I’m a Music Performance major at Geneseo, so much of my time is devoted to the study of classical music, but Pep Band has really allowed me to have fun with my music as well as find a sense of community here at Geneseo. The level of enthusiasm that these students bring to the group is truly genuine, and it is so inspiring to see the growth of this ensemble as both musicians and as some of the most wonderful people you will find on this campus. It is an honor to lead the Pep Band, partially because of their musicianship, but most importantly because of their friendship and the exceptional way in which they represent the Geneseo community.”
Even though the club’s main purpose is to hype up the Geneseo Ice Knights during hockey games, the pep band has been known to make appearances at other campus and community-wide events. Recently, the Pep Band was invited to play at a celebration event for President Treadwell’s inauguration. This event took place right outside MacVittie College Union where a variety of food trucks—and a mechanical bull—were parked. The Pep Band played some of its classic tunes that fans of the Ice Knights are more than familiar with by now. This event took place only hours before the first home game to warm up the band for the exciting match.
At the game, the Pep Band flaunted its new members and high membership. The Pep Band was more than excited to be there, and played with the same bombastic spirit that they have always exhibited. With their first major appearance of the semester, the Pep Band continued their tradition of shouting hilarious and sportsmanlike chants such as “You Can’t Do That!” “Where’s Your Pep Band?” and “How Many Goals Do We Have?.”
“I am so excited to be taking on the challenge of leading the Geneseo Pep Band,” said Katie Penna on the topic of last week’s game. “The home opener was the most fun I’ve had all semester, and I am so proud of the energy, musicality, and positivity that this group brings to hockey games as well as other community events. I’m already counting down the days until the next game.”
While the Pep Band is known for its presence on campus, they also participate in community events, such as the upcoming Buzzo’s Halloween Parade on Oct. 31 at 6 p.m.. While the Halloween parade is not a new tradition to the Geneseo community, the Pep Band’s participation in the parade is a more recent addition. The Halloween parade is a wonderful way to bring together parents and children who want to show off their Halloween costumes to the community. During the parade, the costumed Geneseo residents march down main street, circling the fountain. Whereas in the past this parade was silent, now the Pep Band provides music for the residents to march to. Typically, the band plays “When the Saints Go Marching In,” a perfect fit for the nature of the parade.
If you want more of the Geneseo Pep Band, they will continue to play at the Ice Knights’ home games for the rest of this semester, and in the semesters to come. The Geneseo Pep Band has been integrated heavily into the SUNY Geneseo campus community, and has continued to cement their prominent presence. So, the next time you go to watch the Ice Knights, make sure to pay close attention to the Pep Band! Or, if you have experience with a musical instrument, join them!