The group has performed at men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s rugby and men’s soccer games throughout the 2025 to 2026 athletic seasons.

Jennifer Bloom ‘28, MHS ‘30, a student in the 4+2 dual-degree entry-level master’s physician assistant program, serves as the member engagement officer for the band. She said her time in pep band has enriched her Quinnipiac experience.

“Being part of such a welcoming group of people with a common passion has enhanced my experience at Quinnipiac by helping me find a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Getting the opportunity to play at so many athletic events has allowed me to become more in-tune with events around campus,” said Bloom.

Samantha Gendreau ’25, MSW ’27, transferred to Quinnipiac for her junior year and found her place on campus through the band.

"Pep band is the reason I feel like I belong at Quinnipiac and is the reason I have made many friends. It is awesome to see the spirit of Quinnipiac through our student section, and now our new president, Marie Hardin,” said Gendreau.

President Marie Hardin spends many athletic games cheering with the pep band, holding hand-made signs and playing a tambourine.

“The pep band is a passionate group of students who exemplify the Bobcat spirit,” said Hardin. “I always enjoy rooting for our student-athletes alongside this amazing band.”

The band not only strengthens the energy of the spectators. The athletes also have felt the excitement from their music.

Laurence Frenette ’25, MS ‘26, a public relations graduate student and a forward for the women’s ice hockey team, shares her gratitude for the band.

“The band comes to all of our home games and makes us feel special every game. If only they knew how much it helps us on the ice, the energy they bring us is unmatched. They are literally a 6th player on the ice,” said Frenette.

Oscar Lin ’26, MS ’27, a student in the 3+1 accelerated dual-degree software engineering and master’s in cybersecurity.

He serves as one of two captains of the pep band and has benefitted from the mentorship between members of the band.

“It is cliché, but I truly believe that music is a universal language that brings people from all walks of life together,” said Lin. “I've been mentored by high achieving people in the band, made lifelong friends and now am leading and mentoring the next generation of passionate musicians while supporting our school.”

The energy from the band electrifies Quinnipiac’s athletics teams both in Hamden and across the country with a strong collection of woodwinds, brass and percussion.

During its history, the pep band has traveled throughout the Northeast, including performances at Madison Square Garden, West Point and the Times Union Center in Albany, New York for the ECAC Hockey semi-finals and finals. The group has also traveled to Florida for the Frozen Four and California for the NCAA Sweet 16.

Jeanette McLaughlin ’27, a marketing major, serves as the operations officer for the band. The trips she has taken with the pep band has shaped her college experience.

“I really enjoy traveling to Atlantic City, New Jersey with the band supporting both the men’s and women’s basketball teams playing in the MAAC tournament. I have traveled there every year since entering college and it is something I look forward to year after year,” said McLaughlin.

Gendreau encourages those interested in the band to get more involved.

“We are not an audition-based group, just a group of students who love playing our instruments and love cheering on our teams. The pep band is the place for you if you want to be surrounded by fellow band kids, to show some school spirit, if you enjoy sporting events and if you are open to fun opportunities. We always are looking for more members,” said Gendreau.