Purdue’s athletic bands are a central part of the University’s Big Ten Sports experience! In addition to extraordinary performances and tradition, our pep bands are actively involved in cheering alongside the student sections. Students must be enrolled in a “for-credit” ensemble within Purdue Bands & Orchestras to participate in any of the three extracurricular athletic pep bands.
Boiler Brass
Directed by Professor Matt Conaway, Boiler Brass has a rich history as the pep band for Purdue Men’s Basketball. Performing for audiences of 14,000+ people every week, Boiler Brass is responsible for creating the exciting and energetic environment that is a trademark of Mackey Arena. If you love playing challenging music in a packed arena while watching a Purdue win over IU, Boiler Brass is the place for you!
Gold and Black Sound
Under the direction of Dr. Lucas Petersen, Gold and Black Sound (GABS) is the pep band for Purdue Women’s Basketball. An important part of the Purdue Women’s Basketball experience, GABS makes Mackey resonate with cheers and music, encouraging the Boilermakers to victory. In addition to performing from a wide range of music, GABS members are often integral in leading student section cheers throughout the game.
Boiler Box Band
Boiler Box Band is one of the few Volleyball pep bands in the nation. Under the direction of Dr. Lucas Petersen, Boiler Box Band makes Holloway Gymnasium an incredibly difficult environment for opposing teams. The Purdue Volleyball team is consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, often filling Holloway Gymnasium with over 2000 Purdue fans. Boiler Box Band is an iconic part of the Purdue Volleyball atmosphere and receives high praise from visiting fans.
