Ithaca College's pep band has returned to Butterfield Stadium for the 2026 football season and will perform at the Cortaca Jug game at Yankee Stadium, reviving a tradition that largely disappeared in the early to mid-2000s.
The return was supported by a gift from alumna Monica Bertino Wooden, according to the college's account. Associate professor Ben Rochford directs the band, which is open to students across campus regardless of major.
The band returned to its original home Sept. 12, when the Bombers beat Alfred University 27-3 in the school's first home night football game. A week later, it played during Ithaca's 76-7 win over Hilbert College.
The group briefly returned for the 2019 Cortaca Jug game at MetLife Stadium, which drew a Division III-record 45,161 fans. This year's return brings the music back for home games as well as the Yankee Stadium rivalry game presented by Visions Federal Credit Union.
Student musicians built the original band
The band's exact beginnings remain uncertain even among participants, but former members recalled a launch in the early to mid-1980s with support from then-President James Whalen.
Bonnie Gordon, Whalen's executive assistant, said music students asked to meet with him about creating a band that would build school spirit and showcase their talent. He supported the idea, provided a small budget and helped the students establish a group.
Many original members belonged to the college's Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and its sister organization, Sigma Alpha Iota. The band accompanied teams coached by Jim Butterfield during an era of national championship contention.
Jonathan Dunitz recalled an informal group when he arrived in fall 1983. After becoming conductor the following year, he helped recruit members with Ford Hall posters, began weekly rehearsals and made sure the group had the instruments it needed.
Chuck DePaolo, now owner of Hickey's Music Center in Ithaca, said the group gave friends in different classes and ensembles a chance to perform together. Natalie Walters joined after hearing the band during a game in fall 1986 and learning that other trumpet students were members.
The musicians drew from books of college fight songs and marches. Sometimes a member transcribed something heard on television and brought it to rehearsal. Over time, particular songs became tied to moments in a game.
Road trips connected band and football team
DePaolo recalled a 1985 playoff game at Union College when Ithaca trailed 12-7 with about two minutes remaining. The musicians cheered from the visiting bleachers before the Bombers scored with a minute left and won. He remembered the band's contribution to the atmosphere, without claiming it could establish what caused the comeback.
Dunitz remembered an overnight trip to the University of Dayton in 1987 as a sign that the band had become an accepted part of the football season. Walters said players, including quarterback Tom Pasquale and cornerback Tom Knapp, thanked musicians on campus for playing.
Former receiver Nick Ismailoff, who won national championships in 1988 and 1991, recalled players discussing who would score the touchdown that would set the band playing. He now works with the Bombers' receivers as a volunteer assistant coach.
Former assistant and head coach Mike Welch described the band as part of the experience of attending a Bombers game. Members said their relationship with players contradicted the stereotype that college musicians and athletic departments were at odds.
Familiar songs marked the game's rhythm
The band used the opening notes of John Williams' “Jaws” theme during kickoffs, increasing the pace and volume as players approached the ball. Creedence Clearwater Revival's “Proud Mary” followed big offensive plays producing a first down.
The alma mater, “Ithaca Forever,” originally composed by Philip Lang, played when the clock reached zero. DePaolo recalled concern about whether Whalen would approve the arrangement, but the president liked it.
“Georgia on My Mind,” associated with Ray Charles, followed the alma mater and became the finale. Welch said it was a favorite of Whalen's. Former assistant coach Tim Faulkner recalled the band waiting for the president to come over and listen before leaving.
Walters remembered being selected for the trumpet solo as a sign of trust from fellow musicians. She said Cortland graduates still recalled the song when learning she had played in the band.
Gift supports the revived tradition
The band continued after Whalen retired in 1997, but participation gradually declined. Its regular Butterfield Stadium performances ended close to two decades before the current revival, the college said.
Wooden's gift made the 2026 return possible. Her brother John played on the Bombers' 1979 national championship team.
Former members welcomed the return and the chance for another generation of students to participate. The college's announcement links to the band's performance schedule and tickets for the 2026 Cortaca Jug at Yankee Stadium.
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