Mustang Pep Band

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The Mustang Pep Band is a high energy performance ensemble that enhances the game day environment for Football and Basketball Games at SMSU.  The band plays arrangements of some of the most driving popular music selections from the past 4 decades in order to provide entertainment to the widest possible audience.  Members of the Mustang Pep Band come from many degree programs throughout the university. 

During the fall, the Mustang Pep Band plays for all home Football games as well as the Men's and Women's home basketball games that lead up to the semester break.  The fall Mustang Pep Band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-3:50 and on Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15.

In the spring, the Mustang Pep Band plays for all home Men's and Women's Basketball games through the NSIC Tournament.  The spring Mustang Pep Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-4:50.

All full-time, student members of the Mustang Pep Band receive a $200 scholarship for participation in the fall and another $100 scholarship for the spring.  For more information about the Mustang Pep Band, contact Dr. John Ginocchio at John.Ginocchio@smsu.edu or (507)537-7209.

2026 - 27 Performance Schedule

Football Season

August 27  SMSU vs Valley City  7:00 p.m.

September 12  SMSU vs Northern State  5:00 p.m.

September 19  Pursuit of Excellence Festival  5:30 to 11:30 p.m.

September 25  Combined Pep Band at Benson High School 7:00 p.m.

September 26  SMSU vs Wayne State  5:00 p.m.
Play Like a Mustang  open to all high school band members

October 3  SMSU vs UM Duluth  3:00 p.m.
Homecoming Game

October 31  SMSU vs MSU Mankato  12:00 p.m.

November 14  SMSU vs Winona State  12:00 p.m.

Basketball Season

November 13  SMSU vs NW Missouri State (Women's BB)  5:00 p.m.

November 23  
***Mustang Pep Band:  In Concert***
7:30 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre
Free and open to the public

November 30  SMSU vs Martin Luther (Women's BB)  6:00 p.m.

December 2  SMSU vs Wayne State  5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

December 10  SMSU vs Concordia St. Paul  5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

December 12  SMSU vs Winona State  2:00 & 4:00 p.m.

January 22  SMSU vs Northern State  5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

January 23  SMSU vs Jamestown  3:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Tropical Night

February 6  SMSU vs MSU Mankato  2:00 & 4:00 p.m.

February 20  SMSU vs Augustana  2:00 & 4:00 p.m.

February 24  First round of NSIC Tournament (TBA)