The Marquette Band began with the opening of Marquette College in 1881.  The band started out as a small pep group playing at football games and university convocations in the early years. It expanded to a 60-piece band in the 1920’s when Marquette University had a College of Music, which no longer exists.  William Geishecker directed the band from 1924 until he retired in 1983, when Dr. Nicholas Contorno took over.  Dr. Contorno retired after the 2005-2006 school year.

The band has grown along with the University.  Today, the Marquette Band program is one of the most visible and most requested organizations on campus.  It performs at men’s and women’s basketball home and tournament games, as well as numerous other sports and campus events.

The Marquette Pep Band has been a staple at basketball games for years.  A college basketball game is not complete without the Pep Band, and Marquette is no exception.  Students and alumni sing along when the band plays Marquette’s fight song “Ring Out Ahoya” and other favorites.