About

The Colgate Raider Pep Band, a completely student-run organization, is committed to providing spirit, enthusiasm, and quality musical entertainment at a variety of athletic and community events. Throughout our years at Colgate University, the Pep Band has been an integral and highly visible part of the Colgate experience. Whether you are directly involved with the Pep Band, an athlete, or a spectator, the Colgate Pep Band is there to help root for maroon and white! Within the Pep Band, there is a tradition of close friendships, memorable experiences, and innumerable adventures.

The Pep Band is active throughout the entire year, performing at football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse games. In the fall, we entertain alumni, families, and friends during football tailgates and both pre-game and halftime shows. We play in the stands throughout the game, keeping team spirit alive and our bodies warm. We usually travel to one or two away games each semester as well, which always proves to be an adventure.

In the past, we’ve traveled to exotic locales such as Atlantic City, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Placid, and Washington, DC! We also have visited rival schools in the northeast including Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Princeton, Georgetown, Lehigh, Navy, Bucknell, Lafayette, Clarkson, St. Lawrence, RPI, Union, and the traditional hockey game at Cornell. These trips are some of the most fun experiences for band members.

During the week, we have rehearsals Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the athletic center. These practices are used to prepare music and plan for upcoming events and trips. Attendance requirements are flexible in order to accommodate the busy schedules of everyone involved. In addition, we also hold band camp for a few days before first-year orientation. Band camp is optional for all members, but highly encouraged for incoming first years.

The Raider Pep Band is an exciting way to show Colgate pride and spirit, live Colgate traditions, and support athletics and the community. The band is recognized and respected as part of Colgate’s public image, a responsibility we take seriously. But mostly, Pep Band is about having fun, forming lasting friendships, and making the most out of your Colgate experience.

If you are interested in joining, make sure to fill out our recruitment form!